Federal rules for small boats are short, and state rules add a few items. Here is what a 12–16 ft aluminum jon or utility boat needs aboard to be legal and sensible, split into what is required and what experienced owners carry anyway. Always confirm with your state agency — several add requirements beyond the federal minimum.
Required on every powered boat under 16 ft
- Life jackets (PFDs). One wearable, US Coast Guard–approved life jacket of the right size for every person aboard. Children under 13 must wear one while underway on federal waters unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin; many states set their own age. Keep them accessible, not sealed in packaging under a seat.
- Sound-producing device. A whistle or horn audible for half a mile. A pealess whistle clipped to a life jacket satisfies this.
- Fire extinguisher. Required if the boat has an inboard engine, enclosed fuel or engine compartments, or permanently installed fuel tanks. A jon boat with a portable outboard and portable tank is usually exempt — but a small marine extinguisher is cheap and worth carrying regardless.
- Navigation lights if you operate between sunset and sunrise or in restricted visibility. Small boats may carry an all-round white light plus sidelights, or, if under 7 knots, an all-round white light alone.
- Visual distress signals for night use on coastal waters, the Great Lakes and connecting rivers: at least three night-rated signals (or an electric SOS light). Daytime signals are not required for boats under 16 ft.
- Registration numbers and decal displayed on the bow. See our registration guide.
Required by many states
- A throwable flotation device (Type IV cushion or ring) — federally required only from 16 ft, but several states mandate it on smaller boats.
- A bailer or bilge pump.
- An anchor with enough line for the water you fish.
- A paddle or oar as backup propulsion.
- Engine cut-off switch lanyard: federal law requires using one on boats under 26 ft with an installed switch when operating on plane.
- Boater education card — required for operators of a certain age in most states.
What experienced owners add
- A basic first-aid kit in a dry bag.
- A handheld VHF radio or a phone in a waterproof case — cell coverage fails on more lakes than people expect.
- A spare drain plug. Everyone forgets one eventually.
- Basic tools, a spare propeller and shear pins for the outboard, and spare fuses.
- A knife, a flashlight, and a bright-colored rag for signalling in daylight.
- Drinking water and sun protection.
A note on capacity
Safety gear does not raise a boat's limits. The capacity plate on the transom sets the maximum people, weight and horsepower; exceeding it is both dangerous and, in most states, a citation. Our capacity plate guide explains how to read yours.
Storing it all on a small boat
A 12 ft jon boat has little enclosed space. Use one dry bag for the required items (whistle, signals, first aid) and keep it clipped in, life jackets on the seats, and the anchor in the bow. The sealed storage hatch in our utility boats holds the small items dry and out of the way.
Free vessel safety checks are offered by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and US Power Squadrons; they take fifteen minutes and there is no penalty for anything they find. Do one before the first launch of the season.
