Kids driving boats

I was talking to my uncle that lives in MN. I was saying that my six year old drives the boat while I’m in it to and from fishing spots. I figure better to learn early. I’m right behind her and she doesn’t go fast. Anyways he said that in MN I could get a ticket, because kids have to have a boating lic. Is this true? I remember driving a boat with my dad when I was 6 or so and it was the best part of the whole trip. I moved out of MN 20 years ago and don’t remember it being a issue when I was a kid.

From the MN boating regs

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/boatwater/boatingguide.pdf

Attachments:

1. 

   image-5.jpeg
   

Not only a bad idea but illegal. Wait a few years to teach him.

It’s not illegal in ND.

according to the rule it is not illegal if the motto is 25 horse or less for kids under 12 and kids over 12 can operate any boat as long as they have a boater safety card. i was driving boats at a very long age and taking boats onto pepin with a buddy when we were 12 on our own. as long as you teach your kid water safety (wear your life jacket in particular) and have them take the classes necessisary to go out on your own then more power to them.

Dutchboy wrote:

Not only a bad idea but illegal.

Only illegal if the motor is over 75hp.

Dutchboy wrote:

Not only a bad idea but illegal. Wait a few years to teach him.

Read the picture I posted. Not completely illegal, and not a bad idea as long as it is done in a safe and legal manner.

Man. Thinking back when I was 13-14 years old, I regularly went out alone in a boat with a 25 hp and never once wore a life jacket. Why, cuz dad never did. And he never asked me to.

It’s a hard habit to break. I’m wearing mine more now when I’m alone than I did as a teenager. I just need to get an inflatable and I’ll wear it while fishing.

Good for her and keep at it!

I think as long as you follow the rules that Munchy posted and that you’re smart about it (not too busy on the lake), it’s a great idea to get them started young. My 4-year old loves to drive Grandma’s pontoon (w/ assistance), and he loves to drive his uncle’s Mastercraft, too. If it were up to him, he’d be pulling skiers already!