Requirements for vessel licensing in WA

[urbanangler]

My new 12' folding porta-bote was shipped to me today. Do I need to register or license it to use it? I can't seem to find the answer on the WA government website.

[dilbert]

As long as you use a motor that is less than 10 horsepower and don't use it in federal waters, then no vessel license is required since it is under 16'.

Here are the Washington Boating Laws

[produce2troutcat]

It is easier if you just get the sticker and boat #s if you are going to use a motor(Any Kind).Trying to figure out if the body of water is legal is not worth the time.If the body of water borders or is on federal land you need it. If the body of water receives any kind of federal aid,you need it.See where I am going with this.Also,cities,counties and municipalities all have their own ordinances that you might not be aware of.This will all lead to tickets or just a bad taste in your mouth.I have friends who have encountered these situations.

[Dave]

Urbanangler,

Welcome to WALakes.com. Here is the law and a little info on federal waters. Congrats on your new boat. Good luck and good fishin.


The Licensing Law:

You must have a Washington title, registration, and registration decals to navigate, operate, employ, or moor a vessel on Washington’s waters.

Exceptions are:

Vessels that are not propelled by a motor (canoes, kayaks, etc.) and sailboats under 16 feet in length without a motor

Vessels less than 16 feet in length with a motor of 10 horsepower or less if used only on non-federal waters

Properly registered vessels owned by residents of another state or country and using Washington waters for 60 or fewer days



http://www.givecars.com/boat/washington-wa.html#44.

What are federal waters?

Some Federal bodies of water are Puget Sound, Hood Canal, Lake Washington, Lake Union, Lake Sammamish, Columbia River, Snake River, Lake Washington Ship Canal, Capitol Lake, Pend Oreille River, Walla Walla River, Yakima River, and other bodies of water effected by the ebb and flow of the tide and are on or bordering federal land. For further clarification of federal waters, please contact the local marine law enforcement office in the jurisdiction.

[urbanangler]

Thank you all! Since I plan to fish Lake Washington and Lake Union, I will be registering and titling. I hope to be posting some fine catch reports soon.

[Rich McVey]

Check out the Washington State Boating Laws, looks like the boating may fall under the state parks juristiction but its confusing who actually is the athority - http://www.parks.wa.gov/moorage/bfaq.asp

What boats are required to be registered and where do I register one?

All motorboats regardless of length, and sailboats 16 feet and over, are required to be registered by state law unless specifically exempt. A vessel can be registered at a local county auditor's office or any vehicle/vessel subagent location.

What type of equipment is required to legally operate my boat?

The boat must be registered unless exempt under state law and display the numbers and valid decal.

Do I need to register my inflatable raft?

Only if a motor is installed on it.


I hope this helps and doesnt cloud any issues already presented.

[bpm2000]

As long as you use a motor that is less than 10 horsepower and don't use it in federal waters, then no vessel license is required since it is under 16'.

Here are the Washington Boating Laws

not true if u are fishing lake wa.union/samm, etc

[Rich McVey]

I just followed that link, found the PDF version of the official hand book that includes registration info. Look at pages 42->

http://www.boat-ed.com/wa/wa_specific_i ... entire.pdf

[dilbert]

As long as you use a motor that is less than 10 horsepower and don't use it in federal waters, then no vessel license is required since it is under 16'.

Here are the Washington Boating Laws

not true if u are fishing lake wa.union/samm, etc

(those are federal waters):-$

[bpm2000]

As long as you use a motor that is less than 10 horsepower and don't use it in federal waters, then no vessel license is required since it is under 16'.

Here are the Washington Boating Laws

not true if u are fishing lake wa.union/samm, etc

(those are federal waters):-$

HA just skipped right over that part - apologies!

[VHMLLC]

so if my 8 foot pontoon has a trolling motor on it, i have to register it? so where do i put the #s and sticker? i do go on the columbia and sloughs.

stan.:viking:

[EastsideRedneck]

I was under the impression that registration was not required for boats under 16" with trolling motors attached. From the direction this thread is going I need to register my 7.5' Livingston and 11' inflatable for use with my 17# thrust eletric trolling motor on "Federal" waters?

Before I completely flip out... what does it cost to register small craft like these? I'm heading to Banks Lake (which sounds like it would fall under the federal category due to the dam) on Thursday with all 3 of my boats and had intended on using the trolling motor on one of them. If I need to register them then I guess the motor is staying home.