My Sailboat - My Dock - Reg. Required?

[endoftheroad]

Also, assuming I have current registration on my sailboat and I am parked at my private dock.
Can I get boarded by officials?

Thanks

[David M]

Yes, the registration is required and yes you can get boarded. Although it is docked near your private property it is still on a public waterway. Given that, the Coasties can board it anytime they please, but probably won't. There has been some debate on whether or not the local sheriffs patrol boat can board. I don't know the answer but I would not refuse if they insist.

[svquest2]

I don't know the answer and since I am not a marine lawyer maybe David M knows considerably more than I do, but I was under the impression that the requirement for registration was for the operation of a boat. Perhaps it varies with the state.

I know of many cruisers who use powered dinghys as a t/to their base boat without a registration; but some have been stopped for using the dinghy for more than just going from boat to shore, like taking a little side excursion around marina docks to admire boats.

At my yacht club and local marina, we always have boats that skip a season or more of operation without putting up-to-date registration decals on the hull. I don't know whether they are registered or not but I have never heard of one being boarded.

If someone really knows I am wrong please advise me.

Thanks

Joe S

[David M]

Perhaps the law is different in Florida? I don't know. What I gather about California is if it sits in the water it has to be registered or documented. Underway or not. Perhaps I heard wrong though.

[Sunspot Baby]

I don't know where your keeping your boat but your profile says NC and Florida.

In NC you must either document or register your boat. NC will also hit you with a property tax for it each year unless the boa is out of state on January 1.

Those that run powered dinghies without registration are running illegal. It is done, but the state of NC requires registration. It's not expensive and the registration is for 10 years (I think).

Florida has a reputation for being among the strictest of states regarding boats and I would be genuinely surprised if their requirements were less restrictive.

George

[Scott730]

In Florida you need up to date registration on both boat and Dinghy renewable every year. Even if you are coast guard documented you still next a current registration sticker on your boat (we really want your tax/fee dollars in Florida) but no registration numbers on the hulls are required. And you can be boarded on any waterway even your canal behind your house. In the Dinghy you will need safety gear (lift jackets and whistles are a must, in the Keys especially).

[Scott730]

Oh I almost forgot to mention, if you are boarded they are now checking for the oil disposal placard in the engine room and the garbage placard (MARPOL, I think it is called) is supposed to be in plan view but I placed one on the garbage can instead.

[Just a Tinch]

Originally Posted by Scott730

In Florida you need up to date registration on both boat and Dinghy renewable every year. Even if you are coast guard documented you still next a current registration sticker on your boat (we really want your tax/fee dollars in Florida) but no registration numbers on the hulls are required.

If its in the water....its got to have current documents/ fed & state if documented. If its out of the water....no.

Scott....go easy on FL....we have far fewer taxes than other states, and in reality....we get a pass on most of them. I'm glad I don't live in NY, MA, SC or NC....they really get hosed.

Me...my registration on my 44' Guflstar trawler is $5.25 a year. She's passed her 30th birthday...and she has a "bona fide" antique vessel sticker to prove it...and she's documented as well.

If I was in SC....the property tax on her alone would exceed $6000.00.

And you can be boarded on any waterway even your canal behind your house. In the Dinghy you will need safety gear (lift jackets and whistles are a must, in the Keys especially).

And if your boat is on a trailer the game man can stop you and check you to make sure haven't kept fish or critters you shouldn't have.