When to liscense a boat??

[felts_jf]

I am thinking about buying a 14ft jon boat when I get home and a trailer. The rules in WA say."You must register your boat with the Department of Licensing, unless it is under 16 feet, has a motor capacity of 10 h.p. or less and is used exclusively on non-federal waters." What is federal water? Is small lakes like American, Clear, Long, lakes like that federal water? Would I be good if sooner or later I got a 5hp motor, not really clear on the rules or just dont know ho to read them right or something.

Thanks
Jason

[Bill G]

It is a good idea to register your boat. If it is stolen those numbers can be seen by a lot of us and if you post it we will help you find it.
On the other hand. a 14 foot boat with a 5 hp motor doesn't have to be registered.
Federal waters: Puget Sound, Columbia River as far up as the big the big ships can go.
Any Locks like on Lake Union.
It will cost around $20 a year.
It's up to you.
Bill

[felts_jf]

Thanks for the info, For just 20 a year I'll go ahead and do it to be on the safe side.

Thanks Bill

Jason