A kayak is a multi-purpose water vessel that is used for recreational, fishing, and some other purposes. However, calling it a personal watercraft is not right because it doesn’t fit into the definition of a watercraft.
It’s a boat propelled by paddles while a personal watercraft is propelled by engine and is an alternative term used for a jet ski. Let’s explore all the confusions on whether a kayak is a personal watercraft or not.
What is a Personal Watercraft?
A personal watercraft (PWC) refers to a small boat used to commute a minimum number of riders and is powered by an engine. Ski jet and water scooter are other names used for personal watercraft and the riders don’t sit on the boat rather than sitting within it.
Occupants of a watercraft can enjoy their voyage or water sports by standing and kneeling. Primary purpose of such a watercraft is recreation and it has a very tight space.
Is a Kayak a PWC?
No, a kayak is not a personal watercraft (PWC) as its manufacturing and working differs from that of a PWC. A PWC is a small water scooter primarily designed for recreational purposes. The riders of the PWC sit on the specialized seats while that of a kayak sit within it.
Moreover, kayaks are mostly human powered small vessels while PWCs are powered by small engines. Additionally, PWCs tend to be faster than kayaks and are good for quick water tours and adventures.
Is a Kayak Considered a Boat?
Whether a kayak is a boat or not largely depends upon the rules and regulations of a state. If we take an account of the shape, we can say a kayak a boat because it resembles the boat closely. It’s a small boat primarily made for personal uses like fishing or water sports.
However, some states require special licences for boats but kayaks don’t have the one. So, in such a state, saying kayak a boat will not be right unless it’s registered like a boat.
Are Kayaks Powered by Engine?
No, kayaks are not powdered by engines rather these are human powered vessels used for different purposes. However, the latest models of the kayaks have customisation options and a motor can be installed in them. So, driving them with a motor is also a good idea to enjoy your voyage.
How Does a Personal Watercraft Classification Affect You?
There are different legal requirements for each of the personal watercraft and a kayak. Generally, a kayak doesn’t require any licensing and other documentation. On the a other hand, a PWC requires legal documentation and licensing for driving it through the water. So, the specifications and classification of a watercraft largely affect the owners because they will have to a undergo a legal procedure to get their water scooters registered.
What are the Federal regulations that require all personal watercraft?
- According to U.S. Coast Guard, a personal watercraft must be 16 feet long and designed to operate by sitting, standing, or kneeling.
- A PWC must be registered like a boat.
- The hull identification and registration number must be visible to the legal authorities.
- A PWC must be insured to be safe even in emergency situations.
- The watercraft never be used ruthlessly.
- You must use the safety gears when driving a watercraft. It includes a life jacket, visual signals, fire gun, flame control, and navigation light.
How Does a PWC Work?
A PWC is an engine operated jet ski or water scooter that’s basically used for recreational purposes. These must be registered before starting your recreation journey. Also, abide by the rules and regulations to enjoy your beach vacations on a PWC.
Do I Need to Register My Kayak and Get a Boating License?
Whether you need to register your boat or not depends upon the state. In most of the states, it’s necessary to register any recreation boat before using it in the water. These boats maybe inflatable boats, paddle boats, powerboats, kayaks, or sailboats. So, it’s good to learn the local rules and regulations for kayaks before starting your journey on them.
What are the Boating Laws That Apply to Kayaking?
Here are the legal requirements to use kayaks for any purpose;
- A personal floatation device (PFD).
- Below 12 users always wear PFDs when kayaking.
- Use signal lights for kayaking before dawn or after dust.
- Use a sound producing device like whistle.
- Don’t consume alcohol before or during kayaking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, kayaks are not identical to that of a watercraft. Both these differ in the way they are built, their purposes, and rules to operate them in water. Most of the kayaks are human powered while watercrafts are engine powered boats used for different recreational purposes. So, don’t confuse both these boat types and use each term properly.
FAQs
Is a kayak or canoe faster than a rowing boat?
No, kayaking is not faster than rowing a boat. Rowers are designed for speed and quick movement while kayaks are relatively slower. So, you can reach faster when rowing a boat than reaching the same destination via a kayak.
What are the 4 classes of boats?
The four classes of boats include class A, Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 boats. These classes of boats differ in their sizes. Class A includes less than 16 ft boats, class 1 includes 16-26 ft boats, class 2 includes 26-40 ft boats, and class 3 includes 40-65 ft boats.
What are names for personal watercraft?
Ski jet and water scooter are the other names used to represent a personal watercraft (PWC). These are relatively speedy recreational watercrafts that are powered by engines.