(a) The prohibitions in this section shall apply only to the following lakes: Lake Harris (Lake Wedowee), Lake Martin, and Weiss Lake.
(1) Except as authorized under subsection (d), beginning July 1, 2007, the use of houseboats shall be prohibited. The term houseboat shall include any residence boat as defined in subdivision (6) of Section 33-6A-1 or any recreational vessel that constitutes a fully equipped dwelling similar in content to a mobile home, with a marine sanitation device, galley, and sleeping quarters.
(2) Beginning October 1, 2006, the use of recreational vessels greater than 26 feet 11 inches in length and rated by the manufacturer for or capable of a top speed in excess of 60 miles an hour shall be prohibited.
(3) Except as authorized under subsection (d), beginning July 1, 2007, the use of recreational vessels greater than 30 feet 6 inches in length, as determined by the straight line distance between the ends of the boat, excluding bowsprits, outboard motor brackets, rudders, or other attachments, shall be prohibited.
(b) Vessels used for law enforcement, public safety, search and rescue, scientific research, or dam operation or maintenance or medical vessels shall be excluded from the prohibitions in this section.
(c) Sailboats equipped with a mast and sails that are dependent upon the wind for propulsion in the normal course of operation shall be excluded from the prohibitions in this section.
(d) The department shall adopt rules pursuant to the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act within six months of July 1, 2006, authorizing the use of vessels otherwise prohibited by this section in the following circumstances:
(1) Vessels needed for use on a temporary basis.
(2) Houseboats that were licensed and in use on July 1, 2006, provided, that they meet all applicable standards for sewage discharges, are moored at a marina or other facility with a certified pump-out station or other approved means of sewage disposal, and are inspected annually.
(3) Boats exceeding 30 feet 6 inches in length not to include any boat covered by subdivision (2) of subsection (a) that was licensed and in use or that was on site and available for sale at a marina located on one of the lakes referenced in subsection (a) on July 1, 2006.
(e) A permit issued under subsection (d) shall specify the lake where continued use of the vessel is authorized and shall not be transferable to any other lake referenced in subsection (a). Each permit issued under subsection (d) shall have a term of one year and shall be issued on or after the annual inspection of the vessel, if required. The department may charge and collect a fee sufficient to cover the reasonable anticipated costs for annual inspections and permit issuance under subsection (d).
Last modified: May 3, 2021