actual overpowering laws from state to state

[rock]

This topic came from another post that was getting a bit off thread but I thought it would be nice to know the actaul laws from state to state. I would hate to think I am legal at home then find out the hard way I am not legal somewhere else. I understand it is not usually what you have but more how you use it. Most enforcing bodies probably won't really worry about it unless you are driving in an unsafe manner but there are always exceptions to that. I think it could be helpfull info but I have not had a lot of luck finding the info I want. I do know it is illegal in Utah to overpower but that is all I have found so far.
Rock

[h2go4it]

I believe that most states follow the U.S. Coast Guard standards. If your boat has a badge stating maximum H.P. then that is what the state will likely go by. Most of the time this only comes up as a result of an accident and/or a lawsuit involving an overpowered boat. Another important consideration is that your insurance company may not pay a claim against your policy if your boat is overpowered........... it's usually in the fine print. BEWARE!

[Still Crazy]

Unfortunately, you might be questioned by a DNR cop who thinks your motor "looks" too big for the boat. Small inland lakes can be the worst when the cops get bored.

[wkndracer]

Running coastal waterways in west central Florida I've had the marine patrol (old office now FWC) look for the rating sticker after doing a 'safety' inspection not finding any other violations. As the boat was tittled home made they had no where to go with it but two different inspections the topic was brought up.

[WATERWINGS]

Unfortunately, you might be questioned by a DNR cop who thinks your motor "looks" too big for the boat. Small inland lakes can be the worst when the cops get bored.

I get that alot from people with my Alien cowl on, but all I have to do is lift the cowl off, and there is that tiny little 2.4............

This motor swap, I'm gonna go back with a 260 cowl......it should stop most of the BIG MOTOR talk.....

My Quartershot has NO capacity sticker, and the cowls have NO engine HP decals either.....what happens there.....(cop wise, AND Insurance wise) (?)

[2KXJ]

Great topic.
My boat is rated for a 145hp engine and I put a 150hp on it. Are they usually looking for a massive amount of HP over what the boat is rated for, or is 5hp enough to be an issue?

[Action Dave]

I don't know the exact law but I have never been questoned by any police in regards to my boat being overpowered. I have a capacity plate/sticker on my boat and my boat is rated for 185 horsepower. They usually check safety gear and registration.

Most race-style boats don't come with capacity plates anyways since they are designed as a race boat and are not coast guard certified. I know STV and I'm pretty sure quartershot does the same.

[BUSHWACKER]

[QUOTE=wkndracer;1934317]Running coastal waterways in west central Fl. As the boat was tittled home made they had no where to go

I'm sure there are alot of people on here that would like to tell them where to go! :reddevil:

[Charger200]

Is 100+ HP too far over the rated capacity:rolleyes::cool:

[rock]

I should have been more clear when I started this. What I am after is the laws, and no offense intended, not opinions. I want to see the actual laws from state to state. We sort of tried this about 4 years ago but it ended up with everything but actual facts and ended being more about insurance than what the laws were.
So far all I can find that is in writing is it is definitely illegal in Florida to be overpowered. It is illegal to overpower and overload in Utah. In Nevada and Pennsylvania it is illegal to overload. Strange findings for sure. Gotta wonder about why states would only enforce 1 part of the Coast Guard tag. Virginia is the only state I wasn't able to check yet. For some reason their page was different but surpricingly they provide a phone number and I will contact them tomorrow.
I would love to compile a list that could be used for reference that you could depend on. Most boats on here are either over 20' or id as "raceboat" either of which exempts them from ratings. I know I personally boat in several states per year and I am sure many others do so also. Thanks
Rock

[transomstand]

Connecticut General Statute

Sec. 15-140m. Reckless operation of a vessel in the second degree. (a) A person commits the offense of reckless operation of a vessel in the second degree when he (1) operates a vessel at such speed or maneuvers a vessel in such a manner as to endanger the life, limb or property of another person, (2) operates or, as owner, permits the operation of a vessel loaded with passengers or cargo beyond its safe carrying capacity, having regard for weather and other operating conditions, (3) operates or, as owner, permits the operation of a vessel loaded or powered in excess of the maximum capacity information stated on the United States Coast Guard capacity information label or the capacity information label of the manufacturer affixed to such vessel, or (4) operates or, as owner, permits the operation of a vessel the capacity information label of which has been altered, defaced or removed

[rude power]

please post the va. findings on this when you find out,I"m a little over

[rock]

Connecticut General Statute

Sec. 15-140m. Reckless operation of a vessel in the second degree. (a) A person commits the offense of reckless operation of a vessel in the second degree when he (1) operates a vessel at such speed or maneuvers a vessel in such a manner as to endanger the life, limb or property of another person, (2) operates or, as owner, permits the operation of a vessel loaded with passengers or cargo beyond its safe carrying capacity, having regard for weather and other operating conditions, (3) operates or, as owner, permits the operation of a vessel loaded or powered in excess of the maximum capacity information stated on the United States Coast Guard capacity information label or the capacity information label of the manufacturer affixed to such vessel, or (4) operates or, as owner, permits the operation of a vessel the capacity information label of which has been altered, defaced or removed

That's what I'm talkin about. Thanks
Rock