Do I need to register my boat?

[7mmfan]

I have a 12' aluminum boat I'm using for duck hunting this year, and I will putting an 8 hp kicker on it.

I've read multiple places online that boats under 15' with 10 hp or less do NOT need to be registered, but then recently read somewhere else that regardless of length, if there is a motor on it (regardless of hp) it needs to be registered.

Somewhere else told me only if it is being used on federal waters... what are considered federal waters?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[Goldeneye]

Here's a quote from a link I'm providing you.  I've heard different definitions from different sources.  For example, one officer told me that federal waters are downriver from I-5 on Snohomish.  I was told by another officer that was not true.  So to be safe I would error on the safe side and just register it.


By & large  .. most any waterway that ever has, or ever could be used for commerce (to include moving a log or canoe, punt or frontier era craft for commerce), even if it is now silted in, the channel has moved or is totally overgrown with vegetation, still qualifies as Federally Navigable

http://www.leeroysramblings.com/navigable%20waters%20of%20US.html

[CP]

Unless you use it in Puget Sound or Lake Washington I suggest that you don’t register it.  You may run into to a highly motivated (or just plain bored) LE type that may make an issue of it but I doubt if they would cite you on the spot.
If you do register it you will have to have a title, which means you will have to show proof that you paid sales tax on the boat and motor.  If you can’t prove that you will get introduced to WA state use tax.  Google that for your reading amusement.

[7mmfan]

Well I got a pretty good grasp of federal waters now, and decided that some of the places I may hunt, I should register it. Luckily, my dad who originally bought the boat, registered it at one point back in the early 80's and it was still in the system. I just bought tags "for him" and we're off and running. Thanks guys.

[Bofire]

  If you do not register it and someone uses it to smuggle pot from Mexico to Canada you will not get any of the money.
Carl