Mirror Question

[JohnnyCoconuts]

Hi all - new poster here. Recently bought a new 2013 GTX iS 260 Limited, and I'm trying to figure out if the standard mirrors meet the Florida requirements for "wide angle mirrors" so that you don't need to have a spotter when pulling a skier or tuber. (In FL it is either/or).

I've searched all over and can't find anything beyond "OEM mirrors MAY not meet the requirement..."

Does anyone have a specific answer to this or can you point me to anything definitive. My guess is if I call MP or the CG they will tell me to have a spotter just because that is their default position.

Thanks in advance,
J

 

[LouDoo]

To my knowledge mirrors will not pass the muster as far as replacing a spotter, in FL and most if not all states. You will need a driver a passenger/spotter and room on the ski for the person riding the tube or skiing/wake boarding.

Lou

 

[Coastiejoe]

Contact FL locations such as ODNR or the Coast Guard and get their definition of "wide angle".

Some states do allow the mirrors to act as the "spotter". Most do not. But if Florida does, I would get THEIR definition in writing so that when you are stopped, you have what you need to protect yourself from a legal perspective.

 

[JohnnyCoconuts]

Contact FL locations such as ODNR or the Coast Guard and get their definition of "wide angle".

Some states do allow the mirrors to act as the "spotter". Most do not. But if Florida does, I would get THEIR definition in writing so that when you are stopped, you have what you need to protect yourself from a legal perspective.

I reached a Captain at FWC, and was told "There are no other definitions that I am aware. As long as you meet the requirements listed in the statue, you should be legal."

So apparently it's just the regulation language that controls:

"A person may not operate a vessel on any waters of this state towing a person on water skis, or an aquaplane, or similar device unless there is in such vessel a person, in addition to the operator, in a position to observe the progress of the person being towed, or the vessel is equipped with a wide-angle rear view mirror mounted in such manner as to permit the operator of the vessel to observe the progress of the person being towed. This subsection does not apply to class A motorboats operated by the person being towed and designed to be incapable of carrying the operator in the motorboat."

Guess I will print out his response and keep it with me...

 

[Coastiejoe]

You are GOLDEN,,

I say that because here is the spec sheet for your ski and it lists WIDE ANGLE MIRRORS as part of the stock equipment.
Once you open the PDF that I have listed here, hit "CONTROL F", this will open a search window, type in MIRROR and hit return, it will take you to where it says Wide Angle Mirrors. I would also print this and keep it with you and you are legal...

That said, I think the mirrors suck, but it does keep you legal. I would not tow without a spotter. But thats just me and what I have always done. If there is an issue, having another person to help you is priceless...

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...mDmqiUqG4exdA5g&bvm=bv.44158598,d.dmQ&cad=rja