Coast Guard Compliant?

[MOBILEMERCMAN]

A few other thoughts:

First just because your boat passes a USCG Aux inspection doesn't make it legal!!!
Now with that being said I don't know how most people would actually know or find out if their boat is legal. This is something we as a group should come up with an idea on how to fix.

The test is when the lawyers get involved. I simple 25 cent light bulb failing to light from corrosion can make a difference in court.

I would guess more boats fail than not. Many of the boats serviced and modified by owners not knowing, understanding, or caring about the rules will fail on numerous points. Others may know, but won't pay to correct.

The scariest part of all to me is the over powered boats. Some of which have no business going as fast as they do.

[RumRunner]

The test is when the lawyers get involved. I simple 25 cent light bulb failing to light from corrosion can make a difference in court.

I would guess more boats fail than not. Many of the boats serviced and modified by owners not knowing, understanding, or caring about the rules will fail on numerous points. Others may know, but won't pay to correct.

The scariest part of all to me is the over powered boats. Some of which have no business going as fast as they do.

Agreed it can get out of control when layers and insurance get involved, but it is the world we live in.

It’s one thing for a guy to put a non approved part on his boat himself (knowingly) because he’s trying to go faster, or save money and is willing to “Risk” it.

I can understand where you’re saying that over powered boats are the most dangerous, but I personally think it’s a couple other things that are more dangerous.

First and foremost are the builders who build unsafe combinations. There are many boats out there right now from big name builders that are flat out unsafe… both from a legal standpoint of how they were put together but more importantly from how they handle. I know one boat that I was in a few years ago had such bad handling characteristics that it was scary for most people to drive. It had such bad chine walk getting to top speed and was downright freaking nasty slowing down.

Second is the loose nut holding on the wheel! I can remember having to take safety courses as a kid, to be allowed to boat alone, but the majority of states don’t have and boaters don’t want any type of mandatory instruction or licensing. I am all for it! It doesn’t matter how fast, overpowered; unsafe any boat is because the bottom line is it comes down to the idiot holding on the wheel and throttle. Just because you can afford a boat that can run whatever speed doesn’t mean you’re qualified to do it.
I’ve seen just as much damage done at slow speeds as I have at speed. Watch the people pulling into the marina with the people hanging their feet off the boat to “Stop it” I’ve seen more than my fair share of people hurt by that one…

OK, I'll get off my Soap Box

[MANITIE]

I get a daily e-mail from the C.G. for every reported boating accident in the country....everyday there are a min. 1 or 2 accidents..sometimes as many as 10+.....you would be suprised of the carelessness that is used by some boaters....the way that some operate there vessels...its just a accident just waiting to happen....common sence is the first thing that needs to be stress to boaters....it dose not cost anything...its just making the right decision.....

[Gordo]

Great thread. Glad it came up. If you haven't taken the USCGA Basic Boating and Seamanship class, I would highly recomend it, regardless of how many years or boats youve gone through.
I grew up around boats, knew my way around boats, and worked on boats, but just after I bought my first boat I took a "boating safety&seamanship" course for nothing more than to save on boat insurance. I was impressed at how much I learned in that class and ended up joining the Flotilla, (30-4). I eventually became an instructor of the BS&S classes and still teach those same classes for Kansas Wildlife&Parks. For those who have not taken the class, check it out. It's well worth it.

[MOBILEMERCMAN]

Great thread. Glad it came up. If you haven't taken the USCGA Basic Boating and Seamanship class, I would highly recomend it, regardless of how many years or boats youve gone through.
I grew up around boats, knew my way around boats, and worked on boats, but just after I bought my first boat I took a "boating safety&seamanship" course for nothing more than to save on boat insurance. I was impressed at how much I learned in that class and ended up joining the Flotilla, (30-4). I eventually became an instructor of the BS&S classes and still teach those same classes for Kansas Wildlife&Parks. For those who have not taken the class, check it out. It's well worth it.

Good call.

When I was 15 all I wanted to do was drive the boat. My parents had me read the Chapmans Piloting Book. It was huge as a kid. It only took a couple of weeks. Then I was allowed to run the Cabin cruise we had. The next summer I would be the you to bring it in and picking it up from the marina for service.

Great Book I should get a current edition. That was over 30 years ago now

[DKerns]

My parents made us take the Boating class when we were younger!! Lot of valuable info that will stay with you!! Very good idea for anyone who hasn't!!

[midwest272]

Can anyone show in print where the fuel system is not allowed a return fuel line? I have read thru the regs. but didn't see it. This is not about defeating any safety by running a pump "hot" but using the original pump wire from the harness.

[2112]

Boy, a few of those are tough to comply with. "return line into the carb, not tank" "No Stainless braided lines", "Pump within 12" of the block".

There really is no such thing as a USCG dominator Carb either. You can put J-tubes in but the throttle shafts will still leak. So much of this can be a non issue with religous inspection and maintanence. Perfectly operating/maintained carbs rarely spew fuel on a whim. Crud, I go through an inspection every single time I fire the engines, Don't most of you?

I have read several times the reason the Stainless braided lines are not compliant is because no manufacterer is willing to pay for the compliance testing. And though I agree with safe boating, I will argue my perfectly maintained SS braided lines and fittings are safer than the spongy, overly thick walled junk you can buy at the marine supply store and attach with hose clamps only.

Don't flame me just yet....I ALWAYS boat with PFD's and Lanyards ON. I never drink and operate, I took Tres' course and attempt to follow everything my gray matter has retained in from those 2 packed days. But some of the regulations need some updating or optional methodology.



