MASSACHUSETTS BOATING LAWS
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Boat Registration - ANSWERThis and numbering of all motorized boats is required. This
includes electric motors
12 Years Old - ANSWERNo person under this age may operate a motorboat. Unless,
they are accompanied on-board and directly supervised by a competent person 18
years or older.
150 Feet - ANSWEROperating a motorboat w/in *** feet of swimming areas is prohibited
45 MPH - ANSWEROperating inland waters at a speed greater than ... mph is
prohibited
Lights - ANSWEROperating a motorboat without properly working *****
Water Skiers - ANSWEROperating a motorboat during the nighttime while towing *****-
******, tubers, or others
6 MPH, 150 Feet - ANSWEROperating a greater than headway speed (* MPH) within
*** feet of a swimmer, water-skier, mooring area, marina, boat launch, or when
operator's vision is obscured in any way
16 Years old - ANSWERPersonal watercrafts users must be this ages in order to
operate
12 to 15 Year Olds - ANSWERBetween this age range, youth must complete an
approved basic boating course in order to operate a motorboat without adult supervision
Personal Flotation Devices - ANSWERThese devices are required to be worn by:
1. Youth less than 12 years old
2. Personal watercraft users
3. Stand up paddle Board users
4. Water Skiers
5. Canoeists/Kayakers from September 15th to May 15th
Drunk Driving - ANSWEROperating any vessel under the influence of alcohol (BAC
of .08 or greater) or drugs is prohibited
Overloaded - ANSWEROperating an ********** vessel (carrying total weight that exceeds
capacity plate recommendations or is excessive due to water conditions)
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Boat Registration - ANSWERThis and numbering of all motorized boats is required. This
includes electric motors
12 Years Old - ANSWERNo person under this age may operate a motorboat. Unless,
they are accompanied on-board and directly supervised by a competent person 18
years or older.
150 Feet - ANSWEROperating a motorboat w/in *** feet of swimming areas is prohibited
45 MPH - ANSWEROperating inland waters at a speed greater than ... mph is
prohibited
Lights - ANSWEROperating a motorboat without properly working *****
Water Skiers - ANSWEROperating a motorboat during the nighttime while towing *****-
******, tubers, or others
6 MPH, 150 Feet - ANSWEROperating a greater than headway speed (* MPH) within
*** feet of a swimmer, water-skier, mooring area, marina, boat launch, or when
operator's vision is obscured in any way
16 Years old - ANSWERPersonal watercrafts users must be this ages in order to
operate
12 to 15 Year Olds - ANSWERBetween this age range, youth must complete an
approved basic boating course in order to operate a motorboat without adult supervision
Personal Flotation Devices - ANSWERThese devices are required to be worn by:
1. Youth less than 12 years old
2. Personal watercraft users
3. Stand up paddle Board users
4. Water Skiers
5. Canoeists/Kayakers from September 15th to May 15th
Drunk Driving - ANSWEROperating any vessel under the influence of alcohol (BAC
of .08 or greater) or drugs is prohibited
Overloaded - ANSWEROperating an ********** vessel (carrying total weight that exceeds
capacity plate recommendations or is excessive due to water conditions)
