AHOY MARYLAND BOATERS

[twodzusfittings]

Got my registration renewal for the 8' 6" with a 2HP Motor Dinghy, yesterday. It used to be free after I initially paid for the taxes and initial registration. My sailboat was $24 every two years. Maryland DNR registration fee is now $70, regardless of the boat or engine size. I get incremental increases, but thats a big jump! Anyone know the basis for this huge increase apart from my guess, that we all will have to pay for the damage to the Key Bridge!!!

 

[kappykaplan]

Here's a link to a Chesapeake Bay Magazine article on the topic:

Boating Title & Registration Fee Hike Takes Effect | Chesapeake Bay Magazine

Oct. 1, 2025, marks the start of crisp fall temperatures, falling leaves, and higher boating title and registration fees in the state of Maryland. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)…

www.chesapeakebaymagazine.com

Guess it is what it is. Tks for sharing, twodzusfittings.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

$70, which is $35 per year for your sailboat sounds reasonable to me. I'd say that the $24 fee ($12 per year) was due to be increased. But $35 per year for your dink sounds unreasonable. We pay $12 per year for the dink and $53 per year for the sailboat.

Perhaps after they catch up some on their shortage and after complaints, they could reduce the fee for the dink.

 

[twodzusfittings]

they could reduce the fee for the dink

I am 71+ and I have never experienced any fees for state or government registrations reverse themselves. Guess I'm going to throw my arms up and take Kappy's approach. IT IS WHAT IT IS.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

It is incremental. In a few years it'll be $140

 

[Tally Ho]

I pay more for my Indiana boat registration on my 1988 O’Day 322 than I do for my 2020 Subaru Outback. I questioned the DMV employee when I paid last time…all she could say is “yeah, it does seem high”.

Greg

 

[shemandr]

I'm not in Maryland but I guess that boats are regarded as a luxury enjoyed by wealthy people who should pay a premium for their pleasure.
Never mind that the average sailboat owner owns an asset that is declining in value and is probably not worth the money that it needs for keeping up with its condition. And never mind that sailboats are way more environmentally clean than powerboats (And I like powerboats too), with their powerful engines. I'm not aware of any distinction between sail powered boats and high horsepower power boats in Maryland. Is that good policy?

 

[Project_Mayhem]

We pay $150 a year for passenger vehicle registration but next to nothing for watercraft. Different agencies in Illinois