Inflatable boat registration

[MaySail]

Just a simple question. Our registration for our inflatable dinghy with its 3.5 hp Nissan outboard ran out in December. I was talking to a group of boaters about that in Block Island recently and was informed that if your inflatable dinghy and motor was labeled "Tender to "Name of your Boat", and your boat was federally documented, you did not have to register it separately. Does anyone know whether this is accurate information?

 

[Conneely]

Brian

As far as I know the laws in NY I think that if the inflatable is powered by motor it needs to be registered...although mine isn't...also you technically were not in NY while on Block so maybe this stipulation is true. What federal documentation are you refering to? This is my first season with a motor powered dinghy so the topic struck some interest.

 

[Jim]

Tender To-------

Several years ago I was stopped in Annapolis and checked for registration papers for the dinghy. The officer told me that the "tender to" law was changed a number of years ago, and that all motor powered boats, regardless of size needed to be registered. I've also been told not to "tender to" your dinghy, because a would be thief would know when your main vessel was vacant just by looking at the dinghy dock. Maybe not too important in the USA, but good to keep in mind in out of the way locations.

 

[Rick Webb]

An Additional Consideration

Not sure about other states though there are probably similar laws. If using a boat as a tender in Mississippi it can only be used between the vessel it is tendered to and the shore. No fishing no sight seeing etc. The registration was cheap enough to do it and avoid a possible headache.

 

[RonD]

"Tender-to-XX" is NOT covered

The USCG Vessel Documentation website specifically says a "Tender" is NOT included in your vessel documentation.Every State has its own set of rules, so check. Generally, though, anytime there is a motor on board, it must must be appropriately registered, numbered, etc. with the State in which it is principly used/stored.The "Tender-to-XXX" was a tax avoidance dodge that folks tried in various parts of the country. I've seen it used in Maine by some of the windjammer skippers. If you can get away with it, fine. But sooner or later, the State authorities will catch up with you & the back taxes & penalties can get stiff. Easier to just pay the fee -- in MA it's $30 every two years.BTW: Documenting your boat with the USCG still doesn't relieve you from any State or local fees, taxes, or even Registration requirements (although most States will accept the federal documentation in lieu of State Registration -- one out of three isn't all bad ...)--RonD

 

[MaySail]

"Tender too" feedback

Appreciate all the info. I did not think most states would allow a loophole for motorized inflatables, especially since these are becoming more and more mammoth. To Brian: Our boat, a 40' Caliber, is documented with the US Coast Guard, as many boats are.