I was given a citation Sunday on Lake bastrop for having a non-working fire extingisher. It came with the boat when I bought it. It did not have a gauge on it and the release button apparently froze up. I know it is my responsibility to have this in working order. The problem is the fine. The fine is $200. To me, that is just crazy.

That does seem a bit high. Going to check mine this week.

Rayzor, have you called the Judge's office? $200, if memory serves me correct, is the maximum fine on these violations. It has been a while since I have dealt with this, things may have changed.

That is sky high, another money grab by TPWD. However, I have been in a bass boat when the outboard decided to self ignite and having a fire extinguisher stopped it at an eletrical fire under the cowling instead of a totaled boat once it got to the gas.

A word of caution - Lake Bastrop is a training lake being so close to TPWD headquarters. I was stopped 5 times in 2008 out there. Better have everything in check before hitting the lake.

I always carry 2 hand-helds just in case....

I run a 14 foot boat. Do I need a fire extinguisher?

Yes... i think it is 14ft and above... dont quote me on that though..


I need to go check my extinguisher.

I was stopped a couple weeks ago,luckily i had 2 of them,because one of them,he said was no good.
I will purcahase an extra one also...there cheaper than $200.00

was it a gw or lcra cop?? I have been stopped numerous times by the lcra cops there to me they are like knats,and the one time I needed them they couldnt help me. My wifes truck was hit from head light to rear bumper all they could do was give me a blue form

I'm all for staying within the law, but that is something they should just write a warning to you about IMO.

I haven't even looked at the one in my boat since I bought it...

Chuck, any boat with a gas motor/gas tank on-board needs to have a working fire extinguisher aboard.

Texas law<------clicky It's a confusing read - the opening statement says "if one or more of the following conditions exist", then they throw a chart on there that says "26ft or under".

The safe bet if you have a gas motor and a gas can aboard is to have a working fire extinguisher on-board.

You can also be cited for your fire extinguishers being out of date or low charge. I replace mine (2) every year, regardless.
I would contest the fine & see if you can get it down to acceptable #. Appear in ct. & talk to the judge.

Lets see.... stay on a burning boat with no fire extinguisher or die of hypothermia in 45 degree water. When you look at it like that a $200 fine to open someones eyes as to the importance of a functioning fire extinguisher seems legit to me.

The purpose of the high ticket is to make dang sure you dont ever forget it again. And you shouldnt have to begin with it can save your life... Does that 20 dollar extinguisher look so expensive now. What good is a dead extinguisher in any situation?

I am glad I ran across this thread. I am fixin to purchase my first boat(used) and wouldn't have thought to bring a fire extinguisher. Now I am going to read up on the regulations so I don't get caught in a bad spot.