The issue of legal use of a swimming aid on water bodies of Russia worries everyone who plans to buy or already owns it. float-boatNumerous changes in the legislation, in particular amendments to Federal Law No. 36-FZ, have made significant changes to the rules for the operation of small craft, and now owners need to clearly understand the boundary between free navigation and the mandatory registration procedure with the State Inspectorate for Small-Sized Vessels.
The main criterion for going to the GIMS is the total mass of the boat in service and the power of the engine installed on it. If previously only load capacity or length was taken into account, now the key parameter has become the most important one. full-body This means that even a compact boat may require registration if you install a powerful motor on it or load it with heavy equipment, exceeding the limit of 200 kilograms.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the technical and legal aspects that will allow you to determine the status of your vessel, you will learn how to properly weigh the boat, what documents should be on board and how to avoid fines when meeting with the inspector on the water.
Legislative basis and criteria for exemption from registration
The basis for determining the need for registration is the Code of Inland Water Transport of the Russian Federation and the relevant orders of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. According to current regulations, small vessels used for non-commercial purposes with a mass of an outfitted vessel 200 kilograms or more are subject to state registration. motor With a power of 8 kilowatts (about 10.8 horsepower) or more, there are two independent thresholds: weight and power.
It is important to understand that these parameters work in a bundle of "OR." If your boat weighs 190 kg, but it is powered by a 12 hp engine, registration is mandatory. Conversely, if the engine is weak (5 hp), but the total weight of the vessel with equipment reaches 210 kg, you also have to register your boat, which is why the concept of "unregistered boat" becomes more conventional and requires careful calculation.
⚠️ Attention: The absence of registration in the presence of binding parameters entails the imposition of a fine under article 11.1 of the administrative code of the Russian Federation. Inspector GIMS has the full right to require documents, and their absence will become the basis for an administrative offense.
There is also a category of boats that are not subject to registration at all, regardless of their mass, including sports vessels and craft used exclusively within the boundaries of ports, facilities and other facilities. hydrotechnical structuresHowever, for most anglers and recreational enthusiasts, it is the general rules for public water bodies that are relevant.
Calculation of the total mass of the boat in running order
The most difficult thing for owners is to correctly determine the weight of the boat in use. Many people mistakenly believe that you should only weigh the inflatable boat in the deflated form with the packaging. hanging-pieceIf they are part of the construction.
In addition, the total weight of the boat often includes the weight of the anchor, anchor rope, life jackets and other equipment that is permanently in the boat during operation. Although GIMS formally requires the mass of the “loaded boat” (as it is from the factory plus the standard set), in practice, inspectors can ask to prove that the total weight with your personal equipment does not exceed 200 kg.
For an accurate calculation, use the following formula: PVC material mass + plywood or aluminum floor weight + transom weight + seat weight. stationaryIf the transom is inserted, it must be added to the total mass, and the weight of the motor is not included in the "vessel mass" for registration, it is taken into account only when determining whether the registration is required by the engine power.
Always keep your factory passport and boat manual, which indicate the exact weight of the boat in gear, which is the main argument when checking documents by the inspector of the GIMS.
It is worth noting that manufacturers often indicate the mass of the PVC cylinder itself, forgetting the weight of the package, the pump (if it comes with a mandatory one) and other trifles. The real weight can vary by 1-2 kg in a large direction, which in border situations (198-199 kg) can play a decisive role. Therefore, when buying a boat with a declared weight of 195 kg, you should be prepared for the fact that, given the real weight of the transom and seats, you can approach the critical mark.
Engine power and limitations for unregistered boats
The second key exemption is engine power, the boundary is set at 8 kW, which is about 10.88 hp in horsepower. In practice, this means that owners can freely use engines up to 10 hp inclusive. 15 hp or 20 hp engines, even if they have the ability to program or physically "strangle" up to 10 forces, formally require registration if the documents indicate the power above the allowed.
Modern motor manufacturers, such as Yamaha, Mercury, Tohatsu and Chinese brands like Hidea or ParsunThese engines are ideal for PVC boats, as they allow good speed, but do not require registration if the boat is light. However, it is important that the engine technical data sheet (PCM) clearly indicates the power of not more than 10 hp.
If you have a 15 hp engine but plan to use it on a light boat without registering, you will need a "strangle" procedure, which can be the installation of a restrictive washer in the carburetor (for 2T engines) or the flashing of an electronic control unit (for 4T engines), after which you need to get a new PCM indicating the changed power, otherwise you will have questions when checking documents.
⚠️ Attention: Using an engine with an actual power above 10 hp on an unregistered vessel (even if the boat is light) is a violation. The inspector may measure the speed or require an engine performance check.
There is a common misconception that if a boat weighs less than 200 kg, you can put any motor on it. This is not true. The rule is that registration is required if the weight is >= 200 kg. or power >= 10.8 hp Therefore, light inflatable single-seater boat with engine 15 hp is subject to mandatory registration.
