Fishing - Getting Your Boat Registered

For those who love the water, early morning fishing is often the perfect way to pass the time. With reel in hand, they wait for that first bite to reel in their catch. Before heading out to the water, it is important to make sure that the boat is legal. This means that it is registered properly and in some cases, also insured. You don't want to be caught unaware of the requirements in your area. There are a few tips for getting your boat registered and ready for the lake that you should keep in mind. Where should I register? Different states have different requirements when it comes to the location of registration. For some, it is the Department of Motor Vehicles office that will take your information and your fee to register your boat. Other states have either park departments or the local fish and game division that handle the boat registrations. Once you know where to go, you can apply and you are one step closer to an afternoon of fishing. How do I register? You will need to fill out an application as a boat owner in order to register, regardless of whether you are using your boat for individual fishing excursions or local tours around the water. It will require your full name, your address and other details, including proof of your boat insurance, if required by state law. Check online to see if the application can be downloaded. This can save you some time in line and ensure that you have all of the necessary information, including the specific fees that will be paid when you register. How much will it cost? The fees for registering a boat are usually determined by boat length. Make sure that you have all of the important information about your boat before getting started. The goal is to know what you need to pay in advance so that you don't have to come back for a second time to get things straight. In some cases, you can check the fees online and once your boat is registered, you can renew and make your payment online the following year. One less trip arranging for registration means a little extra time fishing. Will I need insurance? If you own a boat and are making payment to the bank until the loan balance is paid off, you will be required to have boat insurance. If you own a small boat, the option of insurance varies from state to state. Some states require that boat owners carry a certain amount of insurance, while others leave each person to his or her own decision. As a general rule, even if you only go out fishing every once in a while, it is still a good idea to have some boat insurance. It can protect your property in case of an accident, and it also protects you from lawsuits by other passengers or drivers.