>. . . I'll throw a PFD in my truck, just in case the Harbor Patrol
> wants to call it a boat.

HUH?

If your local harbor patrol wants to call your truck a boat, then you should ask them to call it a kayak, and we will quit ``motivating`` you to build one. :)

> I've always been a bit surprised that 12 foot windsurfers (and
> kayaks) don't have to use PFD's and be registered.

As I understand it, almost all motor craft must be licensed, but in most areas there are a variety of small boats that do not have to be licensed or registered, (depends on state laws) but all of them require a PFD for each person. ( based on Coast Guard rules)

That raises another issue. Registration. The registration requirements near me exempt small, paddle powered canoes and kayaks, but I think that boats over 18 feet (powered or otherwise) have to be registered.

I hope people debating over building a boat that is 17` 11'' and one that is 18' 1'' will remember that the slight difference in length might be a major concern later on.

Besides the registration issues, I've been looking into shipping a kayak for a vacation in Canada. The railroad there will ship canoes and kayaks up to 18 feet long. (It is $35 one way -- but I'm not sure if that is Canadian $ or U.S. $)

So, for those people considering building triples, some doubles and boats for oversized paddlers, a suggestion that you check the local requirements and restrictions on length before odreing plans.

Paul Jacobson