Browsing this Thread:
1 Anonymous Users
Float tube regs |
||
|---|---|---|
 
Joined:
2008/1/29 21:09 Posts:
32
 |
Does anyone know if there are any regulations on using float tubes in local lakes? I know that some Washington County lakes require launch permits for boats. I think Racoon Creek requires a launch permit for non motorized boats too. Is a float tube considered a non motorized boat? Other than the fact that it floats on the water I don't see why it would be considered a boat. But then again I am not the one collecting the launch permit fee.
Posted on: 7/27 22:40
|
|
 Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Float tube regs |
||
|---|---|---|
 
Joined:
2008/8/24 20:26 From Mount Joy, PA
Posts:
888
|
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/recreation/fishing.aspx
http://www.fish.state.pa.us/fishpub/summary/pfbcproperty.html Based on what I read, my interpretation is that a float tube need not be registered. However, it must meet minimum construction requirements and the user must wear USCG approved PFD...
Posted on: 7/27 23:58
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Float tube regs |
||
|---|---|---|
Joined:
2006/9/13 22:36 From tioga co.
Posts:
1457
|
Thats the only regs on tubes as noted above, Pontoons on the other hand have to registered.
Posted on: 7/28 6:33
|
|
|
_________________
sandfly |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Float tube regs |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Joined:
2009/5/29 6:40 From harlansburg
Posts:
1133
|
great question! often wondered about that myself. thanks for asking and thanks for the replies!
Posted on: 7/28 6:59
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Float tube regs |
||
|---|---|---|
Joined:
4/2 12:17 From Birdsboro
Posts:
12
|
Just a heads up - I talked to the office at French Creek SP and they say that tubes aren't permitted on the lakes (Hopewell, Scotts Run).
Might be best to check with the local management before launching.
Posted on: 7/28 9:14
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Float tube regs |
||
|---|---|---|
Joined:
2007/3/26 22:22 Posts:
1353
|
sandfly,
Do you mean that pontoons have to be registered or have a launch permit?
Posted on: 7/28 9:47
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Float tube regs |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Joined:
2006/9/13 12:37 Posts:
312
|
Is a tube the same thing as a float tube?
Posted on: 7/28 11:43
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Float tube regs |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Joined:
6/30 14:13 From Northeastern, PA
Posts:
346
|
Quote:
Pontoon boats(non-motorized) do not need to be registered at all, there is no such requirement in PA. However in order to use PFBC launch sites, it must be registered OR a launch permit sticker(s) must be obtained through the PFBC and displayed on the pontoon boat. I believe the launch permit is also for use on any DCNR launch sites. I have a feeling that a float tube used from a PFBC boat launch facility site needs a launch permit- I know tubers trying to land at the Delaware River's Sandts Eddy boat launch have been stopped and told they can't use it unless they obtain a launch permit
Posted on: 7/28 11:50
|
|
|
_________________
Oh I am just a vagabond, a drifter on the run. And eloquent profanity it rolls right off my tonque. And I have dined in palaces, drunk wine with Kings & Queens but darlin', oh darlin' you're the best thing I've ever seen. -Lowell George |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Float tube regs |
||
|---|---|---|
Joined:
2009/10/15 13:45 From Reading
Posts:
1512
 |
Quote:
Just a heads up - I talked to the office at French Creek SP and they say that tubes aren't permitted on the lakes (Hopewell, Scotts Run). I guess they mean float tubes, because I have used my pontoon boat there plenty of times. The launch permit is $18 for 2 years and can be had online in 2 minutes. Makes life a lot easier.
Posted on: 7/28 13:21
|
|
|
_________________
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Float tube regs |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Joined:
6/30 14:13 From Northeastern, PA
Posts:
346
|
Quote:
Yeah float tubes are treated entirely different than pontoon boats. On many state lakes, float tubes aren't allowed, this is apparently true in other states too. As long as you have a life jacket ON, I don't see why they should be disallowed? oh well. I think part of it's that I just don't think these agencies and some of their employers are up to speed on all these different non-powered inflatables in use today. While looking into getting my Scadden titled and registered you should have heard the conversation I had with this "I know more than you" woman from the PFBC that told me my Scadden I bought in NJ "HAD to be registered because she works for the PFBC and she checked NJ's regs and only canoes and kayaks are exempt from registering." I told her I didn't think the seller lied to me and that I thought she was mistaken on the regs, al she kept saying was "I work for the PFBC, I know. You don't know what I know, you don't work for the PFBC." I hung up and called back with actual NJ regs in hand that proved she was wrong and I told the next woman what happened, she apologized and said I was absolutely correct and that the paperwork I had was indeed sufficent to get a title and registration. As with all state workers- Some know, some don't have a clue.
