Boat Guidelines

Boat Guidelines

* Official NY State rules/guidelines – some are enforced with fines!

  1. Planning a trip:

    • Drivers*:

      • Kids under 10 years old should have a person 18 or older on board.

      • 10-18 should have a person 18 or older on board or hold state safety certificate

    • Don’t overload the boat, especially in rough seas. Total design weight is listed on the boat.

    • Check weather forecast for wind, fog, and storm fronts (could mean a squall).

      • Wind: A few wind tips from a young salt:

        • East wind is a changing wind.

        • Southwest winds usually blow up in the afternoon.

        • North winds are good for Lindley bay, but not for trips to Gananoque.

        • South winds don’t last.

        • West winds do.

  1. Checklist before you leave:

    • GAS: bring more than enough to get there and back, even if the wind comes up

    • Life jackets*:

      • one for each person* who will be in the boat for any part of the trip

      • children under 12 should wear* their life jacket.

    • Chart of the area where you are going

    • Make sure these things work :

      • Stern light* and running lights.

      • Horn/whistle*

      • Bilge pump

    • Anchor* (you need this if the motor conks out) with long rope attached & neatly coiled

    • Emergency items: paddle*, flare*, tool kit*, flashlight, boat cushions, extra line

    • Rain gear and/or extra clothing for warmth in the Fall/Spring

    • Cell phone (if you have one)

    • Secure your cargo items, and cover them too.

    • Look around: anything with a sharp edge/point becomes a weapon in a high sea.

  1. Navigating and driving:

    • Channel markers: “Up-River Red on Right” (same as “Red Right Returning”)

      • Up-river is toward the Lake. So, if you are going down-river (i.e. toward Alex Bay from Watch) any red channel marker should be on your left.

      • Black markers are shoal markers – steer clear of them.

    • Right-of-way*:

        • Beep/whistle and turn aside* if a boat approaches from starboard (right)

        • Stand on* if a boat approaches from port (left) (i.e. maintain course and speed)
          but still watch out, and turn if there appears to be a problem.

    • Slow down to 5 mph* (flat wake) when you:

      • Pass near a fishing boat, a canoe, a raft, or swimmers (or Watch Island bridge!)

      • Approach a dock within 100 feet

    • Steer clear of clumps of seaweed at the surface. If the propeller gets choked, reverse.