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2024 Spring Updates!

June 18, 2024 – NCASA Nationals Notes :

We are planning an epic event as we help LGYC celebrate 150 years of incredible racing. Early reports are that we will have great turnout. Our new NCASA Commodore, T. Freytag, looks forward to welcoming all of you at this event.

UPDATED Regatta Details: We are planning similar logistics as our ILYA Championship at LGYC last August. We will dry sail and launch by crane at the LGYC Facility. The event will take place starting Thursday evening June 20 th with a Special Race at 5 pm . The Thursday race will compete for the Wacker Trophy (see below). A six-race series is scheduled with first warning at 11 am on Friday morning with 2 more races scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday at PRO Mark DeGuire’s discretion.

Social: The Lake Geneva Yacht Club has a couple of parties planned for us on Friday and Saturday both of which include live music. Please be sure to come and help our friends at LGYC celebrate their 150 year anniversary as a club and enjoy old friends and new! After haul-out on Sunday, we will have lunch available and present our awards. NEW for 2024 – some event specific information:

• We will once again be using the Vakaros RaceSense starting system which we used last year at the ILYA Championship with great success!  Per the NOR all boats are required to use the Atlas 2 device. If you own one you will need to take it to the Vakaros tent at LGYC and have the event’s application uploaded to your device prior to racing. If you do not own one, you may rent one from the class for $120 for the event which you will need to do when you register before   June 1 st  or you can contact Andy Burdick or Eddie Cox at Melges Boat Works to purchase one BEFORE APRIL 21, 2024 . See the sale flyer below with the purchase discount they have kindly offered to our fleet.
• Following our fleet meeting last year and the recent boat owner polling, our NCASA Board recently voted to allow one throw-out race in a series where six races have been completed. This will be reflected in the regatta documents.

Contact Andy Burdick or Eddie Cox at Melges Boat Works to purchase the amazing Atlas 2. See the sale flyer above with the generous purchase discount they have offered in support of our fleet.

Regatta Gear: You may order your team event long-sleeved performance fabric hoodie t-shirts when you register.  If you order upon registration before June 1 st they will be delivered at the event. If they are ordered after that date they will be delivered post event.

Rated UPF50 to help combat harmful UV rays, this Tee also performs with Dry Zone® moisture-wicking technology to keep you cool, dry and comfortable.

• 3.8-ounce, 100% polyester
• Removable tag for comfort and relabeling
• UPF rating of 50
• Raglan sleeves
• Sizes S-XXXL

Regatta Schedule:

Registration, Vakaros Programming, Check-in, Practice Race (17:00 Warning Gun – 5 pm): Thursday, June 20, 2024 Race 1 and 2: Friday, June 21, 2024 Race 3 and 4: Saturday, June 22, 2024 Race 5 and 6: Sunday, June 23, 2024 Awards: Following the last race on Sunday

Registration is open . Please help us out by registering early – Thanks! NCASA Executive Director: Todd Haines 414-881-4119 [email protected]

The 38 foot (11.58 meter) Class A Scow is the largest, fastest, and most powerful inland scow sailboat. Originally designed in the late 1800’s by John O. Johnson of Johnson Boat Works (White Bear Lake, MN) the boat retains the same shape and size as the original boats. With the move to fiberglass and carbon construction, the addition of a bow sprit and a massive asymmetrical spinnaker, combined with a carbon fiber swept-spreader rig, the class is stronger than ever.

Today’s A Scow, produced by Melges Performance Sailboats of Zenda, WI, has all the modern, sophisticated rigging and gear (from the good folks at Harken ) needed to make this unbelievable boat simply rock on the water. Powered by the latest sail designs, able to pull water-skiers, and having been clocked at over 25 mph in a good blow, the A Scow is a worthy challenge for even the most experienced sailors. Unlike keelboats of this size, the A Scow uses only dual bilge boards for stability and thus requires a skilled crew of 6 or 7 people to keep her upright in heavy air.

We hope you will explore our website and see what makes the A Scow so much fun !

