Boat Registration

[acabtp]

in NJ any vessel that is powered by any type motor (gas/electric/nuclear fusion/whatever) must be registered, even if it is a canoe or kayak.

you are thinking of titling, which is not required for vessels under 12', canoes, kayaks, etc.

it should not be a problem that you do not have a title for the boat, since there was likely never one to begin with. it is a bigger problem that you do not have a bill of sale. if you can, i would contact the previous owner and send him a bill of sale to sign and mail back to you. then you just get that bill of sale notarized (you sign it in front of your notary) and head off to NJ MVC.

if you can't contact the previous owner, it will be a pain. you will need to produce a letter stating how you acquired the boat. spell out that you drove to whatever town, on so and so date, and paid $x to joe blow and he gave you the boat. then you will need to get that letter notarized. then you will need to schedule an appointment with the NJ State Police Maritime Division for them to inspect the vessel. you will give them your notarized letter, and they will run the numbers on the boat to see if it is stolen. if there aren't numbers on the boat, they will judge things by your story and background etc. assuming there are no problems, they will give you a hull inspection report that you will take to NJ MVC who will then be able to register the boat to you. pain in the ass, but that's how it will have to be, there are no shortcuts you can take; i've been there.

don't worry, next time you will remember to get a bill of sale from the guy! paperwork troubles are the reason that half of the boats are so cheap on craigslist