www.iFourWinns.com

It doesn't matter who you vote for, it is nice as a boater to see this: http://www.ohiohouse.gov/republicans/pr ... reedom-act Do any other states out there have similar rights for boaters? I have been one of the few fortunate boaters that has not boarded. ::KNOCK ON WOOD::

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2006 Vista 278
First Boat:
2005 Sundowner 205
Columbus, OH

I've been boarded every year since buying our 268. It only seems to happen after a terrible day at work, and while we are heading out for a sunset cruise. It can be frustrating and I do agree with the new Ohio law because I do feel it is infringement on your rights, BUT I think wherever a law like that is in place everyone should need to have a safety inspection done at the start of the season. Once you pass the inspection you get a sticker and don't get hasseled while trying to spend a quiet evening with your wife....not your wife and 3 uniformed CG going through your boat

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

I completely agree with the safety inspection! We had done that that last two years because they had set up a post for voluntary inspections at our local ramp. This year for some reason, they werent doing it......

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2006 Vista 278
First Boat:
2005 Sundowner 205
Columbus, OH

That sounds all in good but they will still board you if they want. The same reason why a cop will always stop you. The rule book on infractions for boat and cars are thick with "technical" infractions and all they need to do is see one.

In Michigan, the Govenor signed Public act 62 of 2012 last february, and it took effect in November 2012.

Here is the verbage http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(nwchzono0djxp1453wa3ub55))/documents/2011-2012/publicact/pdf/2012-pa-0062.pdf

I have not been pulled over in our cruiser, but have in our small jet boat. Both are saftey inspected every year. I watch the CG in frustration as they bounce from boat to boat doing "saftey inspections". Some are well placed, like a pontoon with what seams to be way to many people on it, children included not wearing pdf's.

This past weekend we were heading back to the marina, and the Coasites passed us, I waved, they waved back then they pulld they guy over right behind me. Guess they didnt have the sticker.

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Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

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2005 H200

That was a good read thanks! This sums it up in my opinion

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

Bliss36 as you are aware I also do not relish the idea of being boarded. What items do I need to make sure I have on board before entering a body of water such as Lake Michigan and it's surroundings? I seem to recall a link to a list but it wouldn't hurt to refresh my memory.

Living on a freshwater lake our requirements and funding by the dysfunctional state of Illinois does not seem to leave us with as much risk.

I did learn just last week that our fine state no longer sends out renewals for our watercraft stickers. You are expected to know when they expire go online and pay a surcharge to renew. Not a big problem but our JetSki is coming up for expiration and the DNR loves to stop those things to harrass us. They can't send renewals but they can sure fine you if you're expired.

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2008 Vista 278 Volvo Penta 8.1 Gi 375 hp
1999 Horizon 220 5.7 GSi

Jeff, Is the sticker mentioned in this PA a saftey inspection sticker like you get from the Coast Guard Auxilary?

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Current Boat: 1994 278 Four Winns Vista

Yes it is. However it couldn't be any less clear could it. I tried to find our mor about that section and wasnt able to find any.

The only inspection sticker I'm aware of is the CG Aux. I have since learned the CG can board you anytime, anyplace for any reason, without probable cause for anything, including docked at your marina. So idk how this pa will affect much of anything.

_________________
Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

I don't think this will do anything to stop the CG from boarding.

I have never been stopped by any state or local law enforcement but I have been stopped by the CG. While it was inconvenient it was not painful and they gave the kids coupons for ice cream for wearing their PFD. They told me to hang onto my copy of the inspection form and show it if I got stopped again, but it would not be an guarantee that I would not be inspected.

It seems logical to me that theywould be better served to check for safety equipment at the docks or in line for ramps..the horse is already out of the barn once on the water right. That is if safety is the concern.

Then they could focus on drunks or other boating violations on the water. I expect to be checked if i am fishing, but if I'm boating i don't get why I'm stopped while doing nothing wrong at all.

While at the bay last july 4th with a bud we were stopped three times in one day......the third time we told them enough was enough. I offered to have them just come ride with us for the rest of the day.

I had one stop me and my so....following right behind me, close, with lights on. He asked if i had been drinking...I told him yes...me and my 10 year old both and showed him the fruit punch and water bottles. I was livid and asked if i did something wrong like follow directly behind a boater at unsafe speed. Seems he stopped the wrong red boat!!!!

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http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o71 ... wqm355.jpg


08' H210SS
VP 5.7Gi

+1 agree 100% I have seen checks at one of the ramps here, but it has been a number of years since. Lately, the only people that I have seen at the ramps are doing environmental studies of ocean fisheries and monitoring what type of catch people are taking. I dont generally fish, so never have anything to report, but it would seem logical to me to check vessels before they launch versus on the water. Let the on the water guys stop boaters who are violating the laws, such as speeding through no wake zones, cutting in front of ferries, and other such foolishness.

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1988 215 Sundowner 5.7L OMC