Georgia registration vs. documentation

[Shaggydog]

Trust this has been discused before, but can't find any threads.

If you have a Federal Documented boat in Georgia do you need to register it with the state as well? Registration prompts the state tax, so if you don't register it, can you avoid this tax?

Are there any risks to this approach? If so, are the risks real, or is registration simply a voluntary action in which one is 'rewarded' with having to pay the annual tax?

Full disclosure...I did register my boat, but just wondering if I was stupid in doing so. Others I know of haven't and seem to be winning.

Thanks!

[sailingdog]

Ummm, from the following website:

Larger recreational vessels owned by U.S. citizens may (at the option of the owner) be documented by the U.S. Coast Guard. If documented, the vessel is exempt from Georgia numbering requirements but must display the Georgia registration decal on the bow of the vessel. Call the USCG at 1-800-799-8362 for more information.

So, yes, you do need to register the boat, but don't have to put the numbers on the bow... but do need to put your registration sticker and carry the registration card aboard.

And no, you can't avoid the tax by not registering the boat...once they find you, and they will find you, you'll get hit with all sorts of penalties... and possible jail time. Most states check the USCG Documentation center for newly documented boats in their jurisdictions... so they'll know if you documented the boat, but didn't register it.