Numbers on Kayak in MD

[Markw54]

I have seen some Kayak's with numbers on front of boat and most without.
What are the laws in MD for rivers and the Bay.
Newbie

[john from md]

The ones with numbers have some kind of motor and are registered. If you paddle or peddle, you don't need to register a kayak in MD but if you have a motor, you have to.

John

[Salty Dog]

Early this spring I was out and DNR pulled up to me and asked if I had a motor on my Yak. I played dumb and said what motor. Of course i had a trolling motor on my yak. So they were nice enough to inform me that I had to register my Yak with DNR, thus the numbers and sticker.

[Huntrava]

Out of curiosity, why do folks put motors on their kayaks? The reason I bought a yak is so that I wouldn't have to spend money on registration, but I see a fair number of people who do it. Do you find that the motor is worth the extra cost/hassle?

[john from md]

I put one on mine because I am in my sixties and my arthritis is getting worse. I paddle when I can but need a backup to get home some times.

John

[buzz]

I have seen some Kayak's with numbers on front of boat and most without.
What are the laws in MD for rivers and the Bay.
Newbie

What john said... but also... if your yak is over 16' (that would be a big yak) you need to register.

Out of curiosity, why do folks put motors on their kayaks? The reason I bought a yak is so that I wouldn't have to spend money on registration, but I see a fair number of people who do it. Do you find that the motor is worth the extra cost/hassle?

Different strokes.
Some folks, like you, want something they don't have to register.
Some folks are simply looking for self-propulsion.
Me... I bought a kayak as just another means to get out on the water fishing. Something I could easily manage by myself and launch just about anyplace.

Then, when I was looking at the Trident I found a Torque for just $200 more. It didn't take me long to realize that I would be happier with the Torque. Its completely hands-free. The infinitely variable control throttle is right in front of you and you steer the oversize rudder with the foot rests. This allows me to change lures or rig lines while trolling or traveling to my target area. I love it.

So to answer you question as to "why"... its because when I take my yak out, I take it out to fish. When I want to paddle, I take my bride out in the canoe.

[Yak Fish]

Out of curiosity, why do folks put motors on their kayaks? The reason I bought a yak is so that I wouldn't have to spend money on registration, but I see a fair number of people who do it. Do you find that the motor is worth the extra cost/hassle?

My Torqeedo was worth every penny :-)
I can fish way longer and further. Oh man, I cringe to think I ever did without it. Now, I put in some miles when I go and I'm nearly constantly trolling so it takes a toll on my energy. It's great for taking a break and for getting back to dock. If you're just hanging close and in back creeks, the extra gear may not be worth it. If you're covering 10-20 miles in current or rough water, it's something to consider for sure.

[Salty Dog]

It also helps when your fishing tidal water and the headwinds pickup unexpectedly. Nice to have assurances you can get back to the launch site in a 25mph head wind. With a motor and paddle or peddle assist you can really pick up some ground.

[john from md]

When I paddle with the motor running, I can usually increase my speed by 1 MPH. That may not be much to you young turks but it is like winning the Preakness to an old disabled guy.

John

[Pat Smith]

In addition to what has been said...
It seems that everywhere I launch from.. the best fishing locations are 4 miles off shore (or up shore, or down shore, or whatever). Assuming an average rate of 3mph paddling you are looking at a solid hour to an hour and a half before you really get on your desired location. Granted you drag a line behind you while on your way.. but still it is an hour before you "get there". With a motor and lazy paddling you can sustain a 5mph or even 6 mph speed, which cuts your travel time in half or better. Also when you get on site.. you are not all sweaty and tired from humping out there.

Simply put, it extends your range.

[Memory Maker]

........ the answer is definitely yes

[bunnielab]

I am young and fit enough that I don't "need" a motor but it would be so nice be able to fish right up until dusk then just motor back to the launch. Last time I was at Rocky Gorge I got a little careless and was quite far from my car when night began to fall. I made it back before the gates were locked but the mosquitoes did remind me that I cut it too close. Maybe I will start carrying a rope and some chilled beers so I can buy a tow back from motorboaters.

[Markw54]

Thanks for all replies

The ones with numbers have some kind of motor and are registered. If you paddle or peddle, you don't need to register a kayak in MD but if you have a motor, you have to.

John

Took my new Native Slayer Propel out last Sunday for Maiden cruise under the Bay Bridge
Had A great time
Looking forward for more fishing and crabing time

[mikelreidd]

Different twist on the question, but I was stopped by DNR a few months ago and the officer strongy suggested regestration for theft reasons. He said that Yakers tend to have their vessels "unprotected" in back yards and truck beds, just begging for theft. And that registration puts the vessel in the system for possible recovery. Not sure that I agree with that logic, but I have not seen any data on yak thefts either. Also, I have not found a yaker that has had his vessel stolen.

[Huntrava]

Not sure that I agree with that logic, but I have not seen any data on yak thefts either. Also, I have not found a yaker that has had his vessel stolen.

Knock on wood. Many of these kayaks are worth more than a boat, and I've heard boat theft is fairly common. I wonder how many stolen boats get recovered by the police...?

Skeptical that registering with the state will make recovering a stolen kayak more likely than simply writing your name on it. You'd probably be better off spending the money on supplemental insurance for the yak.