Trying to distinguish whether or not a kayak is actually considered a boat has real-life consequences. Most states require any and all boats (or vessels) to be registered and tagged before using in public waterways. Other times, fishing lakes or rivers might prohibit launching a boat into the waters. But, is a kayak considered a boat?
Depending on your individual state, a kayak is not considered a boat in the sense that it must be registered and licensed like a boat would.
However, adding an outboard motor or sail will almost always change the classification to a water vessel that requires registration as a boat would. Check your individual state’s rules regarding water vessel registration to see what does and does not apply to a kayak.
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Is a Kayak a Boat?
A kayak could be considered a boat in certain situations. I’ll outline what those situations are, and how they may apply to you later in this post.
Distinguishing a kayak as a boat, or not really doesn’t matter. This is only an issue when you’re faced with a decision to register a kayak the same as a boat. These rules can vary by location or state.
In Kansas for instance, if your kayak has neither a motor nor a sail, it’s considered a portable recreational water vessel that has no requirements for licensing and registration.
Typically, if you’re powering the kayak with a paddle only, rules for boats don’t apply.
There are other factors to consider than just registration when determining if a kayak is a boat. A kayak user should follow the same safety procedures and regulations that apply to boats.
Understanding recreational boaters’ navigational rules are also important for kayakers. Whether you personally consider a kayak to be a boat or not, there are still navigational rules that must be followed for any vessel on the water.
Navigational rules are like the rules of the road for out on the water. The Coast Guard publishes guidelines that should be followed. This way there are consistent steps to help boaters and kayakers both navigate safely in the water.
The Inland Navigation Rules Act of 1980 set the rules to guide navigational decisions made on waterways within the US.
This act states that all vessels–which includes kayaks–need to follow these rules. The main point of including kayaks is to avoid a collision in all circumstances.
In fact, there are certain right-of-way rules that a paddler needs to know and follow. Especially when it comes to sharing a waterway with a boat or larger vessel.
You might think as a small kayak you have the right of way in any situation. But, that is not always true.
Any vessel shorter than 60 feet should not impede the passage of a larger vessel when it comes to navigating a narrower channel.
There are also other rules that can apply to a boat and kayak both for onboard lighting. A kayak will need to have an electric torch or lighted lantern with white light. These lights should be ready at hand to avoid a collision from an approaching vessel.
Do You Need a Boat License for a Kayak?
There are other states, like Ohio and Pennsylvania that have very different ways of classifying a kayak. In Ohio, all water-going vessels need to be registered through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Even inflatable kayaks will fall under this classification. Boats and kayaks are treated essentially the same when it comes to registration.
When it comes to registration and asking “is a kayak classified as a boat”, it’s best to check through your state’s website to see exactly what rules will apply, as they can differ from state to state.
Check out this post I did covering the details of kayak rules and registrations for all 50 states.
Is a Kayak Considered a Vessel?
There are some waterways that specify “no vessel zone”. A no vessel zone restriction would apply to a kayak or any water-going vessel. According to the US Coast Guard, a kayak is considered a vessel.
Is a kayak considered a personal watercraft? Yes. According to the US Coast Guard, a kayak is considered a personal watercraft and a vessel. Here is the description:
“The word “vessel” includes every description of watercraft. This includes non-displacement craft, WIG craft, and seaplanes used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.”
In fact, there are certain situations, depending on where you are kayaking when a “no vessel zone” will apply to kayaking. This is for good reason too. Here is a list of places that are usually marked as”no vessel zones”:
- Commercial Ports, Military Ports or Petroleum Facilities
- Nuclear power plants
- Military installations
- Bridge towers
- Refinery docks
- Anchored Vessels
Don’t make the mistake of thinking because you are a recreational kayaker that you can paddle into any waterway. Be aware of restrictions and no vessel zones.
Additional Kayak and Boat Rules to Consider
Knowing and recognizing buoys and their colors can be helpful for boats and kayaks alike. For example, as you are kayaking on a waterway, the red buoy should always be to your right as you paddle through.
In areas of higher traffic, it’s important to stay closer to the shallower areas where boats are less likely to be.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to assume that a kayak, as opposed to a motorized boat, would not use the same rules.
Most people would not consider a kayak to be a boat as we know it. However, it’s important to be aware of the many rules on the water that treat a kayak the same as a boat.
Both a boat and a kayak are considered a “vessel” so the same rules will apply in certain situations. Knowing what does and does not apply as you pilot your kayak before heading out into the water is important. This is especially true if you’re going into an area with high traffic from boats and other motorized vessels.