A Scow Events

2024 A Scow National Championship Regatta – Lake Geneva, WI Set-up and Check-In Date: Thursday June 20, 2024 Race Dates: Friday June 21 – Sunday June 23 Location: Lake Geneva Yacht Club, Fontana, WI Registration: Click Here Official Event Website: NCASA 2024 ILYA Annual Championship Regatta – Clear Lake, IA  Set-up and Check-In Date: August 11, 2023 Race Dates: August 11 – 17, 2023 Location: Clear Lake Yacht Club Registration: Not Open Yet Official Event Website: ILYA Future Venues: 2025 A Scow National Championship Regatta – TBD Set-up and Check-In Date: always the Thursday after Father’s Day Race Dates: Always the Fri-Sat-Sun after Father’s Day.

Recent NCASA News

• 2018 National Championship Wrap-up
• ILYA – #FairSailing Initiative
• Spring 2018 News and Updates
• NCASA Store is Online
• ILYA Championship 2017 Wrap Up
• Summer 2017 News and Updates
• 2017 National Championship is in the Record Books
• Remembering Deonna Haines

Copyright 2018-2019 National Class A Scow Association, All Rights Reserved.

Ita Yachts Canada

Brokerage / Courtage

Understanding the Classification of Yachts A, B, C and D

Understanding the Classification of Yachts A, B, C and D:

  Since 1998, Europe (EEC) classifies yachts according to 4 categories A or B or C or D and this is a law. In order to sell a boat in the large territory of the EEC, it must be classified with a plate that mentions its classification and it must be clearly visible inside the boat, usually near the helm.

At first glance, it sounds very good when you hear class A, but what is it really, what are the differences, is it necessary to acquire a class A…

The brokers at ItaYachtsCanada have written an article on this subject in the past ( click here ), but here are the important characteristics to know about the subject.

The classification allows you to know in which kind of sea intensity you can safely venture, that is to say, taking into account the wind and the wave height in reference to the Beaufort index.

(At the end of this text, there is an explanation of the classes according to the Beaufort index).

Let’s say we focus on class A and B, on the major differences.

First of all, the differences are not very visible to the naked eye or it takes a trained eye to see them.

Depending on the type of water you plan to sail and if the weather guides you on each trip, a B class is also a very good choice.

Of course, you must have all the required safety equipment on board.

Ideally, a boater should always sail in rather peaceful conditions, taking into account the weather first. We always say that boating is fun, so stay away from difficult sailing situations. (Ideally, always with a Beaufort index of 6 and less, ideally a Beaufort index of 4 and less).

Many manufacturers have retained the parameters of the B class to build their boats, mainly for reasons of production costs and that boaters in general do not care much about these characteristics.

The problem is how to differentiate between the vast range of B class boats, how to distinguish those that are closer to an A class (B +) from those that are built as (B -).

How to find your way around, especially for a layman…

It is important to know that some manufacturers build their boats with an A approach, but without respecting all the mandatory specifications to be classified A.

Here are some guidelines to quickly see if the manufacturer has done things right.

– Inspect the portholes and closing mechanisms (Plastic or Metal)

– The presence of numerous drains to evacuate water (at the fly and cockpit), it is essential to be able to evacuate any water accumulation quickly.

– Height of the freeboard.

– Engine access hatch, well insulated and secured for water leaks.

– Bilge pumps (number, size and capacity)

– Mechanism to pump water from the engine room massively (e.g. possibility to use the engine water pumps with a joystick)

– The center of gravity of the boat is well balanced (rather low).

Hull joints, a very low center of gravity, excellent weight distribution, electrical system (24 V), are also part of the certification criteria especially for A boats, but difficult to assess for a yachtsman.  It is possible, but in a summary way.

The CE classification allows to differentiate yachts according to certain criteria present, we are talking mainly about structural strength, integrity of essential parts of the hull, reliability of propulsion, steering systems, power generation and all other features installed on board to help ensure the essential services of the yacht.

Therefore, it is important to understand that a Class A yacht is built to a much higher standard than a Class B. This is not reflected in the luxurious appearance of the boat.

What you have to remember is that the major enemy for a boat, besides a fire, is water infiltration on board which can destabilize the behavior of the boat, cause a stop of the engines, major electrical problems, in short which can quickly put the boat out of use and/or out of control.

