Nederlands | English | Deutsch | Türkçe

Project Sports

Questions and answers about sports

What is required on a boat in Wisconsin?

4 min read

Asked by: Angela Stone

Requirements to operate on Wisconsin Waters In order to operate you must have the assigned registration number and expiration decals displayed on the side of the boat. In addition, the certificate of number must be carried onboard and available for inspection at all times.

What lights are required on a boat in Wisconsin?

Motorboats less than 40 feet long must display a combination red/green light in the bow and a 360 degree white light in the stern while underway. (Show the combination lamp and the stern light.) The Red light must be displayed on the port side of the boat and the green light on the starboard side.

Do I need a fire extinguisher on my boat in WI?

Answer: Yes a fire extinguisher is required on a personal watercraft. There should be a front compartment on the PWC that the fire extinguisher can be stored – or strapped to.

What information do you need on a boat?

List of Important Boat Essentials

  • License and Registration.
  • Life Jackets.
  • Fire Extinguishers.
  • Visual Distress Signals and Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
  • Flashlight.
  • Anchor and Rode.
  • First Aid Kit.
  • Rain Gear.

Do you need boat sticker in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin’s boat registration requirements stipulate that in order to legally operate a boat in the state, you must obtain a Certificate of Number and validation decals. The Certificate of Number must be carried on board and be available for inspection by an enforcement officer during boat operation.

Do I need navigation lights on my boat?

Boat Navigation Lights
Whenever you are operating between sunset and sunrise, or in other times of restricted visibility, such as in fog or rain, you need to display the appropriate navigation lights so that other boats can see you and take the appropriate action to avoid a collision.

What lights do you need on a boat at night?

The required lights are: Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least one mile away on a dark, clear night. An all-round white light or both a masthead light and a sternlight. These lights must be visible from a distance of at least two miles away on a dark, clear night.

Can passengers drink alcohol on a boat in Wisconsin?

Short answer: Yes. Just like drunk driving, operating a motorized boat is illegal if your blood alcohol concentration is above the legal limit. In Wisconsin, if your BAC is .

What is every vessel operator required to do?

Every operator must keep a proper lookout, using both sight and hearing, at all times. Watch and listen for other vessels, radio communications, navigational hazards, and others involved in water activities. Maintain a safe speed.

What should you require from others who operate your vessel?

Check that they meet the minimum age and boater education requirements for operation in your state. Make sure they know basic boating safety and navigation rules. Show them how to use the lanyard with the ECOS and require them to use it.

Do I have to register my boat trailer in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin a title and registration are required for trailers over 3,000 pounds GVW. A title and registration is not required for trailers at or less than 3,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.

Is boat insurance required in Wisconsin?

Though several states require boat owners to carry insurance, Wisconsin does not require coverage, except in the case of commercial fishing boats. However, vessels such as bass boats or cabin cruisers can be rather expensive, and a comprehensive Wisconsin boat insurance policy can protect your investment.

Do you need a boat title in Wisconsin?

Effective February 1, 1989, the owner of a boat, 16 feet in length or greater, in Wisconsin, whether or not the boat is operated on the waters of this state, is required to hold a certificate of title.

Do I need to register a 12 foot boat in Wisconsin?

Registration is required for: All motorized vessels and boats used on waters of the state; including electric trolling motors. Sailboats greater than 12 feet in length used on waters of the state. Boats registered in another state, which have been using Wisconsin waters for more than 60 consecutive days.

Do you need a sticker for a canoe in Wisconsin?

Launch stickers are required for all watercrafts, including, but not limited to: boats, canoes, kayaks, jet skiis, watercrafts without trailers, and any other form or variant of watercraft.