Tamaroak wrote:
Let's say I bought a five net ton boat to transport paying customers on
the Great Lakes out and back from the same location, not from one
location to another. These would be marketed as daytime or weekend
cruises, not fishing trips, although I could imagine someone might want
to fish. And what if the boat was not built in the US.

If my boat isn't built in the US, isn't there a waiver that can be
obtained for $300 to get around this US built requirement and allow me
to be documented? I believe this was extended indefinitely in September
of 2003.

http://www.marad.dot.gov/Programs/smallvessel/



I believe I am still required to be documented, however, in order to do
this type of activity, right? And which type of endorsement is required
for this, coastwise, great lakes or fishery? And can I obtain these with
this waiver?

It would appear that the waiver requires documentation. Certainly you
can use a small US built non-documented boat for 6-pak type charters.

You should talk to you local CG to clarify all this.



Because this vessel would not fall under the "inspected" category, am I
limited to six paying customers even though my USCG license is a 50
Master's, Great Lakes?

Isn't understanding this aspect of the law part of the requirement for a
Master's ticket??? Maybe its time for a refresher course.



And do these same documentation requirements hold if I am training
people to operate this type of boat?

Are they paying for this training? You should talk to the CD about this
one.