Do you need a license to drive a boat in TN?
6 min read
Asked by: Erin Stevens
Do you need a Boating License in Tennessee? Tennessee law requires anyone born after January 1, 1989, to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.
What is required to operate a boat in Tennessee?
Individuals born after 1989 are required to complete a boater safety course to obtain a Boating Safety Education Certificate. This certificate is required to operate a boat in Tennessee powered by an engine of more than 8.5 horsepower.
How old do you have to be to drive a boat in TN?
12 years of age
Persons under 12 years of age may not operate a personal watercraft unless an adult is on board who can take immediate control of the boat. Persons who allow an under-aged operator to use a personal watercraft may be prosecuted in addition to, or in lieu of, the operator.
Can I get my TN boating license online?
Pay the one-time fee of $34.95 – free unlimited retries of the final exam. Study the Tennessee Boating Safety Course, and pass the final exam. Print off your Certificate of Completion immediately, and receive your permanent Tennessee Boater Education Card in the mail within 8-10 business days.
How much does it cost to license a boat in TN?
Boat Registration Fees Have First Increase In A Decade
| Size | 1 Year | 3 Years |
|---|---|---|
| 16 feet and under | $13 | $35 |
| Over 16 feet to less than 26 feet | $25 | $71 |
| 26 feet to less than 40 feet | $38 | $107 |
| 40 feet or more | $51 | $142 |
Do you need a license to drive a pontoon boat in TN?
Tennessee Boating Laws and Regulations
Those 12 years old or older operating alone must have a Boater Education Certificate issued by the TWRA.
Can you drink alcohol on a boat in TN?
Can You Drink Alcohol On A Boat In Tn? It is legal for passengers aged 21 and up to drink on a Tennessee boat. Boat passengers should consume alcohol responsibly in order to prevent injuries or accidents caused by alcohol.
Do you need a boating license in TN to drive a jet ski?
No, a motor vehicle driver’s license is not required to operate any type of watercraft in Tennessee. However, if born on or after January 1, 1989, you are required to have a boating license if…
What do you need to have on a boat?
No matter what type of boating you do, you’ll always need these 8 critical items on board a boat:
- Safety gear (including U.S. Coast Guard required equipment)
- Proper documentation & registration.
- Provisions for the day.
- Extra lines.
- First-aid kit.
- An anchor & rode.
- VHF Radio & your cell phone.
- Emergency repair items.
Does a boat trailer need a license plate in Tennessee?
REGISTRATION AND LICENSE PLATE FOR BOAT TRAILER
The State of Tennessee does not require boat trailers to be registered or licensed; however, other states may require boat trailer owners to do so.
How much are taxes on a boat in Tennessee?
7%
State sales tax is 7% of the purchase price. For purchases in excess of $1,600, an additional State Tax of 2.75% is added up to a maximum of $44 per item. Local sales tax is 2.25% and is capped at $36.00. This tax procedure is only for boats transferred by individuals.
Do you have to have a boat registered with a trolling motor Tennessee?
Tennessee law requires that all mechanically powered vessels (including documented vessels) and all sailboats which are principally used in Tennessee must be registered. Mechanical propulsion includes electric trolling motors but does not include boats powered only by oars or paddles.
Do you have to have insurance on a boat in Tennessee?
Even though Tennessee does not require boat insurance, there are many excellent reasons to carry it. Insurance generally protects you against loss from theft, fire, storm damage, and many other threats.
Is a trolling motor considered an outboard motor?
What Is A Trolling Motor? A trolling motor is complete self-contained like an outboard motor, but unlike the outboard motor, the trolling motor isn’t going to be the primary source of propulsion. Instead, these motors are lifted from the water when the primary engine is being used.
Do outboard motors scare fish?
Engine Noise
Engines scare fish. But all engines are not equally noisy. The biggest offenders are two-stroke outboards. Particularly when in neutral, they create a real racket.
How fast will a 40hp outboard go?
A 40hp Pontoon boat with an average load of people can expect to reach speeds of around 10 – 15 mph. A lot depends on the size of the pontoon boat, how many people are on it, and the weather conditions.
How fast will a 9.9 HP pontoon boat go?
5 MPH
A 9.9 HP engine is great for slow cruising, but don’t expect to go faster than a 5 MPH. We highly recommend (and include in our price) a “high-thrust” 9.9 HP engine from Yamaha that has a larger propeller and makes it much easier to maneuver your pontoon boat, even with a small engine.
Do pontoon boats get on plane?
Motor Trim
Pontoon boats do not get on plane very well, meaning they don’t skim over the water surface like a single-hulled vessel.
How fast will a 300hp Tritoon go?
3. How fast will a 300 hp pontoon boat go? A 300 hp pontoon will be able to reach speeds up to 50 miles per hour.
What size motor can you put on a 20 foot pontoon boat?
For 20′, 21′, and 22′ pontoon boats, you should have at minimum a 90HP motor. For 23′, 24, and 25′ pontoon boats, I don’t recommend going below 150HP. The “all-around” performance can be achieved by a 175HP motor. If you want the best of the best, go for a 200HP motor.
Will 115 hp pontoon pull a tube?
If your pontoon boat has a 115hp engine, you’ll likely be able to tow tubes or ski even with a full boat.
How fast does a 115 hp pontoon go?
With a 115 HP engine in your pontoon boat you might expect to be able to go as fast as 25 to 31 miles per hour, depending on certain variables relating to your boat weight load, size and other adjustments.
How fast will a 150 hp outboard go?
A single 115 to 150-hp engine can produce a reasonable performance for an entry-level fiberglass sportboat from 17′-19′, depending on the load. With it, a powerboat in this range can have a top speed from 40 to 45 mph, with cruising speeds in the mid-20s.
What is better Yamaha or Mercury?
If you are interested in going green, then the Yamaha is a great choice. It offers two electric outboard motors, while Mercury currently offers none. If you are interested in a long-lasting warranty, Mercury might be the better choice because you can get an extended warranty for up to eight years.
Which is better 2-stroke or 4 stroke outboard motor?
4-Stroke Outboards Pros
The fuel efficiency of a 4-stroke motor can be 50% better than that of a 2-stroke motor with the same HP. As for environmental concerns, 4 stroke outboards produce far less harmful emissions, which can be as much as 90% cleaner than those from a similar sized 2-stroke motor.
