maryland.. do need to register with a trolling motor or not?

[Pat Smith]

I thought I HAD to register in MD if I add a trolling motor to my rig. I ran into two guys that swear that you don't have to register if you are under 7hp, which a trolling motor certainly would be.
I am fairly certain those two guys were full of "it". But it would be sweet if I didn't have to register.

I am not really interested in "trying to get away" with anything.. so if I must register I will.

[Shady]

You do have to register, but its free if under a certain amount of horsepower. It might be 7hp, but not sure. My motor is 1hp equivalent and registration is free...

Well, it was free. For some reason, I'm thinking that may have changed...

[Memory Maker]

The guy is wrong ......... You must have numbers ........ Must register but as Shady said ....... It's free but you need the stickers and numbers

[HJS]

Both Ryan and Memory Maker are correct.

Here's the link to MD-DNR Boating that explains registration of boats
http://dnr.maryland.gov/boating/registration/

I cut&pasted the important section.

A vessel placed with a Maryland licensed dealer or broker for resale is exempt from vessel excise tax provided (a) the vessel is titled or numbered in another state or is federally documented, and (b) the owner signs an affidavit that there will be no use of the vessel on the waters of the State other than for a sea trial.

$2 TITLE FEE

$24 REGISTRATION FEE

Vessels 16 feet in length or less and/or propelled by a motor of 7.5 hp or less must display a 2-year registration decal but are exempt from the fee.

The 2-year registration decal is valid for the calendar year in which it is issued and the subsequent year, expiring on December 31.

[buzz]

What HJS said....
It should only cost you $2, plus the cost of the numbers (Walmart sells them).

Oh... and BTW.... no fancy number fonts... just the standard 3" block letters.

[Yak Fish]

Funny enough, a guy saw my kayak numbers yesterday and said the same thing. He's running around on a john boat under 7hp thinking he doesn't have to register. He wasn't trying to be sneaky, he just didn't know.

[Pat Smith]

HA!!! that is probably the same guy I talked to. I mean, what are the chances of TWO people not obeying that particular law... astronomical!

[Salty Dog]

Kinda confused here.
Vessels 16 feet in length or less and/or propelled by a motor of 7.5 hp or less must display a 2-year registration decal but are exempt from the fee.
Reading this I am thinking I needed to register my yak. 14 foot Cuda, paddle? Yes, No, Maybe So?

[Goody]

Kinda confused here.
Vessels 16 feet in length or less and/or propelled by a motor of 7.5 hp or less must display a 2-year registration decal but are exempt from the fee.
Reading this I am thinking I needed to register my yak. 14 foot Cuda, paddle? Yes, No, Maybe So?

If you have a trolling motor, yes other wise, no.

Mobile

[claymeister]

Yes - you have to register the kayak/canoe with a trolling motor added to it. Under 16ft is a $2 title fee, the registration fee of $24 is waived. HOWEVER...if this vessel has never been titled before in Maryland, you will be required to pay a Registration TAX. This is based upon the value of the property at 6%. If you bought it used from someone and only have a bill of sale then you will likely have to pay the tax. so if the Bill of Sale shows you paid $1500, then expect to pay a Registration Tax of $75.00 plus the $2 title fee. If you bought it new and in Maryland and you have the paperwork/receipt which proved this and shows that you paid the sales tax, then you can argue and be able to skip paying this additional tax.

[HJS]

The wording "and/or" has always confused me in some applications where it's been used. I brought up the registration form from the follow address and C&Ped the important section and added it below.

http://dnr.maryland.gov/download/dnrb-240.pdf

Net Excise Tax Due
Title Fee (MD registered vessels only) $ 2.00
Registration Fee - 2 Year
over 16 ft. or over 7.5 hp $24.00
16 ft. or under with 7.5 hp or under NO FEE

Also, as stated above, it looks like canoes over 16' need to be registered regardless if it has a motor or not.

[monocacykayak]

numbers on kayak

The wording "and/or" has always confused me in some applications where it's been used. I brought up the registration form from the follow address and C&Ped the important section and added it below.

http://dnr.maryland.gov/download/dnrb-240.pdf

Net Excise Tax Due
Title Fee (MD registered vessels only) $ 2.00
Registration Fee - 2 Year
over 16 ft. or over 7.5 hp $24.00
16 ft. or under with 7.5 hp or under NO FEE

Also, as stated above, it looks like canoes over 16' need to be registered regardless if it has a motor or not.

the DNR also wants a certificate of origin if it's a new kayak .This is not the bill of sale you need to get it from the factory.Otherwise if you do not have that a picture of the kayak serial numbers ,same goes for used kayaks photo of serial numbers.Just a heads up so you have one trip. Rich