Is Registration Needed to Sail Out-of-State?

raymn · #1 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008

I live in PA, with a dingy, no motor, no registration. Only a Launch Permit to sail in PA state parks.

Do I need to register my dingy in PA if I want to occasionally sail in MD, or out-of-state in general? Can I just buy a similar permit from MD to sail in Chesapeake Bay? If so, where do I buy such permit? Is it sold to non-resident of MD?

Or I can just put my boat in the Bay and sail away without doing anything? In PA, only state parks and certain places require the Launch Permit, not everywhere.

Thanks for any advice!

camaraderie · #2 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008

Maryland for sure...and many other states does NOT require registration for boats without mechanical propulsion. Just go and have fun!

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008

Most states don't require registration of small sail-only boats. IIRC, the size limit though is 26' LOA or so... if they're longer than 26', they do need to be registered in many states. However, having some identifying marks on the boat is probably a wise idea, even if it is just a name plate with the owner's information on it.

chucklesR · #4 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008

In your case according to DMV Guide - DMV.ORG - The Unofficial Guide to the DMV you are okay, but you really are better off google' ing the state you want to sail in for it's regulations and laws and doing the research yourself on that states website (or the link above).

Telling a DNR (Maryland) officer that you heard you didn't have to register on sailnet is not going to get you out of a fine.