I just read that if you use a float tube on the waters of Ohio and it has more that one chamber that infates it must be regastered. I'm going to call the ODNR ,but has anyone else heard of any other state with these rules
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[cool][#0000ff]I have never heard of any similar ruling. Wierd.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are states or waters that require MORE than one air chamber to be legal.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In most states the only requirement for registration is if you add a motor.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Let us know what you find out. More and more quality float tubes are being made with two or more air chambers. It would seem that the state would recognize the safety factor and not penalize it.[/#0000ff]
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I just spoke with the ODNR and the law reads. If your float tube has two or more chambers for inflation,registration is mandtory. So with that being said is the regular Fat cat the only high end tube that doesnt need registration in Ohio ???????????? Thoughts???
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[cool][#0000ff]Sounds like the Fat Cat is the way to go...if you don't want to get caught in the foolish laws.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If it's any consolation, I have been fishing from Fat Cats for quite a few years and the single air chamber has never created a safety concern for me. I have heard of Fat Catters getting spine holes and having to head for shore...happened to me...but never sinking before reaching safety.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If there are any float tube clubs in the area you should get together and "educate" the lawmakers on the inherant safety of tubes...and the foolishness of having to register the safer craft.
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[#0000ff]There are still some states and some waters that restrict float tubes (water toys) to buoyed off swimming areas...but you can't use hooks. Lots of stupidity amongst the lawmakers.
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The exact wording is important in defining a float tube; from what you write even air mattresses might require registration maybe it doesn't say "pontoon" or you can label your toon/tube as an air mattress. How much does registration cost, do you need numbers and marker lights, etc.?? The state has been talking about kayak registration in TX but powerful lobbies have kept it away...If CA finds out about this and they copy, fees will go higher than the cost of most tubes![shocked]
Pon
[quote kokomoslow]I just spoke with the ODNR and the law reads. If your float tube has two or more chambers for inflation,registration is mandtory. So with that being said is the regular Fat cat the only high end tube that doesnt need registration in Ohio ???????????? Thoughts???[/quote]
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Is there an up to date list of states and regs. for traveling tubers???? My wife and I are planning a trip around this here United States befoe we have to go to the big lake in the sky. And a tube would fit real nice in the trailer.
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Pon, You have a good point there. Air mattresses. Pull behind water ski tubes. A child with floaties ???? The list could go on and on. I will try to find out the local float tube club if we have one and get them on this. Still I'm sure it could be contested in a court of law if it ever went that far
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[quote kokomoslow]Is there an up to date list of states and regs. for traveling tubers???? My wife and I are planning a trip around this here United States befoe we have to go to the big lake in the sky. And a tube would fit real nice in the trailer.[/quote]
[cool][#0000ff]There is no such list that I know of. Heck, it is tough enough to get a clear answer to any questions even in your state of residence. If you talk to ten people you can get 10 different opinions.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The good news / bad news part of float tubing is that it is still not widely understood or accepted as being a serious fishing system. Therefore nobody takes us seriously and nobody cares enough to put time and effort into making sure the regulations are realistic and fair to all concerned. Too often they try to lump tubes and toons in with boats...or toys.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The best I can suggest is to make a list of the states you intend to visit and do as much searching as possible online before you go. That research might also include some calls to prominent tackle suppliers in the area...especially if they sell tubes or toons.[/#0000ff]
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Thanks td That is what I was going to do. I just might take on that list in my spare time. You know one or two states a day, who knows... Sure wish it was spring.
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Have not seen a side by side comparison of state regs, but many Western states require an orange seat marker and PFD to be worn? Now if you are just drift tubing, rafting, or kayaking, I don't think it applies, go figure. Most states will recognize out of state registrations for 30 days or so. So I can pay a relatively low registration fee in TX, and use my motorized float tube registration tags when flying to CA, saving hundreds of dollars. This mutual registration is almost always true for neighboring states as a minimum.
Another way around the Ohio 2 bladder law would be a hard plastic pontoon like Hobie makes (there are also other brands). No solid styrofoam vessels allowed in some places in TX and CA, though.
Pon
[quote kokomoslow]Is there an up to date list of states and regs. for traveling tubers???? My wife and I are planning a trip around this here United States befoe we have to go to the big lake in the sky. And a tube would fit real nice in the trailer.[/quote]
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I've heard of this supposed "law" here in Ohio as well.
All I know is that one of the guys I fish with also is a close friend of the local game warden and he's never mentioned it. I'm going to have to get him to find out what the ruling is. I know none of the guys I fish with pay any attention to it. I missed a trip a year ago where they were all checked for fishing license and their fish were checked as well but nothing was ever said about their tubes and if they needed to be registered.
It is interesting though. I'll have to see what I can find out.
I would guess that if I got asked for my tube registration...........I would probable pay whatever fine I had to pay after I could finally stop laughing and could get my butt up off the ground. LOL
Boz
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Ohio Boat Operator's Guide: A Summary of Laws and Rules[/url]
Recent Law Updates (2011)Float Tubes and Paddleboards Are Vessels.
The US Coast Guard has determined that float tubes (aka "belly boats") are vessels and are required to have a Hull Identification Number (HIN). Thus float tubes must be registered under Ohio law. EXCEPTION: Float tubes with one air cell are not considered to be vessels, so they cannot be registered in Ohio.
I'm still laughing about this..........Whoever cam up with this is messed up from the neck up. LOL
Boz
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[sly] well this is definately a first. Recognizing that it is a craft and needs to be registered. Crazy!!! [crazy]
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If you are going to register your tube then I would at least put a motor on it and make it worth your while. Crazy law!!! Do they make you register row boats there too?
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This is not good at all. If the Coast Guard is the one who has said they must be registered, then just about all states will require this.
Stupid!
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I have been on the phone to ten different states this morning. I'm trying to get all the laws from them about tube registration. So far most don't need to have them reg. unless there is a motor attached.
I should have the list done in the next week or so. I did fail to ask about orange patches or other safety items. Most said that we should wear PFD's The great state of Illinois said that if it said it was a toy on the box it didn't need a reg. I was waiting for the westren part of the world to wake up to call them. More later kokomoslow
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Hi, koko:
That information will be useful to me also when you finish, THANKS.
One more thing is DECONTAMINATION procedures for tubes is required in some states. Where the station is, and how long it takes and cost might be informative....
Pon
[quote kokomoslow]I have been on the phone to ten different states this morning. I'm trying to get all the laws from them about tube registration. So far most don't need to have them reg. unless there is a motor attached.
I should have the list done in the next week or so. I did fail to ask about orange patches or other safety items. Most said that we should wear PFD's The great state of Illinois said that if it said it was a toy on the box it didn't need a reg. I was waiting for the westren part of the world to wake up to call them. More later kokomoslow[/quote]
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Tell me more about decontamination. I think the only reason in ohio would be zebra mussels in lake Erie. Please tell me more, as I plan to take a trip around the USA and Fish kokomoslow
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Here's an example, but it also applies to tubes as I understand :
http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive...t-of-utah/
A google search may turn up more info.
P.
[quote kokomoslow]Tell me more about decontamination. I think the only reason in ohio would be zebra mussels in lake Erie. Please tell me more, as I plan to take a trip around the USA and Fish kokomoslow[/quote]
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