Paddle Boat Registration: When And Why You Need It

Whether or not you need to register a paddle boat depends on the state you're in. While most states don't require registration, some do. For example, in Ohio, all boats, including paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks, need to be registered. In Iowa, you must register your paddle board if it's longer than 13' in length. In Minnesota, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, sailboards, and rowing shells over 10 feet long must be registered, but paddleboards less than 10 feet long are exempt. In South Dakota, paddleboards greater than 12' in length must be registered. On the other hand, states like Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming do not require paddle boards to be registered.

Registration requirements vary by state

The registration requirements for paddle boats, including canoes and kayaks, vary across different states. While some states mandate registration for all paddle boats, others have specific criteria for registration based on factors such as length and type of propulsion.

In states like Ohio, Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota, paddle boat registration is required. Ohio, for instance, requires registration for all recreational boats, regardless of their mode of propulsion. Iowa and Minnesota also have similar requirements, but with a length criterion—vessels longer than a specified length must be registered. On the other hand, South Dakota mandates registration for paddle boards greater than 12 feet in length.

However, the majority of states do not require paddle boat registration. Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming are among the states that do not require paddle boat registration.

Some states have specific exemptions for non-motorized vessels or those powered by human effort. For example, in Florida, non-motorized vessels less than 16 feet in length or non-motorized canoes, kayaks, racing shells, or rowing sculls are exempt from registration. Similarly, Alabama and Alaska exempt vessels without mechanical propulsion from registration.

It's worth noting that registration requirements can change over time, and some states are considering new registration requirements. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check the latest regulations for your specific state.

In some states, registration is required for all paddle boats

Most states do not require paddleboards to be registered. For example, California does not require the registration of vessels propelled by oars or paddles. Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming do not require paddleboards to be registered.

In other states, registration is based on the length of the boat

In some states, registration is required for paddle boats, including canoes and kayaks. As of 2006, Ohio and seven other states require the registration of paddle boats. However, the specific requirements for paddle boat registration vary across different states.

In Iowa, for instance, you must register your paddle board with the Iowa DNR Boating Registration if it exceeds 13 feet in length. On the other hand, Minnesota mandates registration for canoes, kayaks, sailboats, sailboards, and rowing shells that are longer than 10 feet. South Dakota, another state with registration requirements, obliges owners to register paddle boards measuring more than 12 feet in length.

Similarly, in Michigan, boats propelled by oars or paddles that are 16 feet or shorter do not need to be registered. This exemption from registration specifically includes paddle boards.

Some states have additional specialised SUP registration requirements

While most states don't require paddle boats to be registered, a handful of states have specific rules for stand-up paddle board (SUP) registration. These requirements vary by state and are typically based on the length of the paddle board.

It's important to note that these requirements are subject to change, and it's always a good idea to check the most up-to-date information for your specific state. Additionally, some states, like Florida, may be considering implementing SUP registration requirements in the future.

Registration fees vary depending on the length of the boat

The registration fees for boats vary depending on the length of the boat. In Florida, for example, the fees are as follows:

• Class A-1, less than 12 feet—Registration fee: $5.50
• Class A-2, 12 to less than 16 feet—Registration fee: $16.25
• Class 1: 16 to less than 26 feet—Registration fee: $28.75
• Class 2: 26 to less than 40 feet—Registration fee: $78.25
• Class 3: 40 to less than 65 feet—Registration fee: $127.75
• Class 4: 65 to less than 110 feet—Registration fee: $152.75
• Class 5: 110 or more feet—Registration fee: $189.75

The fees for registering a boat in Florida also depend on other factors, such as whether the boat is equipped with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or if the owner has a Personal Locator Beacon. Additionally, there is an optional county fee that increases with the length of the boat.

In Massachusetts, the boat registration fees are based on the length of the boat as well. The fees are as follows:

• Boat length 16 feet to less than 26 feet
• Boat length 26 feet to less than 40 feet
• Boat length 40 feet and greater

The exact fee amounts for Massachusetts are not specified, but the fees are valid until the boat is sold, transferred, or destroyed.

The cost of registering a boat varies by state and depends on the length and type of boat. The average cost typically ranges from $25 to $250. Some states may have additional requirements or exemptions for registration based on factors such as the type of propulsion or the intended use of the boat.

Frequently asked questions