Table of popular models of PVC boats and their parameters
For convenience of choice, we suggest you to familiarize yourself with the table, which gives the parameters of popular models of PVC boats. Data are taken from open sources and technical passports of manufacturers, but the weight may vary slightly depending on the configuration (availability of bags, type of bottom, transom material).
| Model boat | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Mass with transom and seats (kg) | Max engine power (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frigate M-2 | 210 | 115 | 26 | 2.5 |
| Hunter 280 | 280 | 130 | 42 | 8.0 |
| Flagship 320 | 320 | 145 | 54 | 12.0 |
| Aqua 320 NDLD | 320 | 140 | 68 | 15.0 |
| Riviera 340 | 340 | 150 | 72 | 18.0 |
As can be seen from the table, most double and triple boats with low pressure inflatable floor (see below).NDMA) or floorboard bottoms have a mass in the range of 40-70 kg. This leaves a huge margin of weight (up to 130-160 kg) for the installation of additional equipment, fuel, anchor and personal belongings, without exceeding the limit of 200 kg. Problems can only arise with heavy four-seater boats of dense PVC (180-220 g / sq.m) with massive aluminum transoms.
When choosing a model, pay attention to the material of the transom. Plywood tray coated with waterproof paint is lighter than aluminum, but is susceptible to drying. Aluminum trawler is longer, but adds to the weight of the vessel an extra 3-5 kg. For border cases by weight, it is better to choose options with a high-quality weight. plywood-transom Or removable transom boards.
How to weigh a boat at home?
To weigh the boat accurately, put the whole boat together: inflate the cylinders, insert the paioles (if any), install the seats and the tray. Use a floor scale. If the boat doesn't fit the scale, you can use the subtraction method: stand on the scale yourself, remember the weight, then take the boat in your hands (or ask for an assistant) and stand again. The difference will show the weight of the boat. Or weigh the components individually and summarize the results.
Operating rules and necessary documents on the water
Even if your boat doesn't require registration, it doesn't mean that the water is anarchic. The owner of a small boat must follow the rules of navigation and have a certain set of documents with him. The lack of registration does not remove the responsibility for safety on the water. You must know and comply with the requirements regarding starboard and left board, overtaking, movement at night and the passage of waves.
What documents do you need to carry while cruising on an unregistered boat? First of all, it is an identity document (passport or driver's license). technical data sheet It's going to be a boat and a motor that gives you weight and power, and it's going to help you quickly prove to the inspector that you're not breaking the law, and if the boat is homemade, the situation is more complicated, and you don't need to have a check for materials.
☑️ Checklist before getting on the water
Also on board must be life jackets by number of people on the boat. Using a boat without vests is one of the most common violations for which the inspectors of the GIMS, regardless of the registration of the boat, it is recommended to have a scoop, anchor with a line and a serviceable means for sound signals (whistle or horn).
⚠️ Attention: Going out in stormy weather, high winds or intoxicated is prohibited for any vessel, including unregistered vessels, a direct threat to life and a violation of safety regulations.
Nuances for homemade boats and tuning
Owners of homemade boats are at particular risk, because they do not have a factory passport with a specified mass, it can be difficult to prove to an inspector that the boat weighs less than 200 kg. In such cases, it may be necessary to conduct a technical examination at the GIMS to obtain a boat's ticket, even if you believe that the boat is light. Without documents, a homemade vessel can be classified as unregistered and fined.
Tuning enthusiasts should also be careful: Installing a heavy sonar, an additional battery, powerful lights and other accessories increases the total weight. If you have equipped a light boat with heavy equipment and its weight is close to 200 kg, formally you must register it. Although in practice it is difficult to prove the presence of “extra” 5 kg equipment to the inspector, there is a risk.
When upgrading a boat, such as replacing a light transom with a reinforced one, or installing an inflatable keel that weighs the structure, recalculate the total weight. electronics Remember, the law says the weight of the boat in service, and any permanent equipment is included in that calculation.
The main principle of safety and legality: if you are in doubt whether your boat exceeds the weight of 200 kg or not, it is better to go through the registration procedure, which will relieve stress during inspections and provide official confirmation of the safety of your vessel.
Do I have to register a boat if I don’t have the engine?
If the boat is not equipped with an engine (and is not designed to install it, that is, has no transom), then the power limit of 10.8 hp does not apply to it. In this case, only the weight criterion applies. If the weight of your kayak, catamaran or inflatable boat without a motor is less than 200 kg, you do not need to register it, even if you row it with oars.
What should I do if I lose my passport on the boat?
If you lose a boat or motor passport, you must contact the manufacturer or dealer from whom the boat was purchased to obtain a duplicate. If this is not possible, you can try to restore the documents through the court by providing checks and witness statements, but it is easier and more reliable to immediately request a duplicate from the manufacturer by providing the serial number of the product.
Can I register a boat if it is over 10 years old?
Yes, the age of the boat is not an obstacle to registration, the main thing is that the boat meets safety requirements, has readable markings (serial number) and has preserved the documents proving the ownership and technical specifications. If the boat is homemade and old, it may need to be inspected and examined by a GIMS inspector.