As of November 1, 2009 New York State will now require all boaters and their passengers on recreational watercraft which are less than 21 feet in length to wear a personal floatation device during off-season boating activities, between Nov. 1 through May 1, the violation of can result in a fine of $25 to $100.  This new law will cover all vessels from kayaks and canoes to motorboats, sailboats and rowboats.