Northwest Fishing Reports

fishing collector wrote:I noticed that some boats have WN registration numbers on their bows and some don't. Does anyone know the right way to go with the numbers? Has anyone ever been stopped for not having the numbers? I have a 12' aluminium boat with an electric motor most of the time and sometimes I use a 5hp outboard. When I inquired with the Coast Guard they said yes and when I asked the person at the registration office she said no...... What gives? I looked at the pictures of the members boats and in that thread it looked like....who cares. Thanks :compress:

RaMcVey wrote:

fishing collector wrote:I noticed that some boats have WN registration numbers on their bows and some don't. Does anyone know the right way to go with the numbers? Has anyone ever been stopped for not having the numbers? I have a 12' aluminium boat with an electric motor most of the time and sometimes I use a 5hp outboard. When I inquired with the Coast Guard they said yes and when I asked the person at the registration office she said no...... What gives? I looked at the pictures of the members boats and in that thread it looked like....who cares. Thanks :compress:

Check out the Washington State Boating Laws, looks like the boating may fall under the state parks juristiction but its confusing who actually is the athority - http://www.parks.wa.gov/moorage/bfaq.asp

What boats are required to be registered and where do I register one?

All motorboats regardless of length, and sailboats 16 feet and over, are required to be registered by state law unless specifically exempt. A vessel can be registered at a local county auditor's office or any vehicle/vessel subagent location.

What type of equipment is required to legally operate my boat?

The boat must be registered unless exempt under state law and display the numbers and valid decal.

Do I need to register my inflatable raft?

Only if a motor is installed on it.




I hope this helps and doesnt cloud any issues already presented.

RaMcVey wrote:

fishing collector wrote:I noticed that some boats have WN registration numbers on their bows and some don't. Does anyone know the right way to go with the numbers? Has anyone ever been stopped for not having the numbers? I have a 12' aluminium boat with an electric motor most of the time and sometimes I use a 5hp outboard. When I inquired with the Coast Guard they said yes and when I asked the person at the registration office she said no...... What gives? I looked at the pictures of the members boats and in that thread it looked like....who cares. Thanks :compress: