Do you have one and how does it really work. I am thinking about getting one. <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.haybella.com/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.haybella.com/index.html</a>

In California the flag must be raised by a human observer, you can be cited for using an automated flagging machine.

One more reason to stay out of Cali!

Mike, are you sure that the flag has to be raised by a human observer in cali? The layman's version of the boating rules in the handouts and booklets doesn't say so...but I guess the actual law might. <BR> <BR>It does say that a human observer is required and that a flag must be displayed, but doesn't specify that a person has to raise or hold the flag. The auto-flag wouldn't get you out of having a 3rd, but I believe you would be legal in Ca as long as you have an observer.

I think it is a great idea never the less.

I like it. I would like to see them get rid of that arm that holds it and just have the box. I would hit overpasses and more trees than I already do with that thing up there. I think I might look for the spring pivot point on that and see if I can integrate it into my tower.

Taken from the California Waterways and regulations web. <BR> <BR>7009. The Ski Flag. <BR>(a) A red or orange flag measuring no less than 12 inches on each side, in <BR>the shape of a square or rectangle, mounted or displayed in such a manner <BR>as to be visible from every direction shall be known as a ski flag. <BR>(b) The use of this flag will not be construed as conferring any rights or <BR>privileges on its users, and its display will not be construed in itself as <BR>restricting the use of the water in the vicinity of the vessel displaying the <BR>flag. <BR>(c) Operators of vessels will, however, exercise precaution commensurate <BR>with conditions indicated. <BR>(d) The ski flag shall be displayed when one or more of the following <BR>conditions exists. <BR>(1) A downed skier. <BR>(2) A skier in the water preparing to ski. <BR>(3) A ski line extended from the vessel. <BR>(4) A ski in the water in the vicinity of the vessel. The ski flag shall not <BR>be displayed at any other time. <BR>NOTE: Authority cited: Sections 652, 658, 658.7 and 659, Harbors and Navigation Code. <BR>Reference: Sections 650, 655.3, 658.7 and 659, Harbors and Navigation Code. <BR> <BR>Chris <BR><a href="http://www.wakejunky.com" target="_blank">www.wakejunky.com</a>

if this is word for word, and there are no other ammendments, then according to 7009. d. 3., I CAN have my flag in a permanent holder, displayed all the time... because even when a rider is riding, obviously there is a "ski line extended from the vessel" when wakeboarding. sweet.

you will get a ticket of its up when theres not a rider in the water. ive seen it happen.

Chris...do you happen to have the law for AZ? I hope it is the same. I also want to keep mine up all the time when the rope is extended from the boat. That would be much easier than putting it up and down, or telling someone to do it that is.

Be careful with this one. we used a buggy whip last year to hold are flag up and got a ticket. i went to court to challange it and lost. the judges coment was that your observer must be holding the flag. although I dissagree its hard to fight the judge. In my opinion the flag should be up at all times when you are towing a rider so oncoming traffic knows your towing a rider. but thats just my opinion.

I've heard of people getting cited for having it up while swimming

I thought you were supposed to have it up while swimming.

Man, I feel for you guys. Thirds, flags, etc. In TN, as long as you have a proper mirror you are legal. I understand the safety of requiring a third or observer, but I can't see how the flag is suppose to help. <BR> <BR>Let's all be safe out there this year, <BR> <BR>Jman