Registration

[brav01]

I just got a used 17' Alumacraft canoe. DO I need to register it if I don't intend to put a motor on it?

[blybrook]

NO, you are only required to register motorized boats. To register a non-motorized boat is completely voluntary, but will give you another number to track it down if it is ever stolen, etc... Should you put a motor on it at any time, it is required to have the registration. The troopers may give you a warning for the first offense (had it happen to a co-worker on Birch Lake).

HTH, exact ruling can be found at: http://www.state.ak.us/dmv/reg/boat.htm

[FamilyMan]

register non motorized canoe

Technically yes, you are supposed to register an unmotorized canoe. I was in the process of buying this exact registration at the DMV when they asked about a motor (they have a more expensive registration if you have a motor on it).

But you probably won't get caught with an unregistered canoe unless you hang out in state parks or the like.

Also, slightly off topic, make sure you have the required safety gear aboard, which if you put a motor on the back the list gets longer (example: flare gun is then required).

NO, you are only required to register motorized boats. To register a non-motorized boat is completely voluntary, but will give you another number to track it down if it is ever stolen, etc... Should you put a motor on it at any time, it is required to have the registration. The troopers may give you a warning for the first offense (had it happen to a co-worker on Birch Lake).

HTH, exact ruling can be found at: http://www.state.ak.us/dmv/reg/boat.htm

[gulkana99701]

there WAS a law requiring canoe registration. its no longer the case, unless you put a motor on it.

look at the link bly posted, its pretty clear.

[CG Boating Safety]

Registration question

You are not required to register non-motorized vessels in the State of Alaska by state law. Please call (907) 463-2297 or post if you have further questions, thanks!

Mike Folkerts
Recreational Boating Safety Specialist
District Seventeen
United States Coast Guard
463-2297

[FamilyMan]

corrected

I stand corrected. What I said used to be true, but no longer is. Thanks to Mike and Gulkana for correcting me.

Technically yes, you are supposed to register an unmotorized canoe. I was in the process of buying this exact registration at the DMV when they asked about a motor (they have a more expensive registration if you have a motor on it).

But you probably won't get caught with an unregistered canoe unless you hang out in state parks or the like.

Also, slightly off topic, make sure you have the required safety gear aboard, which if you put a motor on the back the list gets longer (example: flare gun is then required).