Stability as key speed factor

A kayak going at 17 mph?... - Only if it is stable enough, and motorized.

The Wavewalk S4 is a patented twin-hull watercraft that's officially designated as a kayak.
It's stable enough to go at 17 mph when powered with a 9.8 HP outboard motor:





More info >>

 

looks like a rough ride but it did stay right side up ))

 

Who has officially designated the Wavewalk S4 as a kayak, and for what purpose?

 

Yeah, the ride in choppy water can be a little bone rattling, but it's fun
Stability isn't an issue, even when driving standing.

The US Coast Guard (USCG). They inspect all boat (and kayak) manufacturers.
This designation determines what safety and environmental requirements the vessel has to comply with.
The designation is also important for dealers, since kayak dealers are not required to comply with regulations imposed on boat dealers.

 

Canoes and kayaks are still required to have an HIN, which means that the builder needs an MIC. The builder and sellers are required to keep information for possible recalls. Boat Building Regulations | A handy chart of regulations for boatbuilders. http://newboatbuilders.com/pages/index2.html
Examples: Stowboats canoe: Recalls http://www.uscgboating.org/content/recalls.php?pageNum_allRecalls=47&totalRows_allRecalls=1371
Tarpon Fishing Kayaks: HULL; CRACKS http://www.uscgboating.org/content/recalls-details.php?id=070013T

 

Naturally.
Wavewalk, Inc. is a registered kayak manufacturer since 2004, and we get visits from USCG inspectors on a regular basis.

 

What do you mean that kayak dealers don't have to comply with the same regulations as boat dealers?

 

I have a couple of kayaks, they don't get registration numbers or titled.

 

They do if you put a motor on them.

 

Registration numbers and titles are different than HINs. HIN, aka Hull Identification Number, is a unique number marked on each boat by the manufacturer. The HIN must conform to a set of USCG rules and identify the builder and year built. They are essentially the same as the VIN (previously called "serial number") on a motor vehicle.

 

Perhaps he is referring to some state regulations rather than federal regulations.

 

I'm not sure how they can be different. A kayak has a HIN like any other vessel. There are no special requirements I can think of to sell boats, regardless of type.

 

AFAIK, most states do not require a HIN or registration of a human power boat whatever the size- whether it be an air mattress or large home made boat. Last I heard, motorboats do not need registration if used only on private waters, whether it be owned personally or by a legal association or entity (at least in TX). Most states recognize each other's registration, which is a bonus if you have registration in a low fee state and sometimes use the motorboat in a high fee state.

PC

 

HIN for manufactured boats is a federal, not state, requirement. Homebuilt is generally up to the individual states, who issue the numbers.

 

Unfortunately, that is not correct. Size matters and in most states anything over 16 feet will require registrations. Some states, like Michigan, require all vessels to be resistered.