Do we have to be seated in seats while boating or can we sit on the floor?

Question

I am looking at buying a used boat. It has two seats in it. but is big enough for more. I have two adults and two children that will go out in it. One seat is at the steering wheel, the other is attached behind it, like a back-to-back seat. there was another seat, but it is missing. I just dont know if they are necessary or not. Also does anyone know if boats need to be insured, like a car? We live in Ohio. And will probably be boating on lake erie.

Answer 1

when on a boat there are no laws that say passengers must be on a seat. you can effectively get as many people on the boat as you want before it starts to sink. however, this may be dangerous. you can use common sense to see how many people you can fit on it. people don't have to be sitting down. passengers can sit on the floor or carefully on the sides (depending what boat it is).

Answer 2

First contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary, because it sound you new to boating and they can help you know what you need for safe boating (It free)!

http://indianlake.com/coastguard.htm#ser...

The Coast Guard may even say you need a seat for every person, but, people can sit on the floor, it similar to a Canoe or Flat Bottom fishing boat, many sit on a cushion.

The seat you have is same as the seat that missing. They are mirror images of each other. If, you know a little about cutting exterior grade plywood and sewing you can use the seat you have as a pattern to make the other. Good Luck.

Answer 3

if its a motor boat, and originaly had only 4 seats, then, i would be very cautious of taking it anywhere but, straight from the mainland to the island, and if the wave are more then 2-3 ft. i wouldnt go, as individual waves can be twice the forcast.

Answer 4

You can buy replacement seats at any good boat store, like BoatUS.com or WestMarine.com etc. etc.  Check out Craigslist.com for boat parts and you can buy seats there too.  You don't need to have seats in a boat.  You can sit on the floor.  Not very comfortable, but safe. You should buy liability insurance for the boat, it's cheap.  If you don't buy the insurance, you will be responsible for any damage you do with the boat.   You sound like a new boater, so I recommend you take a boating safety course from your nearest Auxillary Coast Guard Unit.  They can teach you safety on the water.  Boating is fun but can be dangerous to the novice.  Get some help.  Good luck.

Answer 5

ill answer to the seat issue because i live in ct. yes you need to sit in a seat because it is very choppy in the water and if your sitting on the floor your gonna take a beating it will not be much fun when you have back issues

Answer 6

If you have small children make sure the sides of the boat are high enough so the children can't fall overboard> And sitting on the sole or deck ( floor )is OK just hard on your bottom from the pounding>All infants must have good quality that fit well like jackets>An always have an adult sitting behind them>

Answer 7

Be sure to have a fire ext., a throwable flotation device, a life jacket for all aboard, children under a certain age must wear a personal flotation device at all times....the missing seat is not a problem, go to a boat place and there are always old boats that have seats.....if you are going on such a large lake also buy one of those can air horns and some hand held flares...the weather can change in 5 minutes with devastating results....be safe and enjoy your boating

Answer 8

I presume you should be in seats and wear life jackets

at all times if mishap happens you might not have to grab for

life jackets,

and other questions you could contact the US coast guard

or the US coast guard auxiliary (they teach you safe boating instructions