Are These Seats Legal?

[Bryan]

I'm attaching a screenshot to reference the seat I mean... I don't know about anywhere else but the Missouri law book says that riding on bow, gunwales, transom, seat backs, raised decks, or anywhere that a person could easily fall overboard is illegal. I know people that have gotten tickets for laying on the engine hatches while underway... This boat happens to be a new mastercraft, but I've seen them on cruisers and pontoons too. Could a guy get a ticket for letting people sit in them? If so, how are boat manufacturers getting away with building these seating options

[chpthril]

They are lounge seats officially, but a great place to sit while passing a beer to the surfer

[Chads972150]

They are lounge seats officially, but a great place to sit while passing a beer to the surfer

hahaha thats awesome mike!!!

[MoneyPity]

Are these legal to ride in when boats is moving? At surf speeds not worried but at cruising speeds I don't know. These are becoming popular on many boat models not just inboards. I have seen them on FourWinns and other I/O models.

[Chad Montgomery]

Heck ya we all need someone to hand us a beer while surfing! I know here in Maryland it is illegal to sit in them while the boat is underway. Maybe some states don't have that law, just like some don't require an observer.

[Bryan]

I saw some on a cobalt the other day. I couldn't imagine sitting there with a lower unit churning away under me..

[infotom]

I was looking at them at my local boat show this year. The Mastercraft rep said they were in a lot of states because of the grab handles and the angle of how you were laid back in them...... Not sure if the Sheriff on the water will agree though. They are comfortable!

[Chad Montgomery]

I think a lot of the I/O manufacturers are doing this. Seems dangerous to me.

[Chad Montgomery]

I'd love to have those on a direct drive. I'd install four point seat belts, strap in a few friends and go do some power slides!

[ajnesbitt]

From Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regulations.

Water Skiing section (includes towing a person on a surfboard):
"Driver and passengers must not sit on deck, gunwales, or transom while boat is in motion."
Also in the list of examples of reckless operation:
"Riding on seatbacks, gunwales, transoms or pedestal seats while above idle speed."

[Dandy]

I am willing to bet that they are illegal to ride in while underway in most states. I know that in MN, it is illegal to be on the sunpad while underway, granted alot of surf schools have the coaches on the sunpad while coaching...not sure if being "commercial" is exempt or they just chance it. I think the true intent of these is to lounge in while hanging out...good spot for mama to look good while keeping an eye on the kiddos swimming. I would not trust what the rep said, I doubt the angle and grab handles make any sort of difference to the law.

[Booms]

I look at those seats and say no thank you. I would take storage over a rear facing seats.

[c_hotshot]

Much like "Dandy" and "ajnesbitt" mentioned - highly likely that local law enforcement will not interpret these as legal riding locations. Last year, I recieved a nice fine from my local law enforcement for having two buddies riding on the transom with feet on the swim platform as they were coaching a 14 yo kid. No music, no heavy traffic on lake. Cited for "reckless operation".

[Stingreye]

I look at those seats and say no thank you. I would take storage over a rear facing seats.

Me too, less ballast space too. Then again I don't spend a ton of time beached and hanging out on the swim platform.

[ChrisSnow]

Also the fumes wouldn't be great at low speeds!

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