Do you keep an oar in the boat?

[DrewFlu33]

Maybe so but this link listing minimum Coast Guard safety requirements indicates otherwise.

https://www.boatsafe.com/us-coast-gu...ational-boats/

Minnesota DNR makes no mention of oar/paddle requirement(s)

Minnesota Boating Guide 2023 (state.mn.us)

Who's going to write the ticket though?

I think there's a difference between how manufacturers need to consider those regs and how anglers/boaters need to think about them as they change in real time. It feels really similar to how manufacturers need to consider all states' laws, but boaters only need to consider them if they're boating in that state.

Or maybe I'm missing what you're saying here.? If you're telling me that the USCG doesn't require a paddle, then while that might be the case, that wasn't what I meant to get at with the previous post....and to be honest I really don't know--I have one because Ontario requires it. My response above was really just to comment about the interplay between USCG and state rules.

[TheBarBack]

Not at all

[yupitsme]

Not to be a smart A$$ here but how in the heck would you paddle a 20'+ bass boat.
Serious question.

Same way you'd paddle a pontoon boat in 20 mph cross wind!

[born to fish]

I have a paddle about 5 1/2 foot long. Use to push out from rocks or when it gets to shallow for trolling motor. It is out of the way but easy to get too.

[limitlong]

Yes, but I haven't needed to use it in years. The only time it comes in handy is if you run aground or need to push off a rocky bank in the wind.

[ACRon]

We are required to have a paddle by law. They have asked when I have been inspected.

[cubswin]

I do have one, was always a law here. Think I asked one time, and as long as you had a trolling motor you didn't need to have it, yet I still do. Can't say I've ever taken it out of the rod locker it is hidden in.

[Arley]

Yes and BoatUS

[yupitsme]

We are required to have a paddle by law. They have asked when I have been inspected.

If you get inspected again and are required to produce an oar - ask for the specific regulation that requires one... after showing them the oar of course. What lake were you on and what type of boat when you had to show a oar? That can for sure make a difference - especially in Calif. Boating rules and regulations, including the Coast Guard are classified in the following manner. Required safety equipment is designated on a per class specification.

Sailboats - powerboats(including personal watercraft) The focus is on powerboats.

Powerboats are classified in this manner:
less than 16' - Class A
Greater than 16' and less than 26' - Class 1
Greater than 26' and less than 40' - Class 2
Greater than 40' and less than 65' - Class 3

Soooo.... most bass boats will fall under the Class 1 classification. And.... if an oar is required for a 16'5" bass boat it is also required for a 25' power boat. Yeah... makes sense.

[secdawgs]

It’s law in GA

[Highcentered]

I think the wooden one that came with my boat is still in the rod box. Guess I could knock a water moccasin in the head with it if I had to...

[FrancoCialone]

By law you have to have one in Ontario, I have 2, if fishing with a couple of friends, I have a rule, Captain does not row !

[NEBASS78]

I keep an expandable oar in my boat compartment, safer to have it then not having it. It really doesn't take up much space, and it can be handy when I hook my lure in the tree limb.

[DaveBrabec]

USCG Doesn’t patrol our lakes. Delta and costal yes.Never saw anything that says a paddle is required. But have one on board.

[JER-1 BIG BASS]

I have paddle and a old extendable paint pole aluminum, I think goes out about 20 foot , big round
as golf ball, so it’s very stout. It’s my push pole in case I get stuck and need it.

[OldBassMan]

I have carried a canoe paddle in my boat for 50 years. It has pushed off stumps, got lures out of trees and a big cottonmouth on my back deck out of the boat. Didn't know how it got in or how long it was in the boat.

[pavi69]

We are in Ky. too.

No mention of oars under Required Equipment in KY
https://fw.ky.gov/fishboatguide/Page...aspx#Equipment

[fishnfireman]

Seems like it used to be a law in Texas. However it may have something to do with the boat length.
I like others carried one for many years until getting a boat inspection. After they didn't ask to see an oar I asked him (what about an oar) He replied I didn't need one with a trolling motor.

[Wayne P.]

I think "secondary means of propulsion" is the term that covers whether or not you need an oar/paddle. Typical bass boats have an outboard motor and a bow trolling motor=the bow trolling motor is the secondary means of propulsion.

[Rebel1]

I still carry one in my boat. I've had it for years and it just keeps getting transferred to the next new boat.