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You can get a charge for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) for driving with any blood alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a car, truck, SUV, or comically old microcar. In fact, you can get in serious trouble for intoxication on a bicycle, too. But can you get a similar charge to a DUI for drunkenness on a boat, like a BUI?

The authorities take being drunk on a boat seriously and can slap you with a Boating Under the Influence (BUI) charge

Like operating a car, truck, SUV, or minivan on dry land, you can incur a charge for being under the influence as you pilot a watercraft. Operating a boat or motorized vessel of any kind can land you the equivalent of a DUI for boats, namely a Boating Under the Influence (BUI) charge.

However, that’s not the only name you might find in certain jurisdictions. For instance, some locales may charge you with a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge. Similarly, you may incur a Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) charge. By any name, it means the police or authorities will charge you with a misdemeanor. However, repeat offenses or extenuating circumstances might lead to a felony BUI charge. 

Not only can you get a BUI on your favorite outboard pontoon boat or seven-figure cabin cruiser, but you can also end up in hot water for shenanigans in a smaller vessel. According to Super Lawyers, you can land yourself a maritime DUI on your boat regardless of engine size. 

Tracey A. Wood, a lawyer with a focus on intoxication charges, had this to say on the subject. “The simple truth is that, if it has a motor, you can’t operate it while intoxicated, period.” It’s a good rule to remember. 

Not dissimilar to driving a car on land, authorities can arrest you and charge you with a BUI. Typically, you need a BAC over 0.08 for a BUI arrest. However, beyond what Tracey Wood has to say on the subject, you can get a BUI for the sloppy operation of your engine-free kayak or canoe.

The laws prohibiting boating while intoxicating pertain to “all vessels, including non-motorized vessels such as kayaks,” per WaterSportsWhiz. That means you can’t swill your favorite drinks and head out on your favorite non-motorized water transport. Doing so can land you in seriously hot water (no pun intended).

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Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).