PWC question

[FWP]

since I keep getting conflicting answers to the question, I'll ask it here.

regarding sunset. what is the actual written law stating what time a PWC is supposed to be OFF the water? Is it actually sunset or is it one half hr. before sunset?

thanks in advance

[ITD]

Originally Posted by FWP

since I keep getting conflicting answers to the question, I'll ask it here.

regarding sunset. what is the actual written law stating what time a PWC is supposed to be OFF the water? Is it actually sunset or is it one half hr. before sunset?

thanks in advance

If no lights it should be off at sunset according to this:

https://www.boat-ed.com/newhampshire...101_700056556/

[Just Sold]

NH Law on Lighting: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rule.../saf-c400.html
Saf-C 403.14 Time for Lights. Proper lighting, as required in Saf-C 403.15 and Saf-C 403.16, shall be displayed between sunset and sunrise. Lights shall be lighted at such times and no other lights which might be mistaken for, interfere with, or distract from, the prescribed lights shall be exhibited.

[FWP]

both are good answers but really dont answer the question about PWCs.

thank you both

[ITD]

Originally Posted by FWP

both are good answers but really dont answer the question about PWCs.

thank you both

So, PWCs typically don't have lights and are not legal after sunset to before sunrise. If you want you can install lights on a PWC, then you should be legal after sunset to sunrise.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by FWP

both are good answers but really dont answer the question about PWCs.

thank you both

270:74 Operation of Ski Craft. –
I. No person shall operate a ski craft on any lake, pond, or river unless the person is 16 years of age or older.
II. No person shall operate a ski craft on any lake, pond, or river between the hours of sunset and sunrise.
III. No person shall operate a ski craft unless he is wearing a personal floatation device which is Coast Guard approved type 1, 2, or 3.
IV. No person shall operate a ski craft on a lake, pond, or river, or area thereof, on which the operation of ski craft is prohibited by law.
V. No person shall operate a ski craft on a lake, pond, or river, or area thereof, on which the operation of ski craft is prohibited as a result of a hearing pursuant to RSA 270:74-a.
VI. No person shall operate a ski craft on a lake, pond, or river, or area thereof, in violation of a restriction imposed pursuant to RSA 270:74-a.
VII. No person shall operate a ski craft within 150 feet of another ski craft or of a boat, raft, float, or swimmer unless the speed of the ski craft is reduced to headway speed. No person shall operate a ski craft in a cove, as designated by the commissioner, or within 300 feet of shore, except as provided in paragraph VIII or pursuant to RSA 270:74-a, V. For the purpose of this paragraph "cove'' is defined as a bay or inlet which at its widest point does not exceed 1,000 linear feet.
VIII. A person may operate a ski craft from the shore to any area where the operation of ski craft is allowed, provided that the ski craft shall not be operated at a speed exceeding headway speed within 300 feet from shore or in a cove as defined in RSA 270:74, VII and provided that the ski craft shall be operated in a direct line between the shore and the area where operation is allowed.
IX. A person may operate a ski craft on the lakes, ponds, and rivers of the state except in areas which are prohibited by the department and those lakes, ponds, and rivers specifically prohibited by RSA 270:75-109 and other legislative acts.
X. A person who violates any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a violation.
Source. 1988, 283:1. 1989, 409:1, eff. June 5, 1989.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by ITD

So, PWCs typically don't have lights and are not legal after sunset to before sunrise. If you want you can install lights on a PWC, then you should be legal after sunset to sunrise.

Actually if the vessel in question (some PWCs) falls under the definition of a skicraft, then operating between sunrise and sunset remain illegal even if navigation lights are added. There is no exception in the RSA chapter (270:74) for navigation lights.

[Just Sold]

Originally Posted by FWP

both are good answers but really dont answer the question about PWCs.

thank you both

The law does not have a specific PWC/Ski Craft rule(s) for lighting and no special exception exisits for a lighting requirement for PWC's/Ski Craft. New Hampshire law defines a “ski craft” as any motorized vessel that is less than 13 feet in length, is capable of exceeding 20 miles per hour, and has the capacity to carry no more than two persons. 3+ passenger PWC's are registered as motorboats. You do have your answer in both posts so if you do not have the required lights you cannot be on the water after sunset. Contact the Marine Patrol for their answer on this if you want but I doubt it will be different.

[Top-Water]

Originally Posted by FWP

both are good answers but really dont answer the question about PWCs.

thank you both

More information here and maybe an answer / explanation about sunrise and
sunset. The wording (one-half hour before and after) is more often found in the speed limit laws when on the water. Often misconstrued with rules of the road and OHRV's for night time driving.
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...ad.php?t=13943


Please don't use your boat or ski craft after sunset without lights, even if you think you have found some sort of loop-hole in the statutes that would justify using your (boat?) after sunset without them. There are folks that are counting on you to get in trouble and become a statistic to justify more legislation and get you and everyone else off the water in one way or another at some time or another.

Please practice good seamanship no mater what you have for a boat and use common sense No Lights = No Boating After Dark / Sunset

[chipj29]

The answer is simple. If your PWC has 3 or more seats, in the state of NH it is considered to be a boat. You must follow all laws concerning boats. However if your PWC has 2 or fewer seats, then your PWC is considered a ski craft.

It really is as simple as that.