According to Arizona’s negligent boat operation laws, it is illegal in the state of Arizona to operate a watercraft in such a manner as to show willful or wanton disregard for other persons or property.

Examples of Arizona’s negligent boat operation law violations:

• Weaving through congested boat traffic.
• Operating a boat in a restricted area.
• Riding on the gunwales, transom or decked over bow of a boat that is operating at greater than no wake speed.
• Operating with a  passenger or passengers on the bow, in a manner which obstructs the view of the operator.
• Chasing, harassing or disturbing wildlife.
• Platform dragging (or teak surfing).
• Overloading your boat beyond its safe carrying capacity.

Overloading

In Arizona, all watercraft that are 20 feet or smaller in length and that are sold or manufactured in Arizona after January 1, 1971, must have a capacity plate attached and readily visible from the position normally occupied by the operator of the boat. No watercraft may be loaded beyond the safe carrying capacity indicated on this plate. Such plates are not required on canoes and sailboats.

Arizona’s Laws for Speed Limits and Operation in Restricted Areas

It is illegal to operate a boat in excess of the posted speed limit or at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the prevailing conditions and potential hazards. In every event, speed shall be so controlled as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person or other boat, swamping other boats or otherwise endangering the lives or property of other people.