Who needs boaters safety in Wisconsin?

Asked by: Jennifer Lowe

In Wisconsin, anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, must successfully complete a boater safety course approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in order to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC).

At what age do you not need a boaters license in Wisconsin?

Current Law
Anyone 16 and older must have successfully completed a boating safety course and have a certification card. So in Wisconsin, anyone 16 or older must have a boating safety certification card unless s/he was born before January 1, 1989.

Can anyone drive a boat in Wisconsin?

It’s required for “any operator of a motorboat or personal watercraft,” according to the DNR. The permit is required for operators born in or after 1989; those born before 1989 are not required to have a permit. No license is required for operating canoes, kayaks or sailboats without motors.

What do you need to operate a boat in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin state law states that no person may operate, and no owner may give permission for the operation of, any boat on the waters of this state unless the boat is covered by a certificate of number, a registration certificate, registration expiration decals, and if greater than 16 feet, a Wisconsin issued

Do you need boating license in Wisconsin if you have a driver’s license?

Do you need a Boating License in Wisconsin? Wisconsin law requires those born on or after January 1, 1989, to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.

Can you drink a beer while driving 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 . 08 percent or higher, you can be charged with intoxicated boating.

Can you have an open beer on boat in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, it is not illegal to have an open container while on a boat, which means that the presence of alcohol alone is not a valid reason for water patrol to pull you over.

Do you need a boat license to rent a boat in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin state law states you must be born before January 1, 1989 in order to operate a watercraft WITHOUT a Boater’s Safety license. Wisconsin residents and visitors needing a boater safety education card to rent a boat or personal watercraft can now get their temporary safety certificate online.

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 kayaks need to be registered in Wisconsin?

Do you have to register a kayak in Wisconsin? No. Manually propelled vessels are exempt from registration.

Do boat trailers need to be registered 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.

Do you have to register a boat with a trolling motor 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.