CO Kayakers: Question on Vessel Marking

[theGinsue]

I read somewhere that even kayaks in CO require some sort of marking to identify the owner of the vessel. Is this correct? I've read through the CO Rules and Regulations for boating but don't see anything pertaining to kayaks.

If this is required, what information is needed and what manner is required for affixing this information to the kayak?

New to the whole kayak thing so any info will be greatly appreciated.

[ferrum]

https://cpw.state.co.us/activities/boating

Any boat with a motor or sail operated in Colorado on any public waters must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.​​​ Boats from other states may be operated in Colorado for up to 60 days with a current registration from the owner's state.

Only if you plan on having an electric motor attached.

[def90]

I used to WW kayak, never heard of anything that is self propelled require any kind of markings.

That said, a lot of guys would use engravers to mark the inside of their boats in a inconspicuous place to make it easier to retrieve in case of theft.

[theGinsue]

Thanks for the info gents.

I'd already read all through the info on the link provided before I posted and the only think I learned is that a light (flashlight is specifically mentioned as acceptable) is required - it didn't specify that this is required if you're on the water at night, just that it's required. So, I've added that to my gear with the flotation vest and whistle.

As to the engraving in case of theft...yep. I've been considering different options for where to engrave my last name on the kayak - probably underneath the back part of where the seat mounts and just big enough to be visible if you look for it.

[ferrum]

Just to add to this.
I have boated in Colorado for 20+ years.

For my gasser. I register the boat, have a boat ID on the side , per regs.
I carry a fire extinguisher, sound making device (whistle) , lights for when I run at night, a throwable flotation device, and pfd for everyone on board.

For my inflatable, human powered , pontoon I just wear a pfd and have a whistle. Nothing else.
Been checked by CPW many times and have never had an issue.

Edited to state. A sound device appears to be required for a kayak and it looks like I do have one for my pontoon. Current regs do require name and address to be on the kayak in a clear and durable fashion.

Page 8
https://spl.cde.state.co.us/artemis/nrserials/nr145b63internet/nr145b632025internet.pdf

[theGinsue]

Edited to state. A sound device appears to be required for a kayak and it looks like I do have one for my pontoon. Current regs do require name and address to be on the kayak in a clear and durable fashion.

Page 8
https://spl.cde.state.co.us/artemis/nrserials/nr145b63internet/nr145b632025internet.pdf

[QUOE="From Page 8"]Any canoe, kayak, paddleboard, sailboard or non-motorized raft which is not required to be registered must be marked with the owner’s name and current address in a legible, clearly visible, and durable fashion. (CRS 33-13-103 (5))[/QUOTE]

Okay, so again this brings me questioning how it has to be affixed to the craft.

Can I use a "durable" luggage tag with my name and address and just attach that to a mounting point of the kayak? What about a print out of the information inside of a durable ZipLock freezer bag, then duct taped on? Seems to me this meets the wording of this requirement. The reg is particularly vague on the requirement and seems to leave a lot up to interpretation.

[Mtneer]

They have never check on that name/address, at least for rivers. More likely at a major lake.

Note that if you are using a trailer for any boat/kayak/canoe/etc, inspection for invasive mussels and snails is mandatory throughout the state. Page 50. They are really cracking down on this because it's a major problem f-ing up rivers and lakes.

[kidicarus13]

They are really cracking down on this because it's a major problem f-ing up rivers and lakes.

No kidding. https://coloradosun.com/2022/05/30/aquatic-nuisance-species/

99312

[Martinjmpr]

FWIW I think the primary reason they want this is so that if they find a kayak or paddleboard somewhere, the authorities need to know if they should start looking for a person and/or a body. By having the phone number they can call it and say "Hey, we found your kayak on the Platte River, are you OK?"

Lets them know if they have to start searching and also keeps them from expending search and rescue resources unnecessarily.