§ 17A-2. General regulations.  


Latest version.
  • (a)

    All motorboats must be operated in such a manner and at such a distance to prevent their wash from being thrown into or causing excessive rocking to other vessels, rafts or floats.

    (b)

    Water-skiers shall ski at a safe distance to prevent their wash from being thrown into or causing excessive rocking to other vessels, rafts or floats.

    (c)

    Motorboats shall not be operated:

    (1)

    Within 150 feet of shoreline which is being used as a swimming area, whether public or private,; or

    (2)

    Within 75 feet of the seaward boundary of a public bathing beach, if designated by markers, floats or otherwise.

    (d)

    This article shall apply to motorboats, barges, water-skiers or other devices being towed by power, and the operator of the towing vessel shall be responsible for compliance therewith.

    (e)

    Headway speed.

    (1)

    A motorboat shall not be operated at more than headway speed:

    a.

    When the operator's vision is obscured by a bridge, or by bends or curves or in any other manner.

    b.

    When the motorboat is operated within 150 feet of a marina, boat launching facility, raft or float.

    c.

    When the motorboat is operated within 300 feet of a public bathing beach unless operating in an area designated for waterskiing.

    d.

    When the motorboat is in a channel, unless a duly authorized local, state or federal marine enforcement agency has permitted otherwise and placed markers in the channel indicating the permitted speed.

    e.

    When the motorboat is operated within 150 feet of a swimmer.

    (2)

    Headway speed is the slowest speed at which a motorboat may be operated and maintain steerage way, but not to exceed six miles per hour except in the case of jet ski watercraft, Surfjet watercraft, wet bike watercraft and so called personal watercraft which may need to operate at a speed in excess of five miles per hour to maintain steerage way.

(Ord. No. 1647 , 5-19-16)