A classification body such as RINA (see list at the end of this text) has been checking the activities of builders and classifying yachts for over 20 years.

If the boat is sold in the European Community, the classification is mandatory and must be visible near the cockpit. This same classification is not present when the boat is intended for North America or very rarely.

Do not hesitate to contact a professional broker, he will be able to guide you according to your needs, your criteria and especially the places of navigation.

As the CE classification is not always displayed when the boat is destined for the North American market, here are some references on this subject based on the most recent data available (subject to change without notice):

P.S. Let’s mention that as a general rule yachts over 80 ft are Class A, but according to the rules in place, the classification is no longer mandatory or mentioned beyond 79 ft.

Class A (yachts over 50 ft):

BEST KNOWN MODELS :

Ferretti 500, 550, 670 and up

Pershing : 7X and up

Azimut 62, 64, 66, 68 Fly and up

Azimut S8 and up

Azimut Magellano : the whole range

Sunseeker Sport yacht 65, Yacht 88 and up

Princess yacht 80 and up (TBC)

Marquis Yachts (no longer in production)

Montecarlo MCY 66 and up

Searay L650

Class B (yachts over 50 ft):

Sunnseeker 52 fly, 55 fly , 66 fly, 68 fly, Sport Yacht 74, 76 Yacht

Azimut 50 fly, 55 fly, 60 fly, S6 and all Atlantis

Princess : all yachts under 70 ft

Princess Y72, Y78 and less

Ferretti 580 fly

All Absolute

All Fairline

All Beneteau & Jeanneau & Monte Carlo 52

All Searay except L650.

All Cruisers Yachts

For more information, here is an article published by the brokers at ItaYachtsCanada, click here .

There is also the dry weight which can help determine a quality yacht.

Don’t hesitate to compare yachts of the same size based on dry weight, you may be surprised.

For example, a 52′ yacht that weighs 30,000 lbs empty compared to another one that weighs 60,000 lbs empty, ask yourself some questions.

But be careful, it is more and more difficult to get the manufacturers’ empty weights. They have understood the importance of being rather vague on the subject or of making comparisons more difficult. Indeed, we are talking about LIGHT WEIGHT, which is difficult to measure.

The manufacturer who has confidence in thier boat will have no difficulty in giving a total warranty of at least 12 months, 24 and even 36 months.  Please note the  difference here between the manufacturer’s warranty and the dealer’s warranty .

Many European manufacturers sell their boats to dealers in America without a warranty. This means that the dealer assumes the full 12-month warranty out of his profit from the sale. The engine manufacturer, on the other hand, honors its own warranty such as Volvo, Cummins, Caterpillar, MAN, MTU, Yanmar. For other major components, it will be up to you to take the necessary steps to have the warranty honored, such as for the generator, the air conditioning, the thrusters, etc…

Therefore, acquiring a boat requires a much more specialized expertise than that of a car! Contact ITA Yachts Canada Inc. to speak with a professional and independent broker with experience in the following markets (Canada, United States and Europe whether the boat is new or used).

MORE INFORMATION.

Here is some more information about the classification, what the law in Europe says about it.

Here are some links to help you understand the Beaufort index in direct relation with the classification of yachts sold on the territory of the EEC:

Click here for the TRANSPORT CANADA website

Click here for an article on Wikipedia (more descriptive with photo).

According to the EEC rules, here is the description:

The classification of vessels marked “CE

CE marked vessels are classified into four design categories according to their ability to cope with sea conditions characterized by wind speed and significant wave height. Depending on the type of navigation practiced, the boater must choose a vessel whose design category authorizes such practice.

– Design Category A: Recreational vessels designed for winds that can exceed force 8 (on the Beaufort scale) and for waves that can exceed a significant height of 4 meters, excluding exceptional conditions such as storms, severe storms, tornadoes and extreme sea conditions or huge waves (these conditions exclude force 10 and following).

– Design Category B: Pleasure craft designed for winds up to and including force 8 and for waves up to and including 4 meters in significant height.

