Interpretation ID: nht72-5.46

DATE: 09/18/72

FROM: JOSEPH S. GORMAN FOR FRANCIS ARMSTRONG -- NHTSA

TO: Pleasure Industries Inc.

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in reply to your letter of August 4, 1972, in which you ask for information in regard to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Certification regulations that would apply to a combination boat trailer/water cruiser that you describe in your letter and brochure.

The trailer depicted on the last page of your brochure is considered to be a "boat trailer" as defined in paragraph 571.3(b) of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations which states, ". . ." Boat trailer' means a trailer designed in cradle-type mountings to permit launching of the boat from the rear of the trailer . . . ."

The "water cruiser" is considered to be cargo and not an integral part of the trailer. Therefore, it would not, nor would any part of it be regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If you are not already aware of the Coast Guard regulations that might apply to the water cruiser you might wish to contact the United States Coast Guard, Office of Boating Safety, 400 - 7th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590.

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 is the only FMVSS that applies to trailers at this time. Regulations that apply are as follows:

Part 566 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations - Manufacturer Identification

PART 567 - CERTIFICATION

Part 573 - Defect Reports

Part 574 - Tire Identification

Copies of the above are enclosed with a copy of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act and a Notice of Publications Change.

In regard to tongue weight and proper distribution, you might be interested in reviewing the "Recommended Practices and Standards Covering Boat Trailer Practices" in the American Boat and Yacht Council, Inc., publication "Safety Standards for Small Craft." The address of that organization is American Boat and Yacht Council, 15 E. 26th Street, Room 1603, New York, New York 10010.

If you have further questions, I will be pleased to answer them.