Posted on: 7/28 13:33
|
|
|
_________________
Oh I am just a vagabond, a drifter on the run. And eloquent profanity it rolls right off my tonque. And I have dined in palaces, drunk wine with Kings & Queens but darlin', oh darlin' you're the best thing I've ever seen. -Lowell George |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Float tube regs |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Joined:
2009/10/15 13:45 From Reading
Posts:
1512
|
Quote:
Yeah float tubes are treated entirely different than pontoon boats. On many state lakes, float tubes aren't allowed, this is apparently true in other states too. As long as you have a life jacket ON, I don't see why they should be disallowed? Oh well. Maybe because they are low to the water and they could get ran over? Or maybe there is not a clear enough difference between a float tube and an inner tube and they don't want kids out there playing on them or something? Just guesses. So did you get the Scadden registered? I think I remember you had to register it in NJ but registered the trailer in PA or something? When I bought my Classic Accessories Colorado pontoon boat it came with a card that had a serial number, place of manufacture, etc. The Scadden had nothing like that.
Posted on: 7/28 13:44
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Float tube regs |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Joined:
6/30 14:13 From Northeastern, PA
Posts:
346
|
Quote:
Good guesses, probably part of the reason as well. Not yet, I gave all the paperwork to my old man and then he never completed it. So I'm going to do it and send it this weekend probably. We have a 2yr launch permit so we''ve been having fun just floating, etc. All boats, even the inflatables, now have a Manufacturers Cerificate of Origin and Hull# on the Certificate, including Scadden. The original owner gets that at purchase (we were given that when we bought it from the original owner) and you'll need it if you want to get a pontoon registered that was never registered or titled before (like we want to do). I even had one in the box with my Creek Company pontoon boat from Cabelas. I think your Scadden should have had it, ours does (its a 5-year old boat too.)
Posted on: 7/28 14:07
|
|
|
_________________
Oh I am just a vagabond, a drifter on the run. And eloquent profanity it rolls right off my tonque. And I have dined in palaces, drunk wine with Kings & Queens but darlin', oh darlin' you're the best thing I've ever seen. -Lowell George |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Float tube regs |
||
|---|---|---|
Joined:
2009/10/5 18:50 From Lancaster
Posts:
173
|
I emailed some one from PA fish and game about tubing on Speedwell this was the response..
"Yes, float tubes maybe used for the purpose of fishing ONLY in Speedwell Forge Lake. Float Tube Description: A float tube is a device constructed to provide stable floatation and a level ride to a single angler in a manner that minimizes the possibility of a capsize. The float tube shall consist of a bladder system made of heavy gauge rubber or rubber impregnated support fabric. The bladder shall be covered with a durable fabric shell which provides a seat for the user and two legholes. A secondary bladder in the form of a backrest of similar component shall be included with a float tube to provide additional emergency floatation. It is unlawful to propel float tubes by motors or other mechanical propulsion devices of any type or description."
Posted on: 7/28 15:49
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Float tube regs |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Joined:
2008/1/29 21:09 Posts:
32
|
Thanks for all the replies. I didn't think they needed registered but you never know what the state might come up with to make a buck
Posted on: 7/28 21:25
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Float tube regs |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Joined:
2009/10/15 13:45 From Reading
Posts:
1512
|
Quote:
All boats, even the inflatables, now have a Manufacturers Certificate of Origin and Hull# on the Certificate, including Scadden. The original owner gets that at purchase (we were given that when we bought it from the original owner) and you'll need it if you want to get a pontoon registered that was never registered or titled before (like we want to do). Nope. Was not there. I had one in the CA Colorado boat but not the Scadden.
Posted on: 7/28 21:51
|
|
|
_________________
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Float tube regs |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Joined:
2007/3/26 22:22 Posts:
1353
|
I have a launch permit but the boat isn't "registered". Like jdaddy said, there's no ID or hull # on my Scadden pontoon. Honestly, never heard of registering a pontoon. Trailer is registered in Maine.
Posted on: 7/29 0:31
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Float tube regs |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Joined:
6/30 14:13 From Northeastern, PA
Posts:
346
|
Quote:
For pontoon boat's the hull # is not "on" the boat itself but rather on the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin that comes with all new boats (or at least it's not anywhere on the boat that I've found yet.) On a hard boat the hull# is "stamped" on the boat, so its easier. The previous owner got it when he bought it new directly from Scadden(5 yrs ago) and gave it to us when we bought it from him. Registering and/or titling a pontoon boat is optional, but it can be done. The easiest way to get on the water is just with the launch permit. Registering and titling can supposedly help with theft issues and proof of ownership. To do so for the first time you need the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin which will also have the hull #. I don't know if you guys bought your Scadden's new but I think it should have had a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin with all the paperwork. I read thru the entire PA boat titling and registration regs at least 5 times now.
Posted on: 7/29 10:55
|
|
|
_________________
Oh I am just a vagabond, a drifter on the run. And eloquent profanity it rolls right off my tonque. And I have dined in palaces, drunk wine with Kings & Queens but darlin', oh darlin' you're the best thing I've ever seen. -Lowell George |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
