by tomodda » Sun May 31, 2020 12:42 pm
Welcome aboard! Title means you legally own the boat, registration means you've paid your yearly taxes on it. Dunno the laws in NY, do you have an outboard? Is that still non powered? Many jurisdictions put a minimum length on what's taxable (registered). I'd double-check, also your local govt may also have some crazy ideas re: taxing boats. But you definitely want proof that you own the boat, if nothing else a notarized bill of sale or an affidavit. Again, double-check with the State. Over here in North Cackalackey, both registration and boat titling are handled by the Fish and Wildlife Comission, dunno about NY. Also, assuming that you have a trailer with the boat, you'll need to keep the DMV happy. And they are WAY more strict than the "boat police," at least for us small boat sailors. Of course, make sure you have adequate PFDs (CG type 2 or better, one for each person on the boat, preferably actually wear them, and I like to carry a spare) and whatever else your state requires (whistle? fire extinguisher?). Anyway, Internet is your friend here, most states publish their rules and regs pretty conspicuously.
Fair winds!
Tom