QUOTE(Stodge @ Sep 2 2009, 08:48 AM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>QUOTE(KMC @ Sep 2 2009, 08:23 AM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>It depends... on the class of boat. If under 39', then then a whistle or horn is acceptable. If over 39', then you also need a bell.
The DNR has 26' as the length for a bell. There has been a LOT of discussion on that issue. I went ahead and got a bell when I was dinged (again) for not having one during my power squadron safety inspection.
I am *not* questioning what you were told, or the choice of getting a bell, but I just happened to have my DNR book within reach, so I looked this up. I also checked the online DNR site to see if it agrees with the book (which doesn't always happen to be the case).
It states "if on state waters", for vessels "16' up to 26'
and under engine power" the requirement is "Whistle audible for at least one-half mile", for "26' and longer
and under engine power" the requirement is "Whistle audible for at last one mile". Then, "if on Federally controlled waters", for vessels "less than 65.6'" the requirement is "Whistle or horn audible for at least one-half mile" and for "65.6' or longer" it is "Whistle or horn and and bell audible for at least one mile"
I point this out because it conflicts with what you were told, the USPS Boating Course info and my previous knowledge from the USCG Boating Safety course (and I think Chapman's, but I dont' have that handy right now)
How is *anyone* supposed to be compliant when the "official" documented sources are not even consistent or clearly available to operators???
This is another reason why anyone should be concerned if they were boarded... if you don't *know* what the rules are, how can you be *sure* you're compliant??