Which Boats Require Registration?

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In Massachusetts, you must have a Massachusetts Certificate of Number (boat registration) to operate a motorboat legally on Massachusetts waters. Exceptions to registration are:

• Vessels without any kind of motor (canoes, sailboats, or dinghies that are unpowered)
• Vessels properly registered in another state and using Massachusetts waters for 60 or fewer consecutive days
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)