Kayak Regulations

[07yzryder]

Im curious what the regs are on kayaks in nevada. Since there is no motor im guessing its not considered a boat/pwc? Mainly im questioning what i need to be out at night if anything at all. I believe boats need a green/red front light and a white light in back, is this the case for kayaks as well?
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[TheWhizzle]

In the case of kayaks - self propelled, that is - all you need it a flashlight and a life jacket. An emergency whistle is a good thing to have on you, too.

If you decide to put a motor on it, you would need to register and title it, and also use appropriate nav & anchor lights
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[07yzryder]

thats what i thought, i might still get a decent light to have on it to signal just in case.

Thanks for the info again!
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[dsmacey]

Please get a decent light and use it at night.

I have almost run over a few people over the years at night, especially back in the wash area, who did not have lights. In summer it is really bad with jet skis at night, even some fishing boats at night with their lights off.

Morons, all of them.
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[07yzryder]

Can u recommend a decent light? I have a fishfinder so access to a battery is there. I'll probably also use a spotlight and as whizzle suggested get a whistle. I'm new to the whole being on the water so I'm keeping it to daylight hours till i know my yak is safe for night travels.
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[riverdog]

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/488/...Light.html
or
http://www.rei.com/product/722830/paddle...n-cup-base
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[RockyRaab]

Howdy, neighbor to the west. I saw this topic in the "Hot Topics" and clicked.

You can make a very effective light pole using PVC and a flashlight. The guys fishing the ocean in SoCal have it down pat. Here's a link to a thread about kayak modifications. Scroll to the very end (of many pages) and there's a light pole DIY about three posts up from the bottom.

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showt...post137411[\url]
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[riverdog]

I was at Dick's Sporting Goods yesterday in SLC and saw this light for $14.99 in store.
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/produc...d=11272470
Online it's a few bucks more.
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[07yzryder]

I like the PVC pole idea to get it up off the water a bit, im just curious what the battery life is on the flashlight, if i was soaking some chovies i might be out for a while since my yak is big enough i can nearly lay in it and it gets mighty comfy. I might do one of the small LED lights on top of the pole and just bring an extra set of batteries for the led.

Thanks for the ideas and links everyone ill be rigging up the yak this weekend for some night expeditions!
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[07yzryder]

i didnt want o open a new thread but i heard that willow launch ramps are closing till nov 9th does this mean that vessels are not allowed on the river? or just you cant use the public launch ramp?
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[RockyRaab]

I may be wrong about this, but I seem to recall that if you are not under power, you do not need a red/green bow light, just a white "anchor" light. And since a kayak is never technically under power (unless you run an electric motor) you're clear.

A call to your nearest Coast Guard or marine police office would settle the question.

Oh, before I forget: an LED light will run for days on one set of batteries.
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[TheWhizzle]

If they close the Willow ramp, you are still allowed to launch your kayak.


National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior

LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA News Release

For Immediate Release: October 29, 2012
Release No.: 2012-59
Contact: Christie Vanover 702-283-2344



LAKE MOHAVE LAUNCH RAMPS TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH NOV 7

BOULDER CITY, Nev. – Lake Mead National Recreation Area officials temporarily closed six launch ramps on Lake Mohave Oct. 29 due to decreased water levels. The Bureau of Reclamation began lowering the lake’s water levels in late September for endangered fish species conservation.



Developed and primitive ramps at Willow Beach, Cottonwood Cove, Katherine Landing, Princess Cove, Arizona Telephone Cove and Nevada Telephone Cove are temporarily closed until Nov. 7.



“When water levels reach below 633 feet on Lake Mohave, we have to close our ramps for the safety of our boaters and infrastructure,” said Superintendent Bill Dickinson. “We apologize for the inconvenience during this pleasant fall boating season.”



Water levels have declined to around 633 feet, and they are scheduled to dip to a low point of around 630.5 feet by Oct. 31. Water levels are expected to rise again after Nov. 4, returning to 633 feet by Nov. 8.



[#FF0000][size 4]The marinas, fuel stations, stores, motels, campsites and picnic areas will remain open, and boaters who have their vessels slipped or moored will still be allowed access to the lake. Rafts, kayaks and canoes are still allowed to launch; however, some tour companies have altered their schedules.[/size][/#FF0000]



“Boaters on the lake in late October and early November should be aware of the changing lake and navigate as if it’s their first time on the water because new sandbars and vegetation may appear,” said Dickinson. “It’s best to follow the main channel buoy markers and reduce your speed, until you are comfortable with the new water depths.”



Barricades and notices will be displayed at the six closure sites along Lake Mohave. The drawdown does not impact Lake Mead; all currently open ramps will remain open.



For more information about the conservation efforts, visit [url "http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lcrmscp.gov%2Ffish%2Frazorback_sucker.html&h=fAQFkbqk5AQE8BITLjTsFfe69BsWDBzADlyVKv_9nG93kwQ&s=1"]www.lcrmscp.gov/fish/razorback_sucker.html[/url]. For more information on the water drawdown, contact the BOR at 702-293-8421.



-NPS-





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