Was stopped twice last summer on St.Clair River by US Coast Guard and Border Patrol and both said exact same thing when I showed them my flares and there was a flare gun. It is considered a weapon by Canadian Water Patrol as it holds a shell and is technically a handgun. They told me being the River/Lake is the border it would be a wise idea to remove it from my boat before I'm stopped by Canadian Water Patrol...Just FYI

If I have a drink... It's generally on Gull Island or in Muskamoot Bay!

:ernaehrung004:

and what happens when you get stopped by the us side and you dont have your flare gun kind of a double edge sword there damned if you do and damned if you dont

You don't specifically have to have a flare gun in Federal waters. You have to have a visual signal, so you could just have hand flares, or a smoke stick for pyrotechnic VDS's. Or you can have a flashlight or orange flag for non-pyrotechnic VSD's.

Also, make sure that if you use pyrotechnic VDS's, that everything is UP TO DATE, this ticket is just as bad as not having them on board!

This is LAW for all boats, regardless of size boating on federally controlled waters. (Great Lakes)

If you need any info on audible distress signals, I can answer that too. Those change for length of boat, so its a little more detailed.

Hope this helps!

Do most of the Canadians cross by water or trailer for the run? I really don't care if we make a stop in Canada just no one has any fun runs over here. What are the rules for beers on the boat over there anyways-the Canadians are getting anal about having any fun boating!

I was always told that if you are not driving you can drink some one correct me if i am wrong Ed

Everyone I know who in Windsor who enters a Fun Run on the U.S. side, crosses by boat.

Nope... No open booze, by anyone, even if the boat is anchored. Canada strictly forbids public alcohol consumption (drinking in public). You have to be in a bar or designated area (marina, etc.) to consume booze...

We found that out the hard way at Seaway Cove...

I should proof read be for I hit submit.

Everyone I know who lives in Windsor and who enter a U.S, Fun Run crosses by boat.

Canadian rules for Drinking i am not sure, in the US. Open alcohol and beer whatever IS allowed, as long as the driver is not drinking. you can drink while anchored or moving. Reasonable alcohol though. If there was the driver and 1 other person and you had 2 cases, you might get hassled, but if you have a boat full of people, alcohol and you have all your safety stuff, you wont be hassled, you will be good to go.

Drunk driving on the water is the same as land in Michigan, penalties are exactly the same. 0.08% BAC is legal limit, I dont recommend getting close to that.