I see cannopied race boats are usually equipped with 5 point harnesses. What is the reason open pleasure boats capable of the same speeds if not higher are not? Resent tradgedies have brought this to mind. Also being a boater with small children I have often wondered why commen sense and laws tell me to buckle up when driving to the lake, but hop into the boat and there aren' t any seatbelts. I'm not running tripple digits but on a choppy day cruising at 55 with unpredictable boat wakes Im thinking The benefit to having passengers secured with a seatbelt would far outway the slight chance of the boat sinking to quickly to free a child. I know there is the chance of somebody becoming too disabled in an accident to free themselves, but you take the same risk in a automobile. Is there any laws preventing the installation and or use of seatbelts in a pleasure boat.

I think it's mainly because in most circumstances being thrown away from the boat is preferrable to being trapped in it unconscious

Yea i would agree if your talking about paps bayliner, but these toys we drive are capable of moving across the water a heck of alot faster than i wanna hit the water. I have skipped across the water at 45-50 mph in my younger days skiing and tubing. I dont wanna try it at 70 or 80. Thinking my chances being secured to the boat sounds like a better option. Just my 2 cents worth

Because unless the boat with harnesses has a canopy and on-board oxygen, seatbelts in boats are flat out dangerous. Just ask any drag boat racer.

Skipping across the water hurts, now picture being upside down strapped in a boat and dragged through the water with he inertia of the boat! Do you think you will be in any shape to unhook after you just stopped 10000 lbs with your face?

Your life vest, which you should wearing, will not work if you are strapped in a boat.

Agreed fellows will reopen this topic in a month or so. Just praying god will give those families and friends peace.

70-80 is nothing. My father was a professional unlimited hydroplane driver(rookie of the year in 68 and first successful turbine hydro in 74) and survived multiple blow overs, the last one being at 187 MPH in Syracuse New York. Granted he had safety equipment on (helmet, drivers suit and life jacket) but had he been belted,he would have most definitely died. That said, most of his friends and fellow drivers are all gone now. Most were hydroplane casualties. But again we are talking much different speeds here. Thankfully hydroplanes evolved with regard to safety (capsules etc) but at the cost of some great, one of a kind human beings.

Def no reason for belts in open boats. The cons out weigh the pro's IMO.

John jr

Think about what would happen if the boat flips. A broken neck and possibly having your head torn right off. I have heard of velcro lap belts that will break loose with sufficient force but I will forgo those. It's far better to be ejected and with a vest on and the driver better be using the tether.

Stop the bus your scaring me!!