I fixed several problems by moving…
…I still have a residence in PA but mostly paddle in DE. I always used Topher’s “option #1” when paddling in PA & never got “busted.”
DE (& quite a few other states) require no permits or regs for non-motorized craft.
Just before moving, I tried to register a truck I bought in DE in PA & they had all sorts of problems with the DE title (missing vital info???) They needed notarized statements from mechanics & other crap so I just said “screw this” & registered it in DE…I saved over a grand in sales taxes, I’m saving about $135 yearly on registration fees, enjoying FREE inspections (including emmission testing) & even my insurance is cheaper.
My wallet & I like PA better as a visitor than a resident.
What about out-of-staters
I live in NJ and as best as I can determine I don’t need to do anything with my little rec kayaks in the way of registration. So what am I up against if I decide to try some PA water? Or any other state for that matter?
DWS
Maybe…Maybe Not
– Last Updated: Apr-05-06 12:32 PM EST –
I made a few calls to some friends 'in the know' about PA paddling law. They said that they had, through the years, heard a few anecdotal stories of out of state problems with non full registration craft, but have sold hundreds of PA F/B 'launch permits' and have never had a 1st hand customer report any problems.
In their own research they came across the Coast Guard Reg stating that boats may only be registered in their home state....which would seem to mean that other states may require you to purchase a permit they cannot hold you to full registration.
I also found out that most states allow reciporocity. PA allows any registration or permit from other states.
PA Law For Out Of Staters
– Last Updated: Apr-05-06 12:26 PM EST –
PA offers reciprocity for any out of state registration or launch permit...unfortunately they do not extend that offer to 'non required' states.
Your best bet is to not use PA Fish and Boat Commission Access points or State Park Lakes. These areas are always well marked, and if you take the time to read the signs you can figure out which is which. There are thousands of community, county, and other public access areas to use. You don't need anything other than a PFD to be on the water...you just need the permits if you plan to use their put-ins.
If you do want to use PA F/B or DCNR (State Park) waters the easiest solution is to visist a State Park office, during bussiness hours and pony up $10 for a DCNR Launch Permit....then you can go anywhere you want.
Thats lots to swallow
Thanks again ! This state obviously wants to keep us and everyone else who paddles here somewhat confused! Perhaps its their way to make more $$$ as i am sure a fine is more than a permit!
I think i will just get the launch permit - gotta check back on that list again - the one that goes to the park. I guess i need to read it more than once to “get it” !! thanks again all especially TOPHER! Paddled yesterday in our little county lake to try our new (used) sirocco (felt similar to our tempest)- cant wait for warm weather !! it is coming to this state…isn’t it???
marilyn
How about rivers in PA?
I paddle the Lehigh and Tohickon Rivers alot; both are accessed through PA State Parks.
Lot’s of unregistered boats on release days (probably most of them), and there are always a few rangers around directing traffic.
But I’ve never heard of anybody even being questioned about launch permits or registration.
Are the rules different for rivers, or are they just not enforcing them?
Really?
I don’t want to sound too naive here, but really? You have to pay to register canoes and kayaks? In Manitoba, Canada (which I always thought meant bigger, more involved government), we do not have to register anything under 10 horsepower (unless it is a gun). Dogs and bicycles are optional.
I could be wrong, though, I just found out I have a five year old tax bill in CT!
More to the point of your question, why not laser copy the registration onto write-in-rain paper and just keep it in your vest.
River Rule
DCNR only regulates the lakes in their park, they could care less about the rivers. The Fish and Boat Commission generaly doesn’t give two craps about the river…except for their landings!!! They will actually ticket downriver paddlers for stopping for a leg stretch break on the landing, unless they have permits… They have ticketed paddlers for seeking shelter from a storm by landing non registered boats on their holy landings!!
In the mid nineties the Fish and Boat Commission made a huge deal about needing extra funding due to the sharp rise in the number of boats in the state. The dirty secret was that they published the huge spike number two years after they mandated permits for non powered boats. There weren’t that many more boats in the state just more boats they demanded money from.
Am I making it clear that, in my opinion, the Fish and Boat Commission is an entity that is best avoided.
Yep
You need to register (atleast be permitted) if you want to use their docks or you want to use park waters.