boat registration in Nh-1st time

[hancoveguy]

Hello all,
I just bought my first boat a month ago and after I get it wrapped up and stored I need to figure out how to get it registered in NH. I live in Ma but have a place in NH. What do I need to do to get it registered, is there any inspection or anything like with a car? Feel free to answer any other dumb questions I haven't thought to ask yet...

Thanks in advance

[ITD]

Just go to a marina or some hardware stores, bring your checkbook, you'll need it. Heath's in CH does them. Good luck.

No inspection, they just lighten your wallet, don't forget you need a boat license to boat in NH now, but they don't check for registration.

[Kamper]

All DMV offices and some town/city halls. If you go the municipal office route, use the town your place is in so it will raise their revenue and theoretically reduce your property taxes (in the loooooong run).

If your route to the lakes uses route 3, you can check with Pete's Gun and Tackle in Hudson. Take exit 2 across the Merrimack River to Hudson,turn right on 3A. About a mile south bear left at Dracut Rd (I think it's Dracut). It's visible from that intersection. It's been a few years since I used them so call ahead.

Also the DMV HQ at the state offices in Concord is easily accesible from I93 and I393. Watch for the signs for Hazen Drive. For that locaton you'd have to go during the week.

Good luck!

[GTO]

Originally Posted by Kamper

All DMV offices and some town/city halls. If you go the municipal office route, use the town your place is in so it will raise their revenue and theoretically reduce your property taxes (in the loooooong run).

If your route to the lakes uses route 3, you can check with Pete's Gun and Tackle in Hudson. Take exit 2 across the Merrimack River to Hudson,turn right on 3A. About a mile south bear left at Dracut Rd (I think it's Dracut). It's visible from that intersection. It's been a few years since I used them so call ahead.

Also the DMV HQ at the state offices in Concord is easily accesible from I93 and I393. Watch for the signs for Hazen Drive. For that locaton you'd have to go during the week.

Good luck!

If you do go to Petes Gun & Tackle, bring cash, they do not accept checks

[waukewanderer]

Originally Posted by ITD

Just go to a marina or some hardware stores, bring your checkbook, you'll need it. Heath's in CH does them. Good luck.

No inspection, they just lighten your wallet, don't forget you need a boat license to boat in NH now, but they don't check for registration.

Boat license?

[Skip]

Originally Posted by waukewanderer

Boat license?

Yep....just go HERE to get all the information you need on the NH Boater Safety Education Certificate (license).

[Pineedles]

If you have a fire on your boat do the following according to the NHBSE:

"Position the boat so that the fire is downwind.
If the fire is at the back of the boat, head into the wind. If the engine must be shut off, use a paddle to keep the bow into the wind."

Then kiss your ass goodbye as the fire progresses towards you...

Maybe they should add "JUMP OFF THE BOAT" before you it blows up!

[ITD]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

If you have a fire on your boat do the following according to the NHBSE:

"Position the boat so that the fire is downwind.
If the fire is at the back of the boat, head into the wind. If the engine must be shut off, use a paddle to keep the bow into the wind."

Then kiss your ass goodbye as the fire progresses towards you...

Maybe they should add "JUMP OFF THE BOAT" before you it blows up!

Best advice I got on boat fires was when I bought my first jet ski. The guy says see this fire extinguisher? If you have a fire, grab it and throw it in the water, then jump in after it.

[Airwaves]

hancoveguy;
Marine,
Unlike in Massachusetts there are no Statewide DMV offices in New Hampshire so you have to register the boat either at town hall or via the state. (some marinas can register a boat) The registration for the trailer is done through the town hall.

Registering the boat is easy. If you don't do it through the marina where you bought your boat just concact NH Dept of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles, 23 Hazen Dr. Concord, NH 03305 or call 603 271-2333 (Boat Desk) Mon - Fri 8:15a - 4:15p or the NH Town Hall in which you "have a place".

Trailer registration is done through the town in which you mentioned you "have a place" and should be kept in NH most of the time. You can also register the trailer in Mass if you so choose.

I personally have boats and trailers in both states, it depends upon where you use them.

BTW, In NH depending on the capacity of the trailer, it may need to be inspected. That can be done at any station that also inspects vehicles.

[waukewanderer]

Originally Posted by Skip

Yep....just go HERE to get all the information you need on the NH Boater Safety Education Certificate (license).

