Registering my boat. (Washington State)

[Stump]

Ok, I'm getting to the point where I have to think about complying with the laws here in regards to my boat. :? Any advise would be welcome. I do have sometime left. I still have to finish glassing the top side and attach all the hardware.

[Guest]

Capt. Firetruck had a thread that went on in great detail about his pleasurable experiences with the proper authorities up there. Here's wishing you luck with finding the right civil servant with some interest in servicing you .

[Stump]

Speaking of the Capt. Anyone heard from him recently? Hate to think he fell of his roof with all his remodeling and all :wink:

[Stump]

OK, I read the Capt's saga. I still don't understand it, but I read it. He never does say what he actually did and how it came out. Since I've been on his boat I know he did get it done but... :roll:

[Barry Pyeatt]

As I understand it and as it was explained to me by the agent from DOV in Olympia. Any Licensing Agent in the state should be able to do it. :roll:

The boat is home built. So...we must provide the receipts for the materials utilized to construct it. This is to show a couple things: 1st. That sales tax was paid on the materials. 2nd. To show the total value of the materials utilized in the construction to establish a base value to the boat. (Provide an itemized list, (Totaled), along with the receipts, it will make things a lot easier.)

Once they have that, they will issue a Certificate of Manufacture and a number which must be engraved/attached permanently to the hull. Coast Guard normally does this with manufactured boats but since this is home built, the state will issue the number. The number has to be placed on the transom in a specific location to facilitate identification in the future.

Application will be made for Title. This will be issued from Olympia in due course. (Takes a couple weeks to get it done and back.)

You will pay the Title Fee, the fee for the issue of the hull number and the tax based upon the value.

They will issue a Registration and Registration Numbers for the boat along with the decal showing that the fees are paid for the year.

If you are registering your vessel for the first time in Washington state, (And you are),registration charges will include: $7.00 filing fee, $5.00 application fee, 75 cent license service fee, $10.50 license fee, $2.00 derelict vessel fee, and if a new purchase, use tax based on the purchase price for vessels under 16 feet and vessels exempt from excise tax.

Since you are the builder, the total of your costs is the purchase price. This total should include all the items you paid for to equip the boat as licensed.

According to them, the agent doesn't need to see the boat itself, just all the receipts. But I was told by a friend that they had to take it and have it Coast Guard measured and Inspected. But another told me that was only on power boats over 16' for safety issues with the engines. So I would call first to be sure what they want.

[Stump]

Thanks Berry, very clear and detailed. Frank should add this to his list.

[capt jake]

Here is what I sent to Stump;

Save your largest receipts for the purchase of materials (it also helps to take the whole wad into them). I went to the local DOL, mine was in the local Albertsons. Explain it is home built, remember the length on deck and LOA (I can't remember which one they wanted). They will ask you if you want a custom HIN or an automatically generated one (I went auto). They will also ask you the 'value'. I said $1500 though I think I could have gotten away with $1000 without any flags going up, maybe even lower. They use your value assessment to establish the amount of use to to asses you work!!! ARRRGG!!.

Mine is only about $30/year to license so it really isn't too bad. When you get the HIN make two plates wit the number to permanently attach to the hull. They don't have to be large, one on the right rear transom and another in a 'hidden' location just in case it is stolen. You then have to place the registration ID numbers on the sides of the bow, along with the registration permit sticker.

It is really pretty easy, I was surprised. They didn't require a CG inspection or any inspection for that matter.