Fire extinguisher needed?

[Granny]

What exactly is the rule for having a fire extinguisher on your boat? I recently bought a 17' boat. Do I need to have a fire extinguisher on it?

Thanks,

Granny

[CatManLee]

Anything with an enclosed engine and/or gas tank (permanent or Not) If it's not in the open, you need a fire extinguisher in the boat. Even if you don't NEED to carry one by law, it's still a good idea to have one. You never know what could happen.

[prophet]

any boat over 16ft also needs one

[Granny]

Thanks. I thought it was over 16' but I couldn't find it online at the DNR site.

Granny

[bigdog]

Just an FYI but you will need a throwable life jacket now as well, ring or seat cushin.

[The_Duckslayer]

I would say that ANY boat you take out on the water should have a fire extinguisher on it! Even in a solid aluminum boat fuel spilled on the floor will burn! If nothing else you could come to the aid of some one with a boat fire it you had your extinguisher with you! Just my .02 Take care and N Joy the Hunt././Jimbo

[SteveWilson]

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/boatwater/boatingguide.pdf

PFD's

On all boats (except a sailboard) regardless of length (including canoes, kayaks and duck boats), there must be a readily accessible U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III or V wearable PFD (life jacket) for each person on board. Type IV throwable devices, such as buoyant cushions, are no longer acceptable primary lifesaving devices. IN ADDITION, on boats 16 feet or longer (except canoes and kayaks,) there must also be at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved Type IV throwable device, such as a buoyant cushion or ring buoy immediately available for each boat.

Fire Extinguisher

Boat < 26' with enclosed engine or fuel tank, 1 size B-I required. So if your boat has a portable fuel tank then you don't need one, but if you have an enclosed fuel tank (like my Lund Fisherman has) then you need one.

WHISTLES/HORNS

Motorboats 16 feet to less than 26 feet long must be equipped with a hand, mouth, or power-operated whistle or horn capable of producing a continuous sound for two seconds and audible for at least one-half mile.

[Ole #1]

I don't want to discourage anyone from posting questions, but you really should read the regs for boating and fishing. You should get both handbooks and read them before going on the water. Part of being a sportsman is being responsible and educating yourself on the laws and regulations.

[Sgt. Rock]

You can go on the DNR web site and take the test for boat operation also. They offer a practice version that may open the eyes of many people that think they know it all.