With respect, Skip... the safety certificate isn't defined as a license, and it isn't required for all boaters:

Pursuant to RSA 270-D:10, I, no person born on or after the dates provided in Table 6100-1 shall operate a motorized vessel with any type of power motor in excess of 25 horsepower on the public waters of this state without first obtaining a certificate of boating safety education.

A license is required to operate a commercial vessel, but that's a different thing.

[gtxrider]

Originally Posted by waukewanderer

With respect, Skip... the safety certificate isn't defined as a license, and it isn't required for all boaters:

Pursuant to RSA 270-D:10, I, no person born on or after the dates provided in Table 6100-1 shall operate a motorized vessel with any type of power motor in excess of 25 horsepower on the public waters of this state without first obtaining a certificate of boating safety education.

A license is required to operate a commercial vessel, but that's a different thing.

Just waiting for Skip's reply. I think all power boat operators need a certificate. But I my be wrong.

[gtxrider]

There is now a speed limit on Winnipesaukee!

[Skip]

Originally Posted by gtxrider

Just waiting for Skip's reply. I think all power boat operators need a certificate. But I my be wrong.

He is correct.

You need the certificate only if the craft has a motor in excess of 25 horse (for recreational use), as the RSA cited mentions.

On another note I maintain that the certificate can be called a "license", as the certificate is required by the government to operate the type of craft covered, and the certificate (privilege to operate) can be suspended, recinded or revoked by the Government for a host of different reasons for due cause.

While it is "legal semantics" to call the certificate a "license", as many folks do, it is not incorrect in the strictest legal terms.

You know that old legal saying....."if it walks like a duck and it quacks like a duck.....

Regardless of what we call it, it is now required for any recreational vessel with a power plant in excess of 25 HP.

[Airwaves]

While Skip may link to the site showing 13 "substations" they may not be able to help you.

I personally contacted Concord via telephone and asked that very question when I first tried to register a trailer and I was told I could only register my trailer via town hall and that the boat could be registered via town hall, the state or via some marinas.

I also asked about those substations that Skip mentions and was told it was for drivers license renewal or renewal of registration but I could not use them for new registrations.

So either a state employee got it wrong, or...

Regarding the boating safety certificate...I don't care how many times that Skip or anyone else claims it's a license. It is not a license. It does not expire and it is not renewable. It is a lifetime certificate of accomplishment.

While your boating priviledge may be recinded in NH for violating the law, NH can not recind your certificate of accomplishment of passing a safe boating class especially if it was not issued in NH to begin with!

Even the NH regulation states it is a lifetime certificate.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by Airwaves

...While your boating priviledge may be recinded in NH for violating the law, NH can not recind your certificate of accomplishment of passing a safe boating class...

Again, the poster is incorrect.

RSA 270-D:13 (II) clearly gives authority to the State to revoke its issued certificate: ... II. Once issued, the certificate of safe boater education shall be valid for the lifetime of the person and may not be revoked by the department of safety or a court without cause and a hearing in accordance with RSA 541-A.


The State's Administrative Code lays out the reason and process to revoke the certificate in the passage I provide below:



Saf-C 6107.03 Revocation of Certificate.
(a) Upon showing of just cause, pursuant to RSA 270-D:13, II, a boating certificate shall be revoked after a hearing.
(b) The revocation period shall not exceed one year. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, if after the hearing the hearing examiner finds that the holder of the safe boater education certificate shall benefit from reattending a safe boater education course, the hearing examiner shall set forth his or her findings in his or her order and the holder of the safe boater education certificate shall not have his or her certificate reinstated until he or she has complied with the hearing examiner's order.
(c) Just cause, for the purposes of (a) above, shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) Conviction of a boating while intoxicated; or
(2) Conviction of any act that indicates a reckless disregard for the safety of the public on the state's waters.
(d) For the purposes of this section, the scope of the hearing shall be limited to:
(1) A review of the court abstract;
(2) Whether the individual has been boating to endanger the public; and
(3) Whether the individual is the named person on the court abstract or complaint.


Finally, the State of New Hampshire cannot revoke an out of State certificate, just as it cannot revoke any other license or registration given by another State. However, just as it does under the motor vehicle code, the State can and does revoke the right to operate (in New Hampshire) any privilege granted by the out of State certificate/license or registration for cause.

[SIKSUKR]

I don't know what ax a certain member has to grind with Skip but he continues to make it less sharp with each barb that he pokes his way.Your not helping your cause.

