Virginia Passes Bills for Towed Motor Sports

The Virginia Assembly and House have passed bills SB 984 and HB 751 respectively, to allow towed motorsports behind outboard motor boats, if the propeller is below the water line and forward of the transom or integrated platform. Current law only allows towed motorsports behind direct or v-drive (inboard) powered vessels. The intent was to help prevent propeller injuries for those waterskiing, wakesurfing or participating in other towed watersports. The bill will provide engine and boat builders flexibility in developing new drive technologies that meet the standards of the bills, which are expected to pass and be signed into law.