10 Common Items That Are ILLEGAL to Have on a Boat in 2026

You could be breaking the law without even knowing it. The rules on the water keep changing, and what was legal yesterday might land you a massive fine today. We're not talking about obvious smuggling—we're talking about everyday items hiding in your lazarette right now. In this video, we break down 10 Common Items That Are ILLEGAL to Have on a Boat in 2026. From the specific type of gas can you use to the drone you fly at anchor, we cover the surprising regulations that trip up honest sailors during Coast Guard inspections. We cover: • The "Toy" That's a Weapon: Why green laser pointers are now a major liability. • Drone Laws: The registration traps that can get your gear confiscated. • Marine Toilets: Why your Y-valve might be illegal even if you aren't using it. • Expired Flares: Why keeping them as "spares" is actually a violation. • Firearms: The complex reality of carrying protection across borders. Don't let a routine inspection ruin your weekend. Check your gear against this list. ⏱️ CHAPTERS: • 00:00 Intro: The Rules Have Changed • 00:49 1. Laser Pointers • 01:47 2. Drones (The Legal Minefield) • 02:47 3. Marine Toilets & Discharge Zones • 03:52 4. Expired Flares • 04:55 5. Gas Cans (Hardware Store vs. Marine Grade) • 05:56 6. Restricted Meds • 07:05 7. Illegal Radios (MMSI & Licenses) • 08:14 8. Fishing Gear Regulations • 09:20 9. Alcohol Limits • 10:23 10. Firearms on Boats • 11:35 Outro: Sail Safe, Stay Legal 🔔 Subscribe for more boating safety tips, legal updates for cruisers, and honest gear reviews. 💬 Have you ever had an item confiscated during a boat inspection? Tell us your story in the comments below. #BoatingLaws #CoastGuardInspection #SailingSafety #MarineLaws #BoatLife #CruisingLife