Had Coast Guard inspection today and failed

[DooGuy]

So had my first Coast Guard inspection today all was good except failed because for my hull letters and numbers weren't spaced correctly by previous owner, and also because my life jackets. Have 19 on board( all sizes, lot of kid/teens) and all good shape. Problem is they're only rated to 50mph. Their inspection list states has to be above the max speed of the boat. Never heard of that, of course haven't had a boat before where it was a concern. Anyone have anything from manufacture with their rated speed? CG inspector said if have something from them indicating 50 or less than I'm good. Otherwise have to replace. , 07, 230se

 

[JPass]

I've never heard of this. We have the standard orange, split vests that you'd see on any cattle boat. I've been pulled over and had a coast guard inspection with no issues. The speed requirement could be for skiers and such, but I've never had issue with any standard front zippered vest when we wakeboarded and such.

See requirements starting on page 9 here:

USCG Boaters Manual

 

[DooGuy]

Yeah, the letters, ok easy fix. The jackets part was news to me, I've been boating for 30 years and this is first time speed was factored into a lifejacket test. Took a boaters class with family couple years ago for refresher and for them to get required cards to drive etc and that never came up. I've scanned that book to and couldn't find.

 

[gb387]

Wow! The DNR where I live is easier to get along with. Non of the concerns you listed they worry about... as long as your not being a jerk, you treat them with respect they will do the same.

 

[Dr Honda]

The "Max Speed" thing is a load of shit. As in... not a real law. I've been on boats, and Water craft all my life... and I've never heard that. Heck... I've even had my PWC go though the USCG tests, and they never said anything about a speed rating. The reason I know that one is a load... is that you don't have to wear your life jacket while underway. (aside of local laws) SO... if you are going 55 mph... and have an issue... how are you supposed to get your life jacket on while being thrown from the boat? (Hopefully we don't have to find out)

The hull number thing I understand. To them... it has to be in the right spot, and the right size... and the right font. Depending on the hull... it doesn't always work. Heck... on the new Spark, you can't put them where the USCG wants them. But, here again... depends on the person doing the inspection I guess. My old stand up skis... I put the numbers on the rear of the craft. (by the footwell) The only time I got hassled for that (during an inspection) was the font I used on my last XP project. I liked the look... but I even admitted that it was hard to make out the numbers. But, in the end... they allowed it.




******EDIT******

I just was on the USCG's web site. They don't not even recognize a speed rating. Just the type/style for different applications and body types.

 

[JPass]

The hull number thing I understand. To them... it has to be in the right spot, and the right size... and the right font.

Incorrect spacing is the biggest issue we see on vessels. There's supposed to a space after the 1st 2 letters and after the 4 numbers. Most times we see them all as one giant number. They also need to be a contrasting color compared to the hull color.

 

[DooGuy]

So we were on different bigger lake (Coeur d Alene lake, in Idaho) yesterday. While stopped, a patrol boat came over and did a spot check. Showed the inspection report from coast guard day before and he didn't have any concern with the life jackets. Took them about 5 minutes and they were off. There were two local Sheriffs and a coastguard officer. Thinking I just got a super anal guy the day before.

 

[racerxxx]

19 years, same numbers, numerous coast guard inspections. Never hassled on my numbers. All the guys I've dealt with have been super nice. One guy even suggested flares, although not needed since I don't go in the ocean. Gave me his home address to swing by and show him I got them. I think you might have just had a guy that had a bad day.