JG wrote:
After a read of this... The Jones Act and related statutes require that
vessels used to transport cargo and passengers between U.S. ports be owned
by U.S. citizens, built in U.S. shipyards, and manned by U.S. citizen
crews... it seems like this doesn't really apply to the various clubs that
rent boats. Many, if not most, of the boats that are in charter fleets in
the US are foreign made (Bene's and such), although I'm pretty sure they're
owned and operated by US citizens. I'm wondering if there is some
distinction between "between U.S ports" and returning to the same port, but
even that seems like it wouldn't hold for several clubs that have multiple
facilities.

Bene's aren't made in the US?

The Jones act doesn't apply to uncrewed charters. It does, however,
apply to 6-Pak type charters, if they travel between US ports. A
daysail, or "cruise to nowhere" is probably exempt, but an overnight
to a nearby US port is not. You should probably consult with the
local CG to find out their interpretation or if they care.

IIRC, Jaxie used this to claim that a US citizen must always be on
board a documented vessel.

Small documented vessels can receive an exemption to the "foreign
built" law for the modest extortion of $300 - I forget exactly what
conditions have to be satisfied, but I know that my boat is eligible.
It travels with the vessel when sold, so sometimes you see a "for
sale" add that says "comes with Jones Act Exemption."