– Design Category C: Pleasure craft designed for winds up to and including force 6 and for waves up to and including two meters in significant height.

– Design Category D: Pleasure craft designed for winds up to and including force 4 and for waves up to and including 0.30 meters, with occasional waves up to and including 0.50 meters.

Vessels in each of these design categories shall be designed and constructed to withstand the parameters of each of these categories, with respect to buoyancy, stability and other relevant requirements, and to have good maneuverability characteristics.

The known classification bodies for the EEC:

RINA (Registro Italiano Navale),

BV (Bureau Veritas),

DNV (Det Norske Veritas),

Germanischer Lloyd,

LR (Lloyd’s Register).

Ita Yachts Canada provides the information in this article in good faith but cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information or the status of the data. It is the responsibility of the reader to instruct their agents or experts to verify and validate the information in this article.

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National Class A Scow Association

Class contact information.

Click below

Class Email

Class Website

One-Design Class Type: Dinghy

Was this boat built to be sailed by youth or adults? Both

Approximately how many class members do you have? 30

Photo Credit:

Photo Credit: One van der Wal / melges.com

About National Class A Scow Association

The 38 foot Class A Scow was the first scow designed and built by J.O. Johnson of Johnson Boat Works in 1895 in White Bear Lake, Minnesota USA. The boats were originally built of wood, but transitioned to fiberglass hulls in the 1980’s. Carbon fiber spars, foil-shaped rudders and transition to an asymmetrical spinnaker with bow sprit was completed in the late 1990’s.

The boat has dual rudders and dual bilgeboards (no fixed keel) and therefore requires a crew of six or seven to keep her upright in a blow. The A Scow is now built in Zenda, WI by Melges Performance Sailboats – the fastest and largest of the Melges Scow family. With over a century of heritage, delivering a combination of raw power, speed and performance unmatched in one-design sailing the A Scow is a true classic. A full length feature film documentary called “The Ultimate Ride” was released in 2006. Gary Jobson remarked on the class in this article: https://www.sailingworld.com/racing/ultimate-ride-indeed/

Boats Produced: Records are sketchy, but there have been several dozen built over over the past 125 years. There are probably 40-50 active boats with most of them racing at this time.

Class boat builder(s):

Melges Performance Sailboats P.O. Box 1 N598 Zenda Road Zenda, Wisconsin 53195 USA

Phone +1 262 275 1110 Fax +1 262 275 8012

Email [email protected]

Approximately how many boats are in the USA/North America? Almost all the boats are in North America. There are perhaps 3 in Europe and 1 in Australia that we have heard of.

Where is your One-Design class typically sailed in the USA? List regions of the country:

Typically in the upper Midwest of the USA (Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan) but races have been held in the east and in Texas.

Does this class have a spinnaker or gennaker? Yes

How many people sail as a crew including the helm?  6 or 7

Ideal combined weight of range of crew:  1100 – 1500 lbs

Boat Designed in  1895

Length (feet/inches): 38′ (11.582 m)

Beam: 8’3″ (2.515 m)

Weight of rigged boat without sails: 1,850 lbs (839.146 kg)

Draft: ~6′ with bilgeboard fully extended

Mast Height: 40′

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The 4 Classes of Boats: A Complete Overview

Have you ever wondered what class your boat was in? Or what class was the best for you to purchase? There are four different classes of boats, which are [primarily] broken down by the vessel length.  

The class of boat you own and operate will determine the federal and state laws, racing regulations, and safety guidelines you must adhere to. 

Let’s explore the four classes of boats and their characteristics. 

Understanding Boat Classes

The differences between some boat classes may seem subtle (just a few feet ). However, there is more to boat classification than just length. We’ll examine the variety of boat classes, from Class A to Class 3, and their respective safety requirements.

Class A Boats: Under 16 Feet

Class A boats, such as dinghy boats, are the smallest vessels , measuring less than 16 feet long. 

These boats are ideal for calm waters and are often used for relaxed sailing and fishing ventures. 

When it comes to safety requirements, all vessels under 16 feet, including jet boats, must carry personal flotation devices and a distress signal. A boat needs a fire extinguisher if it has an enclosed engine, living space, or a permanent fuel tank. 

