Name:   slowtimer - Subject:   Question: if someone brings a 30 foot boat Date:   6/11/2019 11:55:34 AM

It's very difficult question to answer.  The way the law is written there are so many inaccuracies and loopholes that it is almost impossible to get a correct answer.  Do you measure the waterline of the boat or the LOA?    These are two drastically different measurments.  Also, the law states that if a boat is capable of over 60 mph as stated by the manufacture.  First off, most of the go fast manufactures went out of business in the 2008-2010 recession so there is nobody to ask.  Secondly, no manufacture has ever stated that a boat is capable of a certain speed.  There are so many variables in what a boat is capable of (trim, prop, weight, motor modifications, etc).  If someone wanted to put a big enough engine on 35' rowboat it would go over 60 mph but no manufacture would ever build one (somebody in their backyard might).  

What if your boat is 30' 1" (the law states anything over 30'6 is not allowed without a permit) and you have two sets of props for the 500's.  One set is shorter and only allows the boat to run a top speed of 59 mph.  The other set are taller props and they allow it to top out at 80 mph.  With one set, your boat is not capable of over 60 mph but with the other set it is.  Same boat, same power, same sound.  In one moment your boat would be considered legal but put it on a trailer and change the props and now the boat is illegal.  If a manufacture is still in business then they could write a letter stating that the boat is not capable of 60 mph with the smaller props.  Is it then legal?   

As you can see, I hate this law because it doesnt make any sence.  If you want to restrict speed then make a speed limit on the lake.  Don't pick and choose things to ban and do it with language that is not specific.  There is way too much left up to interpretation of the law and well meaning people who try to follow the law can get in trouble.