“Maritime law is a very complicated specialty, governed by state and federal statutes and 250 years of judge-made law. Anyone who buys or operates a recreational boat without paying close attention to these “special” rules does so at his or her peril.
With this comprehensive and understandable legal primer, Eric Lenck has identified and expertly explained the legal issues that will enable the unwashed to avoid the hazards of maritime law. He has done a great service to the recreational-boating community in the United States, including those involved in purchase and sale, marinas, boatyards, marine insurance, salvage, yacht chartering, and maritime law enforcement.
This book should prove to be a valuable resource, not only to lawyers unfamiliar with the peculiarities of this sector of maritime law, but also to serious boat owners who want a better understanding of how maritime law may affect them. The author’s practical advice rings true and reflects his many years of experience in handling maritime litigation and marine transactional work.”
Robert B. Parrish
President, Maritime Law Association of the United States, 2012 - 2014
Partner, Moseley, Prichard, Parrish Knight & Jones
Jacksonville, Florida
“In the Law of Recreational Boating, maritime attorney Eric Lenck has done a great service to recreational boaters and professional mariners alike. Intended as a resource for the recreational boating public, this book has still broader appeal. As a 23-year licensed Master of Motor, Steam, or Sail, I found much that is useful in this worthy text. I recommend this book to my colleague mariners and to all who own or operate boats. Whether you’re buying your first boat or celebrating decades of time on the water, you’ll find things here that will expand your knowledge of the confusing and sometimes odd world of maritime law and in doing so find greater comfort that you are protected, properly insured, and legally shipshape. Law of Recreational Boating belongs in every boater’s library.”
Capt. Jonathan Boulware
Master, 500 tons, Oceans, Motor, Sail, or Steam
President and CEO, South Street Seaport Museum, New York
"As recreational boaters...we need to have a basic understanding of the legal issues that loom..., the proper way to legally purchase a boat, the obligations of boat repairers and marinas, how to deal with insurance issues, Coast Guard regulations, and the authorities of law enforcement. In addition, we need to be prepared to legally protect ourselves after a vessel casualty. Eric Lenck's LEGAL GUIDE TO RECREATIONAL BOATING is an incredibly comprehensive, interesting, and easy to understand compilation of the basic legal knowledge we all need. This is the single "must read" and "must have" book for every member of the recreational boating community. It is on my shelf and should be on yours as well."
Francis "Stash" Pelkowski
Rear Admiral, United States Coast Guard ((Ret.)
Professor, New York Maritime College
Master Mariner & 3rd Asst. Engineer, U.S. Merchant Marine ((Ret.)
"Maritime law can be a confusing maze filled with expensive pitfalls. The book LAW OF RECREATIONAL BOATING aims to simplify the challenges. Using plain English that everyday folks can understand, the author, an avid recreational boater and attorney, provides practical advice using examples from cited casework on each subject, including towing, marine insurance, titling and more.”
Gary Reich, SOUNDINGS Magazine
November, 2019
"This book explains the unique maritime laws that typically affect the recreational-boating community. The author, a maritime attorney, presents the well-researched statutory and case law material in an informative, understandable, and often-entertaining style. The reader will learn how to avoid common legal pitfalls relating to yacht purchase, marine insurance, repair contracts, salvage, regulatory laws, and charter parties."
BOATING INDUSTRY CANADA
April 16, 2019