As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. If you own a houseboat or are looking to buy a boat it is important to know the laws in the state where you will be boating. This article will cover the current boating laws in Texas. These laws will apply to houseboats as well as normal boats so be sure and read carefully.
I have added the current statutes where each of these specific laws can be found so feel free to read the entire statute about each point. Learning the laws before you hit the water is a great idea for everyone but especially for boat owners. In this article, I will do my best to cover the current Texas houseboat laws as well as the boat laws in general. Please be aware that this information can change in the future so be sure and check local laws before making any decisions.
To see some of the best selling accessories that you need to have on board your boat just click here. All boats must shine a minimum of 1 bright light, lantern, or flashlight on board any vessel that is not docked. This light must be lit from sunset to sunrise in all weather conditions.
Your boat must have one personal flotation device for every person on board. That device must be placed where it is readily accessible in case of emergency. For boats under 26 feet in length, every passenger under 13 years of age are required to wear a personal flotation device while the boat is underway.
Sec Your boat must be equipped with the proper number, size, and type of fire extinguishers as required by the US Coast Guard. If you are towing a person on an aquaplane, water skis, etc. The mirror must be properly mounted to give you a full view behind the boat at all times. You cannot use any boat, water skis or similar device in a way that is reckless or negligent and that could endanger the life, Can I Build My Own Boat In Texas Us limb, or property of someone else.
You cannot operate a boat or vessel at a rate of speed that is above what would be reasonable or prudent given the current weather conditions and other current hazards including the current amount of boat traffic. You cannot drive in circles around another vessel where any occupant is engaged in fishing, waterskiing, or other similar activities.
You also cannot drive in a circle around someone who is swimming unless you are attempting to rescue them. You cannot moor or attach your vessel to a buoy, light marker, stake, beacon, flag etc. You also cannot move, tamper with, or damage such markers Sec. You cannot anchor a vessel in the traveled portion of a river or channel that would prevent, or interfere with the passage of other vessels. You also cannot anchor near a state owned boat ramp where you would interfere with the safe launching of a vessel.
Anyone operating your boat must be older than the age of 13 or is being supervised by someone who is on board, can lawfully operate the boat, and is at least 18 years of age. Any driver who is born after September 1, , is required to take a boater education course if the vessel is powered by a motor larger than 15hp or it is a windblown vessel over 14ft in length.
If the boat driver is subject to the above conditions they must carry a photo ID card and a boater ID card or proof of the completed course. If you are required to take a boater education course or just want to learn a little more about boating it can be done in person or even be taken online!
As long as the person giving the course is a certified provider for the state of Texas then it qualifies for the required course.
The courses that are approved can be found here. Open containers are allowed to be on your boat but the boat driver must have a blood alcohol level of. Passengers are allowed to have a blood alcohol level higher than that but always be sure to not drink excessively. Many people are injured or killed in boating accidents that are caused by alcohol. Boats which are disabled or anchored, a vessel that has limited maneuverability, a boat engaged in commercial fishing, and sailboats all have the right of way assuming you are driving a powered watercraft.
There currently are no laws on the books prohibiting liveaboards in the state of Texas, however there are some local laws that require additional paperwork and fees. For example Corpus Cristi requires you to fill out a form and pay a fee for living full time on your boat if you are in a marina. Reaching out to local officials or even marina owners in the specific city that you are interested in is a good plan. That will give you some insider knowledge and they can often recommend ways to do things that will save you time and money.
If you choose to liveaboard in Texas be sure and contact multiple cities and marinas and ask for their policies on living aboard your houseboat and where you can anchor long term if you choose. As one of the most relaxed states for liveaboards, Texas can be a great place to choose. As with all states each city will often have their own local laws and codes so be sure and check each place out before making your final decision on where you want to anchor your boat.
Daytime distress signals are required on boats that are longer than 16 feet long when being operated on federal waters. Nighttime visual distress signals are required on all boats that are being operated on federal waters. I love the outdoors and especially spending time with my family. Whether on a boat or at the beach, my happy place is near the water.
If you are just getting into boating or you are simply curious about the correct way to phrase things about boats then this article is for you. Often people will use these terms interchangeably but Boats are a considerable monetary investment, so you will want to make sure to buy a boat that has all of the features that you need and is also right for your budget.
Days spent relaxing, Skip to content. Related Post Boating and Houseboat laws in Tennessee. Continue Reading.
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