Registrations

Last month I registered the van, a boat trailer and a utility trailer. This month I was in the town hall writing checks for my boat license and the dog license of all things. The next thing I have to do is write a check so I can get my hunting and fishing license. Those state fees add up.

It could be worse. At least the canoes and kayaks don't have to be registered, in my state anyway. That doesn't mean the idea doesn't pop up from time to time. Considering my pile of paddle craft, that's a good thing.

Two years ago I tried to get my little Ooze Goose registered before hauling it to Florida. Since it was a homemade boat there was a $20 fee for a police office to confirm that yep, it's a boat. The paperwork wasn't quite finalized before we headed south to Florida. I thought they'd forward the registration to me. Nope, they shredded it instead. They made me more than a little unhappy.

The boat is only 12 feet long and only needs to be registered because it had an electric motor on it. Since the sailing rig hadn't been finished yet I figured rowing and motoring would be fine. It was legal as a rowboat, but not as a motorboat. I decided to be an outlaw motor boater with a flipping 12 volt 55lb thrust trolling motor.

There was even one campground that required boats with motors to pay a fee to use the boat ramp but paddle and rowing craft were free. I'd launch the boat and row out of the marina. Once out of sight the motor came out and screwed to the transom. One the way back in the motor went back into the cabin. The marina people were impressed how I could could go rowing all day long. What they didn't know didn't hurt them -or me, which was more important.

One day the law caught up to me. My lovely wife and I were in the middle of St. Joesph Sound north of Clearwater Florida. A sheriff's boat made a bee line for me and caught me messing around with the motor. It was obvious there were no registration numbers on the boat. They asked if I was having problems. I told them no. They said they only came over because my boat was the most interesting thing on the water. No mention was made of the missing numbers. Nice guys.

Long story short, after writing a bunch of checks to the town and state, I've decided to not register the Ooze Goose. One has got to draw the line somewhere. I've paid enough and will pay no more. However, the motor will have to be left behind. I got away with it in the past but there's no need to push my luck. Instead I'm going to finish building the sailing rig. It should be legal anywhere I'd be likely to take it.

-Sixbears