My Hammock Raft

[oldgringo]

The water cops are going to show an interest...be sure you check into minimum equipment requirements. The old Coastie in me had to say that.

[angrysparrow]

This is such a fun thread. Just keep the hammock-stand as part of the design so we don't have to move the thread...

[ben-bradley]

I put my lawyer hat on for a bit and researched Washington State law regarding what I'm trying to do here. If I've read the regulations correctly, a raft is most closely defined as a "Personal flotation device" and not a "Vessel" or "Personal watercraft".

From http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.010

(21) "Personal flotation device" means a buoyancy device, life preserver, buoyant vest, ring buoy, or buoy cushion that is designed to float a person in the water and that is approved by the commission.

(22) "Personal watercraft" means a vessel of less than sixteen feet that uses a motor powering a water jet pump, as its primary source of motive power and that is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on, or being towed behind the vessel, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel.

(29) "Vessel" includes every description of watercraft on the water, other than a seaplane, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water. However, it does not include inner tubes, air mattresses, sailboards, and small rafts or flotation devices or toys customarily used by swimmers.

Reviewing the regulations applicable to a "Personal flotation device", all I could find was this: (SPOILER: "If another regulation requires a PFD, it must be in working condition and the right size")

From: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.140

(1) The commission shall adopt rules providing for its inspection and approval of the personal flotation devices that may be used to satisfy the requirements of this chapter and governing the manner in which such devices shall be used. The commission shall prescribe the different types of devices that are appropriate for the different uses, such as water skiing or operation of a personal watercraft. In adopting its rules the commission shall consider the United States coast guard rules or regulations. The commission may approve devices inspected and approved by the coast guard without conducting any inspection of the devices itself.

(2) In situations where personal flotation devices are required under provisions of this chapter, the devices shall be in good and serviceable condition and of appropriate size. If they are not, then they shall not be considered as personal flotation devices under such provisions.

Assuming I've researched the proper regulations, it sounds like a free-for-all as far as the law is concerned with regard to rafts, but if I put a motor on it, I'll need to do some registration & such.

Does anyone see any holes in this conclusion?

[Acer]

Here in Indiana,,if your on State controlled water,,even for a canoe or kayak,,or anything that floats, you have to have a 5.00 decal per year, If its a motorized boat, costs more..not sure if your state charges for float boats so check would be my guess,,happy hanging.

[Ratdog]

It will be called a vessel.

A small raft would be those little baffled rafts about 5' long and 3' wide.

The barrels will getchya.

At least that's what happened here in NJ.

Built many rafts in my younger days, huckfin log rafts, 2x4 floats, pontoon rafts, multi hulled canoe based rafts. My fav, the chaise lounge on 2 stacks of inner tubes.

Just take a couple pfd's, a whistle, air horn and go.

[hppyfngy]

It will be called a vessel.

Pretty sure this is the case. Make sure you call it a floating hammock stand if anyone asks.

It would take someone with no sense of humor to call you on it I think. But, I wouldn't take it to a busy place on the 4th of July. Nobody working has a sense of humor on busy holidays.

[MDSH]

It might be analogous to a hot rod or self-made travel trailer. I'd take it to the state police to see if they want to register/license it.

.

[ben-bradley]

LEGAL UPDATE!

I contacted the Washington State Boating Safety office and here's the short version:

• It IS a vessel.
• Since it's a human-powered vessel that is less than 16ft long, I don't have to register it.
• I need proper PFDs for every person on the raft.
• I need a whistle/air horn to signal other boats.
• After dusk, I need to have a light so that other boats can identify me

I sent in pictures of the raft to help explain it and it was pointed out that the barrels once contained DMSO which may have implications on using them for flotation on the water. So now I've contacted the Washington State Ecology Department to find out if there are any regulations that would restrict their use.

[Ratdog]

Ok, if you can jammed on the barrels, there are others available from your local water purification company that should be good to go.

Lights are easy, west marine can hook you up if they want red and green.

[SteelToe]

Great; so we've got the Boating Commission and EPA in the mix, for a freakin' raft. You should try applying for an exemption from the governor directly--tell him he can use it whenever he's around!

I'm still waiting for video of it in use with a BBQ and tunes blaring . You should still be able to test it out on a privately-owned tank or pond, right?

Battle Ground is a great park, I camped there a number of times in Scouts when I was little. Great fishing hole. Last I remember it had been shut down for E. Coli contamination, and we couldn't swim or fish in it until I moved. No worries about tempests, storms, wakes, or typhoons on a sheltered "lake" that size--perfect for testing a raft.

TCB