Do I register a kayak?

[atp_08]

I just bought a kayak used and they had it registered In PA. do i need to register it in MD? I'll be using a boat launch ramp. It's a 12ft fishing kayak. Thanks

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[Big Mike]

You do not need to register your kayak as long as it does not have a motor of any sort. If you add an electric motor you would need to register. There are reasons to register, some states only let registered boats use ramps or it could make it easier to track if stolen. Not sure but Maryland might collect 6% of the sale/value of the yak if you do register, which is a downside if it is. I’ve had my kayak for 4 years and have not registered it. Maryland does not require boats to be registered to use ramps or soft launches.

[atp_08]

You do not need to register your kayak as long as it does not have a motor of any sort. If you add an electric motor you would need to register. There are reasons to register, some states only let registered boats use ramps or it could make it easier to track if stolen. Not sure but Maryland might collect 6% of the sale/value of the yak if you do register, which is a downside if it is. I’ve had my kayak for 4 years and have not registered it. Maryland does not require boats to be registered to use ramps or soft launches.

Great. Thanks!!!

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[YakCapn]

I registered mine in Maryland as I put a trolling motor on my first kayak. I sent them the sales receipt showing I paid sales tax in Maryland because that’s where I bought it. I sent the registration fee via check and they sent my check back along with the registration stickers. It was essentially free for me. I think someone in the office made a clerical error or thought I was crazy for sending money to register a kayak. Either way it worked out fine.

[Oldbayrunner]

PA requires registration on any kayak. As stated if you use a motor on one here in MD it needs to be registered. There is a 5% initial tax, $2 title & $24 registration fee, then it is a no fee registration for subsequent years as long as your motor meets the no fee guidelines.

I registered mine in Maryland as I put a trolling motor on my first kayak. I sent them the sales receipt showing I paid sales tax in Maryland because that’s where I bought it. I sent the registration fee via check and they sent my check back along with the registration stickers. It was essentially free for me. I think someone in the office made a clerical error or thought I was crazy for sending money to register a kayak. Either way it worked out fine.

They certainly did. Was it a " no fee" decal? I couldn't register mine via mail. I had to go to the DNR office and supply a Bill of Sale and Certificate of Origin in order to receive my registration. Then played hell trying to re register a replacement hull when mine was replaced under warranty.

[john from md]

Boat registration is free in Maryland if your motor is less than 7.5 horsepower.

[YakCapn]

Thanks John, I never knew that. I didn’t understand why they sent my check back. It’s been a few years. It was nice of them to do that, they could have easily cashed the check and sent me the decals and I’d never know the difference.

[john from md]

Thanks John, I never knew that. I didn’t understand why they sent my check back. It’s been a few years. It was nice of them to do that, they could have easily cashed the check and sent me the decals and I’d never know the difference.

Quite refreshing - honesty in MD government, who'd a thought.

[manlystanley]

I just bought a kayak used and they had it registered In PA. do i need to register it in MD? I'll be using a boat launch ramp. It's a 12ft fishing kayak. Thanks

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ATP: Ditto others: No motor, no need to register. Also, welcome to the group!

Best Regards,
Stan