Virginia Safe Boating Course

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Index

CHAPTER 1: The Boat

1.1 BOAT TERMINOLOGY

Specific terms are used to describe the various parts of a boat. Each end and side of the boat, its length and width, and its accessories have specific terms. Every boater should be familiar with the following terms before operating a boat.

1.2 BOAT LENGTHS

Boats are identified in classes by length. Federal and state laws require certain equipment aboard boats, depending on the class or length of the boat.

A boat's length is measured along its centerline from the outside of the bow to the outside of the stern. This measurement does not include any attachments, such as swim platforms or wakeboard towers or outboard engines.

Class A: Less than 16 ft.

Class 1: Between 16 and 26 ft.

Class 2: Between 26 and 40 ft.

Class 3: Between 40 and 65 ft.

1.3 BOAT HULL DESIGNS AND USES

Boat bottoms or "hulls" come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Each hull type is designed to either displace or plane through the water. Sailboats and large cruise ships use displacement hulls because the combination of their size (weight) and power they will not allow them to plane. On the other hand, smaller powerboats are typically built with planing hulls that are designed to rise up and ride on top of the water at higher speeds than displacement hull boats.

1.3.1 HULL TYPES

FLAT BOTTOM

Flat bottom boats are great for fishing. They are generally designed for slow speeds and calm water.

ROUND BOTTOM

Round bottom boats, such as canoes, move smoothly through the water with little effort. Boaters must be cautious when loading, entering and exiting a round bottom boat. Due to the hull design, these boats roll very easily.

DEEP-V HULL

The Deep-V hull is the most common hull type for powerboats. These boats move through rough water at higher speeds and give a smoother ride than flat bottom or round bottom boats. They also require larger engines than flat bottom or round bottom boats.

MULTI-HULL

Multi-hull boats are the most stable of the hull types. These boats require plenty of room to steer and turn. Catamarans and pontoon boats use the multi-hull design.

1.3.2 ENGINE TYPES

OUTBOARD

Outboard engines are mounted on the transom of the boat. The steering of outboards can be controlled by a hand tiller or a steering wheel, which moves the entire engine when steering is adjusted.

In the past outboards were typically two-stroke engines, but manufacturers have since switched to four-stroke engines. Two-stroke engines require oil to be mixed with gasoline to lubricate the engine and four-stroke engines require the oil and gasoline to be separate. Four-stroke engines, in addition to running quieter and smoother, are more environmentally friendly as the exhaust they emit is virtually smokeless compared to two-strokes.

Inboard

Inboard engines are typically four-stroke automotive engines that are modified for use on the water. An inboard engine is mounted inside the hull of the boat and powers the driveshaft, through the boat bottom, which is connected to a propeller. Steering is controlled by a rudder, positioned either directly behind or to the side of the propeller.

Stern Drives

Sterndrives are sometimes called inboard/outboards (I/O) because they have features found on both inboard and outboard engines. Similar to inboards, sterndrives use four-stroke automotive engines that are modified for use on the water. Sterndrive engines are mounted inside the boat through the transom, and power the drive train, which is connected to the propeller. Similar to outboards, the sterndrive moves when the steering wheel is adjusted.

1.4 BOAT CAPACITIES

Be aware of the small-vessel regulations pertaining to engine power and load capacity. Federal law mandates that boats of less than 20 feet in length must have a capacity plate in the steering or helm area. As a boat owner or operator, you should know the recommended gross load capacity that can be safely carried in the hull concerned:

It includes the total weight of persons, equipment, stores, fuel, engine assembly and steering controls.
It is indicated with the "equivalent number of adult persons."
It is indicated on a capacity plate, which, when fitted, is permanently attached to the pleasure craft.

THE CAPACITY PLATE ALSO INDICATES THE "RECOMMENDED SAFE LIMITS OF ENGINE POWER" FOR THE HULL CONCERNED. IT MAY NEVER BE EXCEEDED. THIS CALCULATION IS BASED ON THE RECOMMENDED GROSS LOAD CAPACITY FOR OUTBOARD POWERED BOATS ONLY.

1.4.1 OVERLOADING OR OVER-POWERING

An overloaded boat or over-powered boat can be extremely dangerous. An over-powered boat may cause the stern to sit lower in the water, making the vessel susceptible to being swamped by its own wake or that of a passing boat. Similarly, too much weight in the stern or the bow will make the vessel prone to swamping. Additionally, it is important to spread the load evenly throughout the vessel. Too much weight on either side will make the vessel less stable and more apt to capsize. Take extreme caution in loading your vessel properly.

BEWARE OF BAD WEATHER! TAKE MUCH LIGHTER LOADS IN POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS TO ENSURE BOAT STABILITY.

