§ 301 Vessel Damage Misdemeanor

Harbors and Navigation Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says it’s a crime to intentionally damage a boat that weighs 10 gross tons or more and belongs to someone else.

Key Takeaways

•Only boats that are 10 gross tons or heavier are covered.
•The damage must be done willfully and maliciously (on purpose).
•The offense is a misdemeanor, which can lead to fines or jail time.

Example

A person cuts a hole in the hull of a neighbor’s 12‑ton fishing boat.

Because the boat is over 10 gross tons, belongs to another person, and the damage was done on purpose, the person could be charged with a misdemeanor under this law.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 301 Vessel Damage Misdemeanor

A person who willfully and maliciously cuts, breaks, or injures a vessel of ten gross tons and upwards that is the property of another is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 610, Sec. 20. (SB 717) Effective January 1, 2010.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

willfully and maliciously cuts, breaks, or injures vessel of ten gross tons and upwards misdemeanor

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Harbors and Navigation Code. Section 301.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References