For canoes and kayaks under 16 feet, a whistle or horn is recommended as a sound device.

Class 1 Boats: 16-Less Than 26 Feet

All Class 1 boats measure between 16 and less than 26 feet in length . The Class 1 boats are suitable for both inland and coastal waters and are often used for sports fishing and relaxed cruising. 

The Class 1 boat is a popular size for a first boat because of its overall pricing, maneuverability, and versatility. 

Safety requirements for Class 1 boats include ventilation that complies with Coast Guard standards for enclosed engines. A backfire flame arrestor is also required.

Class 2 Boats: 26- Less Than 40 Feet

Class 2 boats are larger vessels, spanning between 26 and 40 feet in length . 

As for safety requirements, life jackets or other personal flotation devices, such as Type I, II, III, or V flotation devices , must be available for every passenger. 

A throwable Type IV device is also a necessity.

Additionally, boats in this class must possess a 5” x 8” Oil Discharge placard and a 4” x 9” Waste Discharge placard to comply with pollution regulations.

Class 3 Boats: 40- Less Than 65 Feet

The largest category, Class 3 boats, vary in size from 40 to 65 feet in length. 

Safety equipment requirements demand that Class 3 boats owners have the following onboard: a Type II or Type III marine sanitation device , a horn or whistle, and three-day use and three-night-use signals.  

Class 3 boats must have either one B-II extinguisher and one B-I extinguisher or three B-I extinguishers.

Additionally, one Type I, II, III, or V PFD ( Personal Flotation Devices ) must be present for every passenger on board, along with one Type IV throwable device. 

Boats in this class must also possess pollution regulation placards.

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Boat Class vs. Boat Types 

“Boat class” refers to the subcategories divided according to specific characteristics or racing criteria.

In contrast, the term “boat type” describes the particular design and purpose of a boat, often indicating its intended use or style. 

Your level of experience and the intended use of the boat should inform the boat class you choose. You’ll also want to approach your decision on boat type with a similar thoughtfulness. With boat type, you can choose between small boats , sailboats , fishing boats , and even watersport boats well suited for lakes .

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Types of boats .

Knowing the purpose of a boat and its specific features can help you make an informed decision when selecting the right vessel for your needs. 

Fishing Boats

Fishing boats come in various sizes and classes. From small dinghies and jon boats for calm inland waters to large trawlers and center console boats for offshore fishing

Depending on the class of fishing boat you purchase, safety requirements will vary. 

Man-powered boats such as canoes and kayaks are exempt from requiring a fire extinguisher. Other factors to consider when choosing a fishing boat include its capacity and the type of fishing you plan to engage in.

Some fishing boats can also have features that make them comfortable to carry passengers from one location to another, like seats with cushions that can fold up when not fishing. Smaller fishing boats do well in shallow waters, but bigger boats usually need 3-4 feet of water depth to work well. 

Recreational Boats

Recreational boats include a wide range of vessels designed for leisure activities such as cruising, sailing, and entertaining. 

Some popular recreational boats are runabout boats, towboats, fishing boats, sailboats, cabin cruisers, and pontoon boats. 

These boats are designed to provide space for sitting, working, fishing, or lounging, depending on the specific type. 

Look for additional features like swim platforms and GPS navigation to enjoy your days out on a recreational boat. 

Watersports Boats

Watersports boats are designed specifically for activities like wakeboarding, waterskiing, and tubing. 

These boats typically feature specialized hull forms, propulsion systems, wake shaping control systems, and onboard wake enhancement technology to optimize the experience for water sports enthusiasts.

High-performance boats like watersports boats often include ski boats, inboard ski boats, and jet boats. 

Selecting the Right Boat for Your Needs

In addition to analyzing the type and class of boat you may be interested in, consider your skills as a boater and the situations you expect to encounter on your boat. 

Beginner-Friendly Boats

Beginner-friendly boats are noted for their stability, ease of handling, and suitability for beginners learning to operate and steer a boat.

