Ohio Boat Insurance Laws
What are the laws in Ohio about owning and operating a motorboat on a lake pedle not?
If I wanted to buy a non-motorized pedle "boat" to engage and ride on a lake where I live, what laws exist Ohio that I need to be aware of? I need a license for Boating pedle? Need boat insurance? I need to have life jackets? Anything else? Thanks for the help you can provide!
Some states require non-motorized boats to be registered. Some do not. You can usually find out either through your state DMV and DNR (Department of Natural Resources). Ohio is one of the states that do not require registration: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/watercraft/tabid/2062/default.aspx I do not know of any place that requires a license or personal liability insurance. If you are concerned about liability, check to see what their owners / Renters policy covers (the biggest concern would be if you're going to borrow the boat periodically to people who do not know what they are doing). Some parks and other areas may require rates of release. At very least, you're bound to have a lifejacket on board for each person. Some areas require that you are using. Get a comfortable, well fitting, Type III personal flotation device and use it – it's more about being safe while boat whether or not you're following the law.
Law Office of Breakfield & Dean, LLC (Gainesville, GA)
