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Electrical Systems & Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats
FEDERAL REQUIRMENTS FOR RECREATIONAL BOATS
Boat operators are required to file a boating accident report when their boat is involved in certain boating
accidents as follows:
Damage to property that exceeds $500. Federal law requires the operator – or owner, if the operator is
deceased or unable to make the report – to file a boating accident report with the State reporting authority when,
as a result of an occurrence that involves a boat or its equipment:
• A person dies
• A person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury
• A person is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid
• Damage to vessels and other property totals $2,000 (lower amounts in some states and territories) or more
• Go to www.uscgboating.org to download the online accident forms.
EQUIPMENT
CLASS A
(Under 16’ in Length)
CLASS I
(16’, but under 26’)
Whistle or Horn
Must have means of making an efficient sound signal.
Visual Distress
None Required During Daytime
All recreational boats, when used on coastal waters, which includes the Great
Lakes, the Territorial Seas, and those Waters directly connected to the Great
Lakes and the Territorial Seas, up to a point where the waters are less than
two miles wide, must be equipped with visual distress signals.
Inland and
International Rules
Navigational Lights
Proper light displays are required to be shown from sunset to sunrise.
Fire
Extinguishers
One B-1 U.S.C.G. or U.L. approved fire extinguisher unless the construction is such that explosive flammable vapors cannot be
trapped, there are no closed compartments, no permanently installed fuel tanks on board.
PFDS
Type I, II, III, or V for each person aboard.
Type I, II, III, or V for each person aboard and one Type IV.
Numbering
All undocumented vessels equipped with propulsion machinery must be numbered in the state of principal use.
Certificate of Number A valid certificate of number showing the numbers issued to a vessel must be on board whenever the vessel is in use.
Display of Number
Number must be painted or permanently attached to each of the forward halves of the vessel, and no other number may be
displayed thereon.
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Inspect wiring connections and terminals periodically for damage, corrosion, etc. and replace as needed.
Replacement should always be of equal or greater rating and quality. We recommend Ranger replacement
parts available through your Ranger dealer.
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Always disconnect the positive and negative leads from the battery terminals before installing, removing,
servicing, or troubleshooting any part of the electrical system.
Batteries produce hydrogen and oxygen gases when charging. These
explosive gases escape through the vent/fill caps and may form an
explosive atmosphere around the battery if the ventilation is poor. This
gas may remain around the battery for several hours after charging is completed. Sparks or open flames
can ignite the gas and cause an explosion.
WARNING
Sulfuric acid in batteries can cause severe burns. Avoid contact with
skin, eyes, or clothing. Wear goggles, rubber gloves and a protective
apron when working with batteries.
WARNING
