Spotters in texas?

[Surf Wagon]

Wifey and I were alone on the boat Sunday, do we have to have a spotter in Texas or ok surf with just the two of us?

Thanks

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[Bri49er80]

In Texas you must have a spotter as well.

[Surgical_ass]

Is there an age requirement for a spotter? 7 year old good enough? Is the spotter required in addition to the mirror?

[Prospersigman]

Mirrors Required
Every motorboat towing a person must have an observer, other than the operator, 13 years of age or older OR be equipped with a rearview mirror of a size no less than four inches (4") in measurement from bottom to top and across from one side to the other.

[csm]

I’ve been pulled over several times with just me in the boat and a rider in the water. All they checked was for life jackets. Below is the Texas law.


Every vessel towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device must have:

An observer, other than the vessel operator, 13 years of age or older on board or…

A rearview mirror. The size of the mirror must be no less than four inches in size from bottom to top and across from side to side. It should be mounted firmly to give the vessel operator a full, complete view beyond the rear of the vessel at all times. Note: Most PWC mirrors do not meet these size standards.


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[sandm]

wish nevada had the same either/or requirement. spotter and flags are required here.

[TXSurf4]

The above info is correct if you have a correctly sized mirror you don't have to have a spotter. Sandm brought up flags and we had a discussion about that this weekend. Are we required to have the orange flag flying when there is a rider behind the boat here in Texas?

[Prospersigman]

Are we required to have the orange flag flying when there is a rider behind the boat here in Texas?

My understanding is no, you do not need to have a flying orange flag when there is a rider behind the boat.

[Broke Pilot]

The flag can also be lake specific in Texas, on Conroe, they did away with the law again temporarily. I’m sure it will be back and they won’t tell anyone until some tickets are written!

[csm]

I believe the orange flag is a “downed rider”. So when you’re circling back to pick up your fallen rider, you’re supposed to fly an orange flag. Not while they’re being towed.


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