1.4.2 SAFE LOADING GUIDELINES (FOR SMALL BOATS)

To determine the maximum horsepower capacity for small, flat-bottomed boats, multiply the boat length (ft.) by the transom width (ft.) and compare the resulting value to the following chart:

EXAMPLE
BOAT LENGTH = 12 FT.
BOAT WIDTH = 4FT.
12 FT. X 4 FT. = 48
MAX HP OF 15

LENGTH X WIDTH =	MAX HP
35 FT OR LESS	3
36 - 39 FT	5.5
40 - 42 FT	7.5
43 - 45 FT	10
46 - 52 FT	15

1.4.3 PERSON CAPACITY

Manufacturers take a number of variables into account when determining the maximum person capacity for a boat (which is displayed on the capacity plate). The maximum person capacity is a guideline. Keep in mind that most manufacturers assume an average weight per person of 150 lb. If you have passengers over 150 lb., you should adjust the maximum person capacity accordingly.

1.5 HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (HIN)

All pleasure craft manufactured since 1972 are permanently marked with a Hull Identification Number (HIN), which is the 12-character serial number of your vessel. To identify your vessel, HINs are marked at the stern on the starboard (right) side, or as close to that area as possible. You must NOT deface or alter the HIN.

THE HIN INDICATES THE BOAT'S

Manufacturer
Serial number
Month and year of production

1.6 BOAT REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

1.6.1 BOAT REGISTRATION AND NUMBERING

All powered boats must be registered. Some other boats must be registered as well.

FEDERALLY DOCUMENTED VESSELS

Large recreational boats can be federally registered with the U.S. Coast Guard.

RECIPROCITY REGULATIONS

All states allow boats registered in another state to operate on state waters for a period of time. Eventually, owners must transfer boat registration to the state of principal use.

1.6.2 VIRGINIA REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND INLAND FISHERIES (DGIF)

The DGIF is responsible for regulating the state boating laws in Virginia.

1.6.2.1 REGISTRATION/TITLING

All boats propelled by machinery, including gasoline, diesel and electric motors regardless of whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion, and principally operated on Virginia waters must be registered and issued a Virginia Certificate of Number (Registration) by the DGIF.

Exemptions for boat registration include:

Vessels currently registered in another state and not kept in Virginia for more than 90 consecutive days
Canoes and other manually or sail powered vessels
Vessels used only on private waters

In addition, all motorized vessels requiring registration must be issued a Certificate of Title before they can legally be operated on Virginia's waterways. This also applies to any sail-powered vessel in excess of 18 feet in length even if they do not have a motor.

Watercraft documented by the United States Coast Guard cannot be titled, however the owner of a documented watercraft may apply to DGIF for a state registration decal.

If a boat has been previously registered in Virginia, the new owner may operate the vessel for thirty days from the date of purchase with a dated bill of sale and the valid Certificate of Number of the former owner.

Title, registration, and license plates for your watercraft trailer are purchased through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

1.6.2.2 CERTIFICATE OF OWNERSHIP

Boat owners must keep their Certificate of Ownership in a safe place.

NOTE On the reverse of the Certificate of Ownership there is an application for the transfer of ownership.

1.6.2.3 CERTIFICATE OF NUMBER

Once in receipt of the application and required fees, the DGIF will issue a title, which is proof of ownership, and a Virginia Certificate of Number. This pocket-sized Certificate of Number is your registration card. Upon receipt of the Certificate of Number please note the following:

It must be signed and carried onboard when operating the vessel.
It is valid for three years and must be renewed at the end of the third year.

The number issued to a boat appears on the certificate and is to be displayed on each side of the forward half of the vessel.

Decals are furnished with each Certificate of Number and indicate the month and year of expiration and the registration number assigned to your vessel. The decal must be displayed within 6 inches of the registration number on the boat for which they were issued. Only the current decal may be visible.

1.6.2.4 REGISTRATION FEES

REGISTRATION FEES
Registration of watercraft less than 16 feet length	$27
Registration of watercraft 16 to less than 20 feet length	$31
Registration of watercraft 20 to less than 40 feet length	$37
Registration of watercraft 40 feet length and longer	$45
Livery of up to 10 watercraft	$27
Livery of more than 10 watercraft	$21

Successful registration results in a certificate of number, physical boat numbers and a decal. Your registration MUST be kept on board the vessel at all times. (It is advisable to keep the registration in a dry-bag on board.) Boat numbers must:

Be affixed on both sides of the bow;
Be block letters, three inches high and contrasting with the color of your boat;
Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or a hyphen.

For example: VA 1234 BX or VA-1234-BX. This is a federal and state requirement.

Lack of the correct documentation can result in delays and fines.

Make sure all boats are properly marked and documented. It is important to keep your papers with the boat – be particularly aware when transferring ownership of your vessel.