[Lakepilot]

License or certificate who cares. What is the difference to the people of the lakes region? Whatever it is, you now need one. Why does Skip have to spend time responding to inane points? Why do we have to spend time reading them?

[Merrymeeting]

One point you should investigate before deciding where to register your trailer...

It is my understanding that the trailer should be registered in the same state as your tow vehicle since the auto insurance will cover your trailer and boat when you are pulling it, not your boat insurance.

So, in my case, even though the boat and trailer have never left NH in 8 years, the trailer is registered in MA each year.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by Lakepilot

License or certificate who cares. What is the difference to the people of the lakes region? Whatever it is, you now need one. Why does Skip have to spend time responding to inane points? Why do we have to spend time reading them?

I offer my apologies if some folks may feel my attention to detail is over the top. I only contribute what I feel is correct and necessary information and try to nip ambiguity and rumor in the bud when possible.

Back to the original question and intent of this thread:

You can indeed register your boat at any NH DMV substation, NHMP HQ in Gilford, at any town clerk that has access and at a number of local business establishments.

I checked both the NHDMV & NHMP website for verification then I called both NHMP HQ and NHDMV this morning and had that information verified at both locations.

If the trip to any of these locations is any distance, I was advised it is always best to call ahead first to make sure the desired location has not run of stickers.

Hope this clears up any lingering confusion....

Skip

[Kamper]

Originally Posted by Skip

I offer my apologies if some folks may feel my attention to detail is over the top. ...

Even though I have occassionaly been a subject of your "corrections" I'd have to say there's nothing the matter with getting the facts straight. When somebody claims you are in error it's not unreasonable to cite your sources.

I agree that somebody else's attention to detail can be anoying sometimes but a person who cant' take some annoyance should not be playing on the 'net.

What's worse than annoying is thread-jacking. Since this thread is not about Safety Certificates maybe we should let that subject die. Anyone who needs more info on them should do a search or start another thread.

Good luck!

[Seeker]

Should you plan on registering at a town hall I would advise calling them first. My town hall has full access and does full auto/vehicle registrations but does not do boats because "it takes too much time".

[waukewanderer]

Originally Posted by Lakepilot

License or certificate who cares. What is the difference to the people of the lakes region? Whatever it is, you now need one. Why does Skip have to spend time responding to inane points? Why do we have to spend time reading them?

ITD posted that "you need a boat license to boat in NH now". I have had a USPS boating certificate since 2000, but I don't have a NH boat license. Not being a full time resident of NH, I thought maybe I missed the passage of a new law that concerned me and every other boater in the Lakes Region, and I wanted more information so I could comply.

I'm relieved to know that I don't need to apply for a new boating license in addition to my boating safety certificate.

Thanks to those who took the time to check the facts, and post the correct information.

[ITD]

Originally Posted by waukewanderer

ITD posted that "you need a boat license to boat in NH now". I have had a USPS boating certificate since 2000, but I don't have a NH boat license. Not being a full time resident of NH, I thought maybe I missed the passage of a new law that concerned me and every other boater in the Lakes Region, and I wanted more information so I could comply.

I'm relieved to know that I don't need to apply for a new boating license in addition to my boating safety certificate.

Thanks to those who took the time to check the facts, and post the correct information.

USPS United States Postal Service?????? Never mind, just kidding. I know, I know, power squadron.

It will always be a license to me since I need to carry it with me when I take my boat out and it looks like a license, so from henceforth I declare that when I say boat license you will know what I mean. If confused please refer back to this post. (Besides, these guys call it a boating license here: http://www.boat-ed.com/nh/index.htm fine print: Online boating license and certification course last modified: June 5, 2008) If they use both terms why can't I?


We need more snow.

[waukewanderer]

Originally Posted by ITD

If confused please refer back to this post. (Besides, these guys call it a boating license here: http://www.boat-ed.com/nh/index.htm fine print: Online boating license and certification course last modified: June 5, 2008) If they use both terms why can't I?

I'm not confused.

("Online boating license and certification course last modified: June 5, 2008") refers to the website management of all of the 50 states served on that site.

Alabama is the only state that specifically requires a boating license:

Alabama Boating Safety Course and Boat License Exam
Welcome to the official boating safety course developed for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This safe boating course lets you get your Alabama boating license online so that you can comply with Alabama boater license law.

