Awhile back the methods of affixing registration numbers were discussed and I posted this...As to registration, the Clark County Sheriff sent me the pertinent regulations for Washington State. Bottom line, it isn't necessary to register your dinghy if these conditions are satisfied (6) Vessels equipped with propulsion machinery of less than ten horsepower that:
(a) Are owned by the owner of a vessel for which a valid vessel number has been issued;
(b) Display the number of that numbered vessel followed by the suffix "1" in the manner prescribed by the department; and
(c) Are used as a tender for direct transportation between that vessel and the shore and for no other purpose; Link HERE http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=88.02.030 Technically, section(c) means that you can't fish or take "excursions" in your dinghy I talked to my local licensing agent and learned that I'll be required to pay excise tax to get my dinghy licensed. On a NEW boat the "Manufacturers Statement Of Origin" is used to calculate the tax and there's no avoiding it. If it were a used boat I could present any hand-written receipt and they'd be fine with it. So, I'm looking at $106.60 excise tax, $20.00 licensing fee, and a $20.00 titling fee for a total of $146.60 to license. Naturally there will be renewal fees each June. I'm now wondering if I shouldn't just register it as a dinghy (according to the regulations above) and accept the limitations imposed. That is, it is simply an "extension of the boat" to get me to shore and nothing else. No sightseeing, no fishing, no excursions. I guess the answer depends on how the strictures are enforced. This is where other dinghy-owners can help me. Please chime in with your thoughts.
(a) Are owned by the owner of a vessel for which a valid vessel number has been issued;
(b) Display the number of that numbered vessel followed by the suffix "1" in the manner prescribed by the department; and
(c) Are used as a tender for direct transportation between that vessel and the shore and for no other purpose; Link HERE http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=88.02.030 Technically, section(c) means that you can't fish or take "excursions" in your dinghy I talked to my local licensing agent and learned that I'll be required to pay excise tax to get my dinghy licensed. On a NEW boat the "Manufacturers Statement Of Origin" is used to calculate the tax and there's no avoiding it. If it were a used boat I could present any hand-written receipt and they'd be fine with it. So, I'm looking at $106.60 excise tax, $20.00 licensing fee, and a $20.00 titling fee for a total of $146.60 to license. Naturally there will be renewal fees each June. I'm now wondering if I shouldn't just register it as a dinghy (according to the regulations above) and accept the limitations imposed. That is, it is simply an "extension of the boat" to get me to shore and nothing else. No sightseeing, no fishing, no excursions. I guess the answer depends on how the strictures are enforced. This is where other dinghy-owners can help me. Please chime in with your thoughts.