Do I need a throwable device on my 8' boat?

I always thought I needed a Type IV Throwable flotation device on my small 8' boat until I read this today on the VDGIF website:

Quote:

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In addition to the wearable life jacket, there must be at least one (1) USCG approved Type IV throwable (ring buoy or seat cushion), on vessels of 16 feet or greater. The regulation to carry a Type IV does not apply to (1) personal watercraft; (2) non-motorized canoes and kayaks of 16 feet or greater; (3) racing shells, rowing sculls, racing canoes, and racing kayaks; (4) sailboards; and (5) vessels of the United States used by foreign competitors while practicing for or racing in competition.

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I'm using an 8' Bass Baby plastic boat on electric only lakes. So it looks like I don't need one? Space is tight and I'd rather not if I can get away with it.

Game wardens said I had to have a throwable seat cushion when I was fishing out of my 14ft boat. They always checked me for a seat cushion. I would ask a game warden to be sure!!!!!

Throwable devices are extra insurance for the "other person in the boat" who falls out of the boat & isn't wearing a life jacket. Cushions & rings are more easily thrown for greater distances & with more accuracy than a life jacket.

If you're the only person in a 8' boat ... who's going to throw you the "throwable device" ?? And since you're most likely wearing your life jacket (space saving move), the cushion/ring is redundant as far as "your" safety is concerned. The law says 16' OR GREATER boat length it's mandatory to have the throwable device ... which means it's not mandatory for boats of a lesser length. You're legal without the cushion :ThumbsUp

... cp :kewl

I am pretty sure that in Virginia you need to have a throwable. My jon boat is 14' and the game warden said that I had to have one.

had to talk my way outa a ticket 1 time cause I didn't have 1 in a 6' jon- don't know if he let me go outa kindness or if he knew he was wrong

Reading that law looks to me like if you have a motorized boat, whether electric or gas, you need one. The ones not needing one are all paddle or wind driven rigs.

I have one on my 14' jon boat. A few weeks ago, game wardens came to me on Western Branch. I had a very small tear near the seam and they said I did not need one on a boat that small, but if I had needed one that they would write me a ticket for the tear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OprJtFRHWtk

Yes you need one.

According to VGDIF Equipment Regulations
You don't have to have one on your 8' boat.

If there is a way for those wonderful people to extract money from you they will find it. Throwable, PFD, fire extinguisher, etc, etc, etc. The ones at DR told me they were doing safety checks:Rofl. I wonder how much revenue was generated that day for safetys sake. My advise, get one and use it as a seat cushion.

Yes no yes no yes

Thanks guys!

Kinda reminds of a conversation I overheard between a HWY superintendant and one of his crew leaders. A city planner stopped at the site and said traffic had to be maintained. The Sherriff stopped and said close the road to traffic. My buddys answer was, thats a battle you cannot win, The Law in this case the Sherriff is always right.

The city planner cannot shut you down or levy a fine. The sherriff can haul your butt to jail.

For years, fishing from a 15'4" boat, by regulation, We did not need a throw cushion. We both wear inflatable PFD's yet everytime we got checked and the lakes we fish you get checked a lot, it was always the same. you need a throw cushion. Drag out the regs and Oh, OK then the fun would start. Every item listed in the regs would be checked. Last fall bought a throw cushion because a buddy fell out of his boat and although nothing more than being cold and wet. It was a good wake up call. Mounted a ski ladder on the back of the boat, bought a throw cushion, great padding for boat seat as well as meeting regs. Actually bought a second one as the added height makes fishing seats more comfortable. Been checked 8-9 times this year after a livewell and liscense check, thanks guys. and away they go.

If the C/O game warden what ever wants it, you best have it even if not required by the regs. Prove a man wrong and hes gonna get ticked off and seek revenge, Prove a woman wrong and you might get shot! It is just like dealing with my wife, no matter what thoughts are forming in my head, the best answer is yes Dear!

Not in NC

all I ever carry is a throwable seat cushion - with the 2 strap sewn on the sides ...

Only when someone is drowning and you want to save time and their life.