Your Alabama boater safety certification will appear as a "V" class placed on your automobile driver's license. Or, if you do not have an automobile driver's license, you will be issued a "Vessel Only" license.



NH requires a Boating Safety Certificate:

New Hampshire Boating Safety Course and Exam
Welcome to the official boating safety course developed for the New Hampshire Department of Safety. By passing the online exam, you will be well-prepared to pass the proctored final exam that is required to fulfill your obligation under the law.

[John A. Birdsall]

It will always be a license to me since I need to carry it with me when I take my boat out and it looks like a license, so from henceforth I declare that when I say boat license you will know what I mean.

Just to throw a little more info. The Marine Patrol when he stops you wants to see your Boating Certificate and your Drivers license, and I am under the understanding that violations will go on your drivers license. So behave out there speeding will add points to your cost of insurance

[Skip]

Originally Posted by Airwaves

hancoveguy...Marine,
Unlike in Massachusetts there are no Statewide DMV offices in New Hampshire so you have to register the boat either at town hall or via the state...

Not true.

The State maintains thirteen DMV substations. You can contact the one nearest you by obtaining its location HERE.

[robmac]

I second Petes Gun & Tackle,great folks to deal with.

[EricP]

Originally Posted by ITD

Best advice I got on boat fires was when I bought my first jet ski. The guy says see this fire extinguisher? If you have a fire, grab it and throw it in the water, then jump in after it.

We must have been in the same class! I rememeber that too!

[Treerider]

Register in Maine, much less painful than NH

[jeffk]

Originally Posted by Treerider

Register in Maine, much less painful than NH

That works only if you are going to be boating in NH 30 consecutive days or less. Or if you are willing to do it illegally after that time period. How would they know?? You could always claim "I just started boating here last week".

[Ropetow]

Originally Posted by jeffk

How would they know?? You could always claim "I just started boating here last week".

Same way the folks who live in northern MA and register their cars in NH get bagged....Someone drops a dime on them!

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by jeffk

That works only if you are going to be boating in NH 30 consecutive days or less. Or if you are willing to do it illegally after that time period. How would they know?? You could always claim "I just started boating here last week".

I find this provision rather comical because there really is no way to 'prove' it in that most states just indicate that the boat needs to be registered where it is primarily used but as you say any excuse pretty much works if you choose to be an 'outlaw'. Either way it's pretty easy to bend if you so desire.

So I'm curious as to what the fee paid for the 'Lake Restoration and Preservation" are used for.

[jrc]

I think you could get away with the ME registration if you trailer your boat. It's not hard to believe that a trailer boat is used a few different places, or brought home during the week.

It would be really tough if you keep your boat at a marina or your own dock. The MP is not going to believe that you own/rent a house/dock/mooring but you just started boating here last week.

[OCDACTIVE]

just reg. mine for the first time today.... only $68 total... nothing bad at all... What is funny is I have to jump through hoops to get the trailer registared and will cost more then the boat.. Totally didn't see that coming.. what a pain in the a$$!

[lakershaker]

I sent my registration and check back to the state a few weeks ago, but still haven't received my stickers in the mail yet. Has anyone else noticed a long delay this year? I want to go out to the island this weekend, but it would be nice to actually have the stickers first...

[DRH]

Originally Posted by lakershaker

I sent my registration and check back to the state a few weeks ago, but still haven't received my stickers in the mail yet. Has anyone else noticed a long delay this year? I want to go out to the island this weekend, but it would be nice to actually have the stickers first...

I sent our boat registration renewals in last December and I think the stickers arrived in about 10 days. Sounds like it's taking much longer now.

[jeffk]

My guess is that anything requiring state processing will be slow because of the budget crunch. Less people to work and also to "make a point" (see how tough things are!). I'm sure state worker morale is on the low side as well.

[Seeker]

Why not just take them to a local marina or some town clerks do it. At least it's quick and some money stays local.

[kchace]

Originally Posted by lakershaker

I sent my registration and check back to the state a few weeks ago, but still haven't received my stickers in the mail yet. Has anyone else noticed a long delay this year? I want to go out to the island this weekend, but it would be nice to actually have the stickers first...

I sent mine in 3 weeks ago and received them back in about a week or so - which seems to be about usual.

Ken

[lakershaker]

Originally Posted by kchace

I sent mine in 3 weeks ago and received them back in about a week or so - which seems to be about usual.

Ken

Thanks - guess I'll just have to wait. More incentive to send them in earlier next time!