For those new to boating, some beginner-friendly boats are:

• All-purpose fishing boats
• Aluminum fishing boats
• Pontoon boats, including a pontoon boat designed for fishing

Boats for Inland Waters

Inland water boats are designed to navigate lakes , rivers, and other tranquil inland waterways. They are typically smaller and suitable for fishing, cruising, and entertaining in sheltered coastal areas.

Boats for inland waters include:

• Pontoon boats
• Freshwater fishing boats

Boats for Offshore Adventures

Larger offshore adventure boats are designed for serious offshore fishermen or families looking for coastal and offshore fishing, diving, and traveling experiences. 

If you are looking for an offshore adventure, the following types of boats may suit your needs: 

• Ocean-going vessels 
• Trawler boats
• Sailboats 
• Motorsailers
• Game fisher boats
• Expedition yachts
• Motor yacht boats 
• Mega yachts  

Though referring to your vessel according to its classification isn’t common in the boating world, being aware of your preferred boat class and type will help guide purchase decisions and ensure you meet safety requirements. 

Deciding between the different boat classes will be difficult, but deciding where to store your boat once you’ve bought it shouldn’t be. With Neighbor—a peer-to-peer storage marketplace – you can find the ideal space to store your new watercraft while not using it. Safety, proximity, and affordability are the strong points that Neighbor can offer. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 classes of boats.

The four classes of boats are Class A (under 16 feet) , Class 1 (16 to less than 26 feet) , Class 2 (26 to less than 40 feet) , and Class 3 (40 to less than 65 feet).  

What Is the Difference Between Class A, Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Boats?

Class I vessels range from 16 to 26 feet in length, Class II vessels range from 26 to 40 feet in length, and Class III vessels range from 40 to 65 feet in length, so there is a clear difference in size between the classes of boats.

What is a Class C Boat?

A Class C boat typically refers to a specific category of recreational vehicle classification for inshore boating. Class C boats can operate in large bays and lakes with winds to Force 6 up to 27 knots. 

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What are the Different Classes of Boats?

Classes of boats and types of boats are two different things. Every type of boat fits into one of four classes of boats. While a type of boat can vary significantly in appearance and function, class is easy to understand. Boat classes are all determined by the overall length of the vessel.

The class of a boat is significant for you as a boat owner. Boats classes are required to meet certain safety guidelines based on those classes. The size of your boat determines what you need to keep on board. Let’s take a look at the different classes of boats. We’ll also get into different types of boats and see where they fit in terms of class.

Class A Boats

Any boat that clocks in at under 16 feet in length. That means it could be:

• a fishing boat
• A personal watercraft
• An inflatable boat

Recreational boats that are less than 16 feet in length are not required to carry any day signals on board. That said, there are safety requirements. These are regulated by the US Coast Guard. It’s also worth noting that these regulations are slightly different for canoes and kayaks.

Canoes/Kayaks Under 16 Feet

For these vessels, a Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device must be available for every person on board. These need to be US Coast Guard approved flotation devices. They need to be the right size and wearable by the person who plans to wear them as well. If the person is not wearing it, it needs to be someplace they can reach it easily. We recommend anyone on a boat of this size keep their flotation device on at all times. The minimum requirement is that one be available and easy to reach. In an emergency, you can save yourself precious time by having it on already. This is especially true for children on boats.

Visual distress signals are required on the vessel if it’s being operated at night. Your night signal has to be made within the last 42 months as well.

Sound devices are required as well. A whistle is recommended but a horn will work also.

Other Boats Under 16 Feet

All boats under 16 feet require the same personal flotation devices. The rules for a kayak or canoe apply here as well. One for everyone on board that is accessible and wearable. A distress signal is also required for these boats. Sound signals are the same as for kayaks and canoes as well.

There are additional requirements for these kinds of boats if they meet certain conditions.

A B-1 fire extinguisher of any type must be on board any vessel under 16 feet besides a canoe or kayak. That is, if it has an enclosed engine, enclosed living space, or a permanent fuel tank.

A type I, II, or III Marine Sanitation device is required if the vessel has an installed toilet.

A backfire flame arrestor is required if the vessel has a gasoline-powered engine. The exception is if it is an outboard motor.

Enclosed engines must also have ventilation that meets Coast Guard standards.

