Full text of Utah Utah Code § 73-18-2 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 73-18-2. Definitions.
Effective 1/1/2026 73-18-2.
Definitions. As used in this chapter:
(1)
"Anchored" means a vessel that is temporarily attached to the bed or shoreline of a waterbody by any method and the hull of the vessel is not touching the bed or shoreline.
(2)
"Beached" means that a vessel's hull is resting on the bed or shoreline of a waterbody.
(3)
"Boat livery" means a person that holds a vessel for renting or leasing.
(4)
"Carrying passengers for hire" means to transport persons on vessels or to lead persons on vessels for consideration.
(5)
"Commission" means the Outdoor Adventure Commission.
(6)
"Consideration" means something of value given or done in exchange for something given or done by another.
(7)
"Dealer" means any person who is licensed by the appropriate authority to engage in and who is engaged in the business of buying and selling vessels or of manufacturing them for sale.
(8)
"Derelict vessel":
(a)
means a vessel that is left, stored, or abandoned upon the waters of this state in a wrecked, junked, or substantially dismantled condition; and
(b)
includes:
(i)
a vessel left at a Utah port or marina without consent of the agency or other entity administering the port or marine area; and
(ii)
a vessel left docked or grounded upon a property without the property owner's consent.
(9)
"Division" means the Division of Outdoor Recreation.
(10)
"Moored" means long term, on the water vessel storage in an area designated and properly marked by the division or other applicable managing agency.
(11)
"Motorboat" means any vessel propelled by machinery, whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion.
(12)
"Operate" means to navigate, control, or otherwise use a vessel.
(13)
"Operator" means the person who is in control of a vessel while it is in use.
(14)
"Outfitting company" means any person who, for consideration:
(a)
provides equipment to transport persons on all waters of this state; and
(b)
supervises a person who:
(i)
operates a vessel to transport passengers; or
(ii)
leads a person on a vessel.
(15)
(a)
"Owner" means a person, other than a lien holder, holding a proprietary interest in or the title to a vessel.
(b)
"Owner" includes a person entitled to the use or possession of a vessel subject to an interest by another person, reserved or created by agreement and securing payment or performance of an obligation.
(c)
"Owner" does not include a lessee under a lease not intended as security.
(16)
(a)
"Personal watercraft" means a motorboat that is:
(i)
less than 16 feet in length;
(ii)
propelled by a water jet pump or other machinery as the motorboat's primary source of motive power; and
(iii)
designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than sitting or standing inside the vessel.
(b)
"Personal watercraft" includes a water jet device as part of the personal water craft vessel if the water jet device is connected to the personal water craft.
(17)
"Racing shell" means a long, narrow watercraft:
(a)
outfitted with long oars and sliding seats; and
(b)
specifically designed for racing or exercise.
(18)
"Sailboat" means any vessel having one or more sails and propelled by wind.
(19)
"Vessel" means every type of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.
(20)
"Wakeless speed" means an operating speed at which the vessel does not create or make a wake or white water trailing the vessel. This speed is not in excess of five miles per hour.
(21)
"Water jet device" means a device with which an individual rides a hydro-powered apparatus above the surface of the water while connected to a personal watercraft or other power source that supplies thrust to the water jet device through a hose connecting the two devices.
(22)
"Waters of this state" means any waters within the territorial limits of this state.
Section 73-18-2 ("Definitions.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Utah § 73-18-2?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 73-18-2" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 73-18-2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
