Personal Watercraft Insurance, Fun on the Colorado River
This 233-mile stretch of the Colorado River has become a year-round recreation area for power boaters, paddlers, water-skiers, and fishermen. To enjoy a safe trip on the Colorado, boaters need to become familiar with the characteristics of the area that make boating on this desert waterway unique. The state lines of California, Nevada and Arizona intersect in the Colorado River area. While many boating laws are the same in each state, a few laws differ and can be confusing to boaters.
The California Department of Boating and Waterways, Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Nevada Department of Wildlife teamed up to publish this Boating Safety Guide to provide basic information which will assist you in planning a safe and enjoyable trip on the Colorado River.
Arizona: Watercraft With Motors Greater Than 8hp: The operator must be at least 12 years of age. An operator under the age of 12 must have direct on board supervision by a person who is at least 18 years old
California: Watercraft with motors greater than 15hp and sailboats exceeding 30’ in length: Operator must be at least 16 years old. Operators between the ages of 12 -15 must have a person 18 or older on board for supervision.
Nevada: Motorboats with motors of 15hp or greater on interstate waters: Any operator, born on or after Jan. 1, 1983, must possess proof of completion of a NASBLA approved boating course if operating on Nevada’s interstate waters, including but not limited to Lake Mead, Lake Mojave, Lake Tahoe, Topaz Lake and Sections of the Colorado River System. PWC: The operator must be at least 14 years of age and comply with the requirement above.