Class I Boats

Boats that are between 16 feet and 26 feet fall under this classification. Any number of boats could fall into this class.

• Smaller deck boats
• Cuddy cabin boats
• Pontoon boats
• Aluminum fishing boats
• Wakeboard boats

All Class I boats must have one personal flotation device of Type I, I, III or V per person on board. In addition, one throwable Type IV device is required to be on board. Often people overlook these on tow sports boats. They will only think of the person looking for a thrilling ride water skiing as the one who needs a PFD. The Coast Guard requires them for everyone, however.

A B-1 fire extinguisher of any type is also required to be on board. This is true, again, if the engine is enclosed. It’s not required for outboard motor boats. However, as before, if there is an enclosed living space or permanent fuel tank, then you do need a fire extinguisher.

This size of boat requires specific distress signals. You need a minimum of three day use and night use flares. You can also have a non-flare substitute for day use in the form of an orange distress flag. A Non-pyrotechnic substitute for night use is an electric SOS light. Flares must have been made within the last 42 months.

A horn or whistle is needed as a sound signal.

Class II Boats

Class II boats are any vessel that span 26 feet to 40 feet. This can include

• Cabin cruisers
• Bowrider boats
• Trawler boats
• Runabout boats

These boats meet the same requirements for PFDs as Class I boats. That means every single passenger on board needs to have access to their own life jacket or other PFD. The acceptable types are Type I, II, III and V. And again a throwable Type IV is also required. These recreational boats can easily hold over one dozen people. Even if you’re freshwater fishing in shallow waters, these requirements must be met.

At this size, either one B-II fire extinguisher or two B-Is are needed. Remember, marine plywood isn’t able to stand up to fire well at all. The extra extinguishers could be a lifesaver at this size of a boat. Nothing ruins some relaxed cruising faster than a boat fire.

Visual distress signals on this kind of boat are the same as those for Class I boats. That means three day use and three night use. Three combination day and night use signals are also acceptable. These are essential for any overnight trips on the boat. Even high performance boats can run into troubles in the dark. Make sure any signal flares have been manufactured within the last 42 months.

Sound devices must be present as with lower boat classes.

Enclosed engines must also have ventilation that meets Coast Guard standards

This class of boat is also required to have pollution regulation placards. Your boat will need a 5″ x 8″ Oil Discharge placard and 4″ x 9″ Waste Discharge placard.

Class III Boats

These boats range from 40 feet to no more than 65 feet in length. This can include

• Cigarette boats
• Sport fishers

These are the largest class of boat available to typical boat owners. For these, the same flotation device standards apply as they did for Class II. That means one PFD of Class I, II, III or V is required for every passenger on board. Since different types of boats can carry passengers in greater numbers, this needs to be respected. Make sure every single person knows where the PFD is and how to wear it. Each person must have one that fits properly.

In terms of fire extinguishers, the rules change again with Class III boats. You will need one B-II extinguisher and one B-I extinguisher on board. Alternatively, you could have three B-I extinguishers handy.

Visual distress signals and sound signals are the same as the requirements for smaller class boats. That means three day use and three night use signals. An orange signal flag may substitute one of the day use flares, and an electric SOS light can substitute for one of the night use. A horn or whistle is also required.

This class of boat is also required to have pollution regulation placards. Your boat will need a 5″ x 8″ Oil Discharge placard and 4″ x 9″ Waste Discharge placard. If the vessel has a galley then it must also have a waste management plan.

At this length, the boat must also have the Inland Navigation Rules on board. This is the “Rules of the Road” that govern boating.

Boats Over 65 Feet

Some yachts and things like a ferry boat can easily be over 65 feet. These no longer qualify as subject to small boat regulations. Typically no one is going to own a personal watercraft of this size. The Coast Guard does have regulations in place if you are on a large vessel such as this, however. These apply to vessels from 65 feet up to 165 feet. After that, vessels are typically considered research, commercial, or military.