OK, now you can flame me.

[WOTW2E]

I have read several times the reason the Stainless braided lines are not compliant is because no manufacterer is willing to pay for the compliance testing. And though I agree with safe boating, I will argue my perfectly maintained SS braided lines and fittings are safer than the spongy, overly thick walled junk you can buy at the marine supply store and attach with hose clamps only.:

I would bet that cost does not have anything to do with this one. If a manufacturer could get certified and corner the market, they would in a heartbeat. I think it has more to do with the fact that the CG will (this is my opinion only!) never certify a fuel line that can conduct electricity. Too much chance of a short and a spark. Aeroquip makes a USCG approved fiber braided hose that is available in black and blue I believe. It does not look nearly as nice as ss braided hose but it does look much better than that rubber hose you speak of. I think it is rated to 250psi.

I agree with you that in the perfect world the ss braided hose is stronger and just as safe.

There are permiability resrictions as well, but that is another subject.

Oh yea, and great thread.

[MOBILEMERCMAN]

Aeroquip makes a USCG approved fiber braided hose that is available in black and blue I believe. It does not look nearly as nice as ss braided hose but it does look much better than that rubber hose you speak of. I think it is rated to 250psi.

I agree with you that in the perfect world the ss braided hose is stronger and just as safe.

There are permiability resrictions as well, but that is another subject.

Oh yea, and great thread.

SS looks nice, but it really isn't anything special under the coating. I don't know for sure but part of the uscg certification has to do with burn resistance. If a fire breaks out you can not have fuel hose that burns or ignites easily.

[WOTW2E]

I don't know for sure but part of the uscg certification has to do with burn resistance. If a fire breaks out you can not have fuel hose that burns or ignites easily.

Very true. Believe it or not, there are requirements associated with something as mundane as split wire loom for that very same reason - resistance to ignition.

[2112]

Aeroquip makes a USCG approved fiber braided hose that is available in black and blue

I will look into that because for me it is mostly about the fittings.

So are SS lines verboten for oil and water due to electrical conductivity?

[WOTW2E]

So are SS lines verboten for oil and water due to electrical conductivity?

This is just my opinion here. We know the braided hoses are stronger, we know they seal better, they are more robust, they look better and they are much more expensive than plain old rubber hose. The manufacturers would love for us to use their better, more expensive product in our bilges. With the CG however, everything is about ignition protection in the bilge where vapors can accumulate. It is my opinion that the CG will never certify a braided hose that is conductive due to the notion of the increased possibility of a circuit shorting out to ground and causing a spark. Just my opinion. Maybe someday I'll be proved wrong, but I doubt it.

[2112]

Anyone here run into trouble with getting CG compliance with SS hoses on non fuel lines?


.

[Uncle Dave]

Great thread. Glad it came up. If you haven't taken the USCGA Basic Boating and Seamanship class, I would highly recomend it, regardless of how many years or boats youve gone through.
I grew up around boats, knew my way around boats, and worked on boats, but just after I bought my first boat I took a "boating safety&seamanship" course for nothing more than to save on boat insurance. I was impressed at how much I learned in that class and ended up joining the Flotilla, (30-4). I eventually became an instructor of the BS&S classes and still teach those same classes for Kansas Wildlife&Parks. For those who have not taken the class, check it out. It's well worth it.

When I recommended to my GF she take the class I decided to take it with her for insurance purposes. I had a ball and like you have decades of boating experience, and still came away learning some things.

Couple of take aways-

From what I can see the most common violation is a non compliant air "filter"/intake - no wire mesh - no compliance. The amount of stickers needed for compliance is just shy of of a Winston cup car.

A few of the "rules" are just stupid- like the fact that a chart of local waters is mandatory, but a radio is not ?!??!?

It was 4 weeknights to get the certificate (In Southern Cal) and was worth it just to learn the knots.

Had one of the 4 football players taken the class maybe three wouldn't have perished in the recent sad event.

Uncle Dave

[cigdaze]

Check the date on your flares...I just opened my flare box this weekend and noticed they expired in 2007. Oops.

I ran out to west marine and bought a whole new set of everything to be ready for the new season.

And while your at it check the gauge on your fire extinguishers, too.

[2112]

From what I can see the most common violation is a non compliant air "filter"/intake - no wire mesh - no compliance. The amount of stickers needed for compliance is just shy of of a Winston cup car.

I have been told the Wire mesh on K&N filters is approved as a flame arrestor.

.

[PARADOX]

I think it would be great if some of the more knowlegable members put a document together of some safety issues. Like a summery of the Safety course.. safety Equipment, compliance summery.. etc. etc..
Then it can be posted and even printed should one wanted to.

IE.. I was playing with my bilge pump line and changed the outlet to a custom color matched fitting. I was told that the line needed to have a "loop", like and "S". I didn't know that... nor that I had to have TWO bilge pumps. (I do,, and now I even have a third as a back up)

[2112]

I have been told the Wire mesh on K&N filters is approved as a flame arrestor.

.

TTT... to catch the "new posts" checkers

[niceguy]

Here is some line I am contemplating using on the new fuel system... http://www.jegs.com/p/JEGS/761335/10002/-1

This will not conduct electricity (made from nylon filament) and is burst proof to atleast 250 psi. I have some in my garage from my race car and it is nice stuff. This should be acceptable, but I am not sure about the burn factor.... but I am no expert. LOL

I am gonna go outside and cut a peice and try to burn it and I will report back. I don't think it will burn real easily though... I'll be back with news.