Name:	mckaygmc -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Length
Date:	4/10/2014 7:13:50 AM

Ok, i know this has probably been asked a hundred times. But, what is the CORRECT or LEGAL way to mesure a boat to make sure it is Legal for Lake Martin?

Name:	CAT BOAT -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Length
Date:	4/10/2014 8:19:45 AM

I read it to be "the lowest point on the transome to the front of the boat".  But not to include bow spritz or bow extension as well as swim platforms.  My .01 worth

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Length
Date:	4/10/2014 10:25:34 AM

Looks like the CAT is on target. It must be nice to be rich and have to worry how large a yacht you can buy and use on Lake Martin. Cheers.

(3) Except as authorized under subsection (d), beginning July 1, 2007, the use of recreational vessels greater than 30 feet 6 inches in length, as determined by the straight line distance between the ends of the boat, excluding bowsprits, outboard motor brackets, rudders, or other attachments, shall be prohibited.

Name:	Capt M Brooks -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Length
Date:	4/10/2014 9:49:32 PM

There are two methods of measurement. The first one, established under the actual law, Code of Alabama 33-5-3(9) states: LENGTH. Such term means measured from end to end over the deck, excluding sheer.

This is the method used to determine the length of your vessel for registration purposes and follows the traditionally-accepted LOA (length overall) method used by the USCG and boat manufacturers. Every other state that I am aware of uses the same definition.

However, for the purposes of specifically enforcing the "3 Lakes Law", the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources promulgated a regulation in 2009 that gives the following instruction for length measurement, only to be used for the purposes of enforcing the particular "3 Lakes Law":

220-6-.55 (f) titled Method of Measurement of Length under Regulation 220-6-.55 titled Lake Permit Regulation: For the purposes of the administration and enforcement of Act 2006-398, Acts of Alabama, and 33-6A-3.1, Code of Alabama 1975, the length of vessels shall be determined by measuring the straight line distance between the bow to the lowest part of the transom, excluding bowsprits, outboard motor brackets, rudders or other attachments, and excluding any swim platforms whether molded into the hull construction or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the length of the vessel as shown on the current vessel registration shall be prima facie evidence of the length of the vessel for the purposes of the administration and enforcement of Act 2006-398, Acts of Alabama and 33-6A-3.1, Code of Alabama 1975.

If you have any questions, please give us a call at the Central Division office at (256) 329-2268.

Name:	mckaygmc -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Length
Date:	4/11/2014 7:14:10 AM (updated 4/11/2014 7:25:55 AM)

Thank you all for you input..

So if I measure from the Drain Plug to the Bow I should get the correct lenth.

Name:	mckaygmc -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Length
Date:	4/11/2014 7:16:28 AM

Thank you gonefishing....Not rich by no means....Wont be new either if I do decide to get a large boat. Just thining about options for the future.

Name:	Capt M Brooks -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Length
Date:	4/11/2014 5:17:43 PM

If the drain plug is at the lowest point of the transom, as is the case with many boats, then yes. If the drain plug is located in an area recessed into the transom, then measure to the point where the plane of the transom would intersect with the centerline of the hull, which will be an invisible or imaginary point in front of the recessed area.

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Length
Date:	4/11/2014 5:41:23 PM

CPT Brooks, how do you measure a pickle fork type boat where the centerline of the bow is behind the twin hull forward most points, which is really two bows? 

Name:	CAT BOAT -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Length
Date:	4/12/2014 8:15:35 AM

In case he does'nt see this, you must measure to the foreward most point of the boat.  Either side is fine, or take the center point between the two and drop a plumb line. 

Name:	Aardvark -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Length
Date:	4/12/2014 9:14:08 PM

Going from long boats to short boats, the correct way to measure a jonboat would be to measure from bow to stern, but would that include the outboard motor?  I ask because word around the lake last year was that Ned was ticketing boats over 14' that didn't have a fire extinguisher and throwable lifesaving device.  My jonboat is a shade under 14' without the motor, and it is a pain to find room for the extra stuff when I cram every spare corner with fishing gear.

Name:	DSCR -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Length
Date:	4/17/2014 7:22:07 PM

What'cha gettin?

Name:	mckaygmc -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Length
Date:	5/3/2014 10:22:44 AM

not sure, really like the Chaparral 310 that is 28'7" from bow to stern or the Sea Ray 300...Still have a couple of years before purchasing. Just trying to get my ducks in a row so to speak..lol