How many of my fellow Pennsylvanians have seen jet boat owners running their rigs while standing?
What you see Josh doing here is legal because he is operating his jet rig at a "No Wake" speed. However, had he been standing and going any faster, he would be a candidate for a fine by a WCO. Why? Well read on:
In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to...
Operate a watercraft in a reckless, negligent or dangerous manner. Boats must be operated at a rate of speed that does not endanger the life or property of any person.
Operate a boat at greater than slow, no wake speed within 100 feet of the shoreline, docks, launch ramps, swimmers or downed skiers, persons wading in the water, anchored, moored or drifting boats and floats. Slow, no-wake speed is the slowest possible speed of a motorboat required to maintain maneuverability so that the wake or wash created by the motorboat on the surface is minimal.
Operate a motorboat less than 20 feet in length at greater than slow no-wake while a person is standing on or in the boat.
Operate a motorboat not equipped with railings or other safeguards at greater than slow, no-wake while a person is riding on the bow decking, gunwales, transom or motor covers.
Cause a boat to become airborne or to leave the water completely while crossing another boat’s wake when within 100 feet of the boat creating the wake.
Weave through congested traffic.
Operate faster than slow, no-wake when within 100 feet to the rear or 50 feet to the side of another boat that is underway, unless in a narrow channel.
Operate within 100 feet of anyone towed behind another boat.
Operate a pontoon boat while a person is riding outside the passenger-carrying area.
Operate a motorboat with anyone sitting, riding or hanging on a swim platform or swim ladder attached to the boat.
How about this one:
Operate a motorboat not equipped with railings or other safeguards at greater than slow, no-wake while a person is riding on the bow decking, gunwales, transom or motor covers.
How many times have you seen some go flying upriver with their partner still sitting on the bow deck chair. I see this quite often and cringe every time. In my minds eye, I can see that partner go flying overboard when the boat comes to an abrupt halt after hitting that submerged "goonie".
I guess my advice would be to read and know your "Boating Handbook" before operating any motor craft on your waterway. Ignorance is not an excuse.
Take Care and Be Safe!
Dad
