Alabama law...
You must pass a safe boating course here and have an endorsement on yoru license as well.
You must be at least 12 years old to operate a watercraft here.
As for speed limits? From my understanding through lots or reading, as JPX has pointed out, is based on each states guidelines and posted limits. But from what I have found to be true in most cases, is where there is no posted limits, you can drive as fast as you want.
The police aren't their for people breaking a speed limit, they are there to ticket "reckless endangerment" if your driving is seen to be a threat to you or someone else. Which is why I've posted in the past about "mods".
The Coast Guard and the "political" system that governs boat and automobile safety has a mandate that no watercraft manafactured can exceed 70 mph. Though sanctioned events for racers and boat modders is o.k. and those who have major mods on their craft can go faster than 70, it doesn't mean you won't get a ticket. If the Marine Enforment agency of your state specifically states you can not exceed 70, then they'll hit you with a gun and ticket you. But in most states, it's left up to the way you handle the craft at top end that will get you a ticket.
Here, I've watched modders exceed 70 many times without problems from the Marine Police becauese their in the middle of the river (Dog River) or Mobile bay and have the room to drive these speeds safely. Their are a lot of Allison's here that, I"m sure, average 100 mph and over. Watching them chime across the water, I cringe because I know that it only takes a half second to hook a sponson into the waters edge to flip the craft. Seen it happen on an Allison personally.
So, while speed is a real rush and a blast to go fast, put, if not your safety, the safety of others first...............:cheers:
