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Reply With QuoteGame wardens said I had to have a throwable seat cushion when I was fishing out of my 14ft boat. They always checked me for a seat cushion. I would ask a game warden to be sure!!!!!
Crappie.com 2K Star General
Do I need a throwable device on my 8' boat?
I always thought I needed a Type IV Throwable flotation device on my small 8' boat until I read this today on the VDGIF website:
I'm using an 8' Bass Baby plastic boat on electric only lakes. So it looks like I don't need one? Space is tight and I'd rather not if I can get away with it.In addition to the wearable life jacket, there must be at least one (1) USCG approved Type IV throwable (ring buoy or seat cushion), on vessels of 16 feet or greater. The regulation to carry a Type IV does not apply to (1) personal watercraft; (2) non-motorized canoes and kayaks of 16 feet or greater; (3) racing shells, rowing sculls, racing canoes, and racing kayaks; (4) sailboards; and (5) vessels of the United States used by foreign competitors while practicing for or racing in competition.
Crappie.com 3K Star General
Game wardens said I had to have a throwable seat cushion when I was fishing out of my 14ft boat. They always checked me for a seat cushion. I would ask a game warden to be sure!!!!!
Super Moderator - 2013 Man Of The Year
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Throwable devices are extra insurance for the "other person in the boat" who falls out of the boat & isn't wearing a life jacket. Cushions & rings are more easily thrown for greater distances & with more accuracy than a life jacket.
If you're the only person in a 8' boat ... who's going to throw you the "throwable device" ?? And since you're most likely wearing your life jacket (space saving move), the cushion/ring is redundant as far as "your" safety is concerned. The law says 16' OR GREATER boat length it's mandatory to have the throwable device ... which means it's not mandatory for boats of a lesser length. You're legal without the cushion
... cp
Crappie.com Legend
I am pretty sure that in Virginia you need to have a throwable. My jon boat is 14' and the game warden said that I had to have one.
Crappie Wall Hanger
had to talk my way outa a ticket 1 time cause I didn't have 1 in a 6' jon- don't know if he let me go outa kindness or if he knew he was wrong
My wife swears I only do enough surveying to support my hunting & fishing because I'm too busy hunting & fishing !
Crappie.com Legend
Reading that law looks to me like if you have a motorized boat, whether electric or gas, you need one. The ones not needing one are all paddle or wind driven rigs.
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I have one on my 14' jon boat. A few weeks ago, game wardens came to me on Western Branch. I had a very small tear near the seam and they said I did not need one on a boat that small, but if I had needed one that they would write me a ticket for the tear.
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Crappie.com Legend
Yes you need one.
Super Mod and 2014 Crappie.com Man of the Year
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According to VGDIF Equipment Regulations
You don't have to have one on your 8' boat.
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Bill H. PTC USN Ret
Chesapeake, Va