The rules regarding flotation devices remain static here. One Type I, II, III or V PFD for every passenger on board. In addition, one Type IV throwable device. It’s worth noting there that the “Type” system will not be around forever. The Newton system is slowly being phased on. Newtons measure pounds of force and help indicate how much a PFD can keep afloat. This buoyancy rating in Newtons has been in place since 2019. The transfer is going slowly to allow people time to adjust. Most PFDs you purchase now will explain buoyancy in Newtons.

For instance, a Type II flotation device is equivalent to a current PFD that is rated for 70 Newtons. This device should be able to keep most people floating face up in the water. Type III devices will be replaced with 70 Newton rated PFDs that do not turn you face up. Each device has a Newton rating plus icons. These explain how much weight the PFD is meant to keep you afloat and how it floats you. In several years time, all PFDs will follow these guidelines. That said, old PFDs are still perfectly legal and usable.

For fire extinguishers, weight becomes a factor at this size. Vessels that weigh up to 50 gross tons need one B-II extinguisher. Over 50 gross tons requires two B-II extinguishers on board.

Visual and sound signals are the same for the previous class of vessels. This class does have a variation in sanitation requirements, however. A Type II or Type III marine sanitation device is required for this size of a vessel.

Additional requirements are the same as for the previous class. This includes sanitation and ventilation. The backfire flame arrestor must meet the same requirements as well. A copy of the inland navigation rules must also be on board the boat at all times, also.

What Class are Fishing Boats?

There are dozens and dozens of kinds of boats in the world. You have banana boats, log boats, bass boats and so many more. That’s why the class system is broken down by length. It makes it much easier to categorize a boat in these simple terms rather than trying to manage each type individually.

As a result, something like a fishing boat does not necessarily fit into one class. Your fishing boat could easily fit into literally any one of these classes. Remember, a fishing boat is not even technically a specific kind of boat. A fishing boat is just a boat from which you go fishing. A pontoon boat or some high performance boat could be a fishing boat. An inflatable dinghy could be a fishing boat. There is no standard for that particular description of a boat.

Does a Fishing Boat Need All The Same Safety Gear?

Some people question the application of safety standards. A Class I boat that only has one person on board seems different than one with ten people on board. But the rules are adaptable. If you are the only passenger on the boat then you only need one flotation device. You only need the fire extinguisher if your boat meets the requirements for it. That means something other than an outboard motor.

Man powered boats do not require the same level of safety and concern that power boats do. That’s why canoes and kayaks are exempt from requiring a fire extinguisher. After all, what would be the point? But just because your boat doesn’t have a swim platform or whatever doesn’t matter. Smaller boats or bigger boats all have the same potential to get into trouble. These rules are meant to help prevent that as much as possible. What About Pontoon Boats and Deck Boats?

No matter what kind of boat you’re on, the Coast Guard requirements apply evenly. Again, this can sometimes seem unnecessary. Something like a ski boat may seem more dangerous than cruising around on a deck boat. If you’re just relaxing on inland waters trying to catch largemouth bass, it can seem like overkill. But these measures are designed to ensure safety. In fact, these are the minimum requirements that the Coast Guard has implemented.

Some boaters prefer to have additional measures in place. For instance, as we said above, we recommend wearing a PFD at all times. This is not specifically required, only that the PFD be wearable and accessible. We feel that, the more people on board a boat, the more important it is to make sure everyone is wearing a PFD. This can cut down on wasted time and confusion if an accident happens later. If everyone scrambles for a PFD at the same time, a bad situation could easily become worse.

The Bottom Line

Boat classification has no effect on how you enjoy your boat. It also doesn’t change what you are allowed to do on your boat. The only purpose of classifications is to account for safety on board. Larger boats need to take more care in keeping the boat and passengers safe. Understanding the requirement is key to ensuring the safety of everyone on the water. Make sure you know the full dimensions of any boat you plan to take out onto the water. Once you are aware, you should always do a pre-departure check of the boat.

It’s important to know if you have all the safety gear every time you head out. Make sure the personal flotation devices are all in good working order. Check the date on all flares or visual signals to make sure they meet requirements. Also, check the date on your fire extinguishers before heading out as well. Old gear should be replaced immediately. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Keep yourself and your passengers safe and you’ll be having a great time on the water.

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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