I have a 12 foot aluminium boat, it weighs about 60-80 pounds. I need to know if I need registration on it if or a license I get a trolling motor or a small motor(under 10 HP) Also, could a trolling motor move us and at what speed? I want to take it out to some spots on Lake St. Clair, so the current shouldn't be a problem. And if I don't get a motor, is it safe to row out 2 miles?
A Few Questions on my Boat
- Thread starter bcfishing
- Start date
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Rowing two miles in that boat would :
1) Probably take awhile
2) Not be something I would consider "safe" by any means.
What happens if the weather changes (to bad) and your only way back is to row? Can't say Id feel comfortable doing that.
1) Probably take awhile
2) Not be something I would consider "safe" by any means.
What happens if the weather changes (to bad) and your only way back is to row? Can't say Id feel comfortable doing that.
B
Blair
Guest
Sorry, cant really help on the Motor questions.
I've only ever own/used a Canoe (all maual power) and a 19" bowrider.
As for being safe or not:
You could row out 10 miles on a BEAUTIFUL CALM DAY!
- If you have the endurance
- If the weather and forecasts show almost perfection
- If you absolutely make sure the boat is sound worthly, you have your vest, the oars are in good shape, you not over loaded etc.
IF any "Spider sense" goes off and something doesnt feel right or the conditions are even slightly dangerous... DONT DO IT!
Not worth drowning over.
IF things seem great, then what the heck.
I've taken a canoe out to some pretty adventurous locations and had a good time of it.
Lake St. Clair is fairly easy to navigate.
Great Muskie action on it. Mostly Shallow.
However, any situation that gets out of YOUR CONTROL could lead to a serious situation.
Just be EXTREMELY CAREFUL!
ps: If the conditions make the fishing uncomfortable (Cause your worried) then it obviously takes all the fun out of it.
If things seem to be working out okay, then enjoy!
I've only ever own/used a Canoe (all maual power) and a 19" bowrider.
As for being safe or not:
You could row out 10 miles on a BEAUTIFUL CALM DAY!
- If you have the endurance
- If the weather and forecasts show almost perfection
- If you absolutely make sure the boat is sound worthly, you have your vest, the oars are in good shape, you not over loaded etc.
IF any "Spider sense" goes off and something doesnt feel right or the conditions are even slightly dangerous... DONT DO IT!
Not worth drowning over.
IF things seem great, then what the heck.
I've taken a canoe out to some pretty adventurous locations and had a good time of it.
Lake St. Clair is fairly easy to navigate.
Great Muskie action on it. Mostly Shallow.
However, any situation that gets out of YOUR CONTROL could lead to a serious situation.
Just be EXTREMELY CAREFUL!
ps: If the conditions make the fishing uncomfortable (Cause your worried) then it obviously takes all the fun out of it.
If things seem to be working out okay, then enjoy!
grubman
Well-Known Member
Hey Bc
I've had boats since I was 13, and I've bult some. On every motor capable boat there is a DOT plate describing how many people the boat can safely handle and how much horse power it will take. For a 12 it won't be much depending on the hull shape. I'm gonna guess that its like any other standard boat with a point in front, flat at the transom(rear). If it is not and it's square in the front (bow) with a flat bottom all the way, it should not be used in rough water at all. You must always make sure that there is 12" of freeboard when the boat is loaded. Freeboard is measured at the water line to the lowest point of the top of the hull. This will ensure that you won't get swamped by your average wave. Nor should you ever over power a boat either. The manufacturer has built their boats to handle a certain horse power and they know it will run well. Lake St Clair seems way too big for your tiny boat, sorry to tell you that, but you need to know the limitations of your craft. The rating plate probably says 8 or 10 HP, trolling motors are nowhere near that but don't go over the max. No you will not need any kind of licence except your boat operators card.
Boating and fishing are great times but don't risk your life doing it!!!!!!!!!! Too many boaters die each year, the news keeps count, don't be a statistic.
I've had boats since I was 13, and I've bult some. On every motor capable boat there is a DOT plate describing how many people the boat can safely handle and how much horse power it will take. For a 12 it won't be much depending on the hull shape. I'm gonna guess that its like any other standard boat with a point in front, flat at the transom(rear). If it is not and it's square in the front (bow) with a flat bottom all the way, it should not be used in rough water at all. You must always make sure that there is 12" of freeboard when the boat is loaded. Freeboard is measured at the water line to the lowest point of the top of the hull. This will ensure that you won't get swamped by your average wave. Nor should you ever over power a boat either. The manufacturer has built their boats to handle a certain horse power and they know it will run well. Lake St Clair seems way too big for your tiny boat, sorry to tell you that, but you need to know the limitations of your craft. The rating plate probably says 8 or 10 HP, trolling motors are nowhere near that but don't go over the max. No you will not need any kind of licence except your boat operators card.
Boating and fishing are great times but don't risk your life doing it!!!!!!!!!! Too many boaters die each year, the news keeps count, don't be a statistic.
As grubman said you do not have to register your boat as long as you stay under 10 HP. You need a trailer licence if you are towing it. You need all the proper safety equipment required and as mentioned a boating operators card if you put any type of motor on it.
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