How Old do you have to be to drive a boat?

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06-20-2003, 11:01 AM

#11

WARPAINT

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R A, i believe you have to be 14 with a safe boating course for Maryland but dont quote me on it...it may be 16.

06-20-2003, 11:11 AM

#12

mr_velocity

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Legally, depends on the state. My son started driving/throttling the whaler at 2 1/2, I have the pic to prove it. Now at 8 he drives the Whaler, Proline and Velocity. He is also able to get the Whaler and Velocity on and off the lift solo.

06-20-2003, 11:11 AM

#13

HyperBaja

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Ohio-12 with course.

I love it being that low...Took the boat out alone years before I could legally drive a car...

06-20-2003, 11:19 AM

#14

Macklin

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Quote:

Originally posted by cigracer28/38
I started driving boats when I was around 6-7 with dad in the boat and docking, obviously. I was hooked and never stopped. When I was 12 my dad bought a 311 Formula and gave me the F-206 Formula to drive. I could go out by myself the first summer but I wasn't allowed to leave his sight. After earning the responsibility that year, I was free to run!

Same here.....except for the Formula.

When dad thought I had enough experience in the little boat he let me take out the big boat! Circa 1960 16' Barbour with a 40 Johnson. Man was it cool driving with a steering wheel and throttle!

Proper instruction from a young age makes you a MUCH better captain later in life.

Last edited by Macklin; 06-20-2003 at 11:22 AM.

06-20-2003, 11:21 AM

#15

BradH

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I could take the boat out at 14, two years before I could drive. Made the transition into the car a lot easier. Now 17 and thankful for every minute of it.

06-20-2003, 11:28 AM

#16

dockrocker

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Join Date: May 2002

Location: Deeee-troit!