Boating License
- Thread starter Iggy
- Start date
Good idea but if they make all boaters get one it seems more like another tax. New boaters need the safety course. Long time boaters might need to read up on them as a reminder but should not have to go to a class. But .... I have no clue what is required in Mass to get the Safety Certificate.
Iggy
Active member
In Mass, you can go on-line or a in person class. I do know that the on line is free from the stat's site. https://www.boat-ed.com/massachusetts/sign-up/
I am glad this is being done. There are too many recreational boaters that just don't understand the rules.
I am glad this is being done. There are too many recreational boaters that just don't understand the rules.
SST
Well-known member
I'm behind skd. I had interpreted that I needed to complete the course within 2025. But my friend says it should have been completed by 2025 [New York]. In NY, it is supposedly free. But he told me that he is "blocked" by a DONATION request and cannot get in to take the course. I haven't tried yet...guess I'd better get going.
The funny thing is I don't think a lot of boaters are paying attention to the course by the way they are driving around. I think a lot of people are taking the course just to get passed the regs and then forget all about them once they get out on the water. As an example, how many people take a drivers test and then do 80 mph down the highway zigzagging between lanes.....don't recall that in Driver Ed.
The funny thing is I don't think a lot of boaters are paying attention to the course by the way they are driving around. I think a lot of people are taking the course just to get passed the regs and then forget all about them once they get out on the water. As an example, how many people take a drivers test and then do 80 mph down the highway zigzagging between lanes.....don't recall that in Driver Ed.
We lived in MA for a number of years and boated on Lake Winnipesaukee. Not sure about now, but back then you had to take a mandatory 3/4 day in-person class and pass a written test to get a boating license in NH.
There is this lady that I know. She said that her and her husband decided to buy a boat. She said that they went out partying on it, and when they started to sober up in the middle of the night that they had no idea where they were at.
I told her that her and her husband needed to take a boating course, if not for their safety, for mine.
And first of all, don't drink and drive.
I told her that her and her husband needed to take a boating course, if not for their safety, for mine.
And first of all, don't drink and drive.
SST
Well-known member
Currently plowing through the course. Found this moments ago:
"Now that you are familiar with "The Rules," go out and use them in passing, meeting, and crossing situations you find on the water. You may get many puzzled looks from inexperienced boaters with no training or testing."
"Now that you are familiar with "The Rules," go out and use them in passing, meeting, and crossing situations you find on the water. You may get many puzzled looks from inexperienced boaters with no training or testing."
SST
Well-known member
Here's another statement that raises a question:
"A prudent boater always has extra line and chain on hand, just in case!"
How many have extra chain on board? I don't. I have 5 feet of heavy chain on my anchor then 70ft of line. Actually, I'm going to replace that line to 100 feet. It's getting old.
"A prudent boater always has extra line and chain on hand, just in case!"
How many have extra chain on board? I don't. I have 5 feet of heavy chain on my anchor then 70ft of line. Actually, I'm going to replace that line to 100 feet. It's getting old.
Extra line, yes. Extra chain no.
Same. I've needed and used the extra line plenty of times. Never ever have I needed an extra chain.
100ft of chain would be way to heavy for me. 
I have 6ft of heavy duty chain on 100ft of line. Works great for boating on the Ohio River. I also have 6 or more 15ft tie offs and another 100ft line for towing or when anchored and current is strong we put the line out for kids to hang on to so they can pull themselves back to the boat.
I have 6ft of heavy duty chain on 100ft of line. Works great for boating on the Ohio River. I also have 6 or more 15ft tie offs and another 100ft line for towing or when anchored and current is strong we put the line out for kids to hang on to so they can pull themselves back to the boat.
I don't lift it, my windlass does all the work. I don't jump over the windshield as well as I use to. Lol100ft of chain would be way to heavy for me.
I have 6ft of heavy duty chain on 100ft of line. Works great for boating on the Ohio River. I also have 6 or more 15ft tie offs and another 100ft line for towing or when anchored and current is strong we put the line out for kids to hang on to so they can pull themselves back to the boat.
Very nice. How much weight does that chain add to your boat?
I still toss anchor by hand. Always will I suppose. At least I have the open bow and don't have to hop over the windshield like I had to with my Baja.
I forgot, but it really did not seem to be all that much, considering the job it does. Trying to retrieve 100 ft of anchor road in 2 ft waves is no fun at any age. It has made boating and anchoring posible and safer for me. When I get over to visit with my girl, I check it out and let you know.
Preferable, yes. But not always...How many horn blasts would this require? 