How To Purchase a Boat In New York
Buying a boat can be a stressful process, especially if you are buying a used boat from a dealer or from a private seller in New York. Typically, when you buy a boat from a dealer, you can have some confidence that that boat was maintained and certified for a resale. However, buying a boat for sale by owner...how do you know this is true?
A private seller may be more motivated to sell the boat and give you a better price than a dealer would have. Buying a boat for sale by owner in New York requires you to be a little experienced and "boat savvy" to see possible issues that may arise. Because once you leave that parking lot with a boat for sale by owner, you're on your own with no warranty.
With all that said, download the New York Boat Buyer's Checklist to assist you on buying your boat with confidence.
Download New York Boat Buyer's Checklist
Do I need to register my boat in New York?
Yes, you need to register your boat in New York and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires the registration of boats, sailboats with motors, and jet skis.
Below are a few exemptions when you do not need to register or title a boat in New York.
- Non-motorized boats
- All canoes, kayaks, or row boats that are powered by hand.
How and where do I register a boat in New York?
You can start your boat registration in person or by mail. You can take your required documents and application to any New York State DMV office. You can click this link to view your local New York DMV offices near you Visit dmv.ny.gov/offices/county-offices.
We don't recommend mailing in your application because any mistake can cause a delay, but if you prefer you can register your boat by mail. Send your completed application, required documents, and a check for the registration fees. Be aware to check the New York registration fees on the DMV website.
How much does it cost to register a boat in New York?
The cost to register a boat in New York is primarily based on the length of the boat. The registration fees below are for the registration of the boat only and does not include sales tax or new title certification fees.
- Boats less than 16 feet in length (Class A): $22.50 for one year, $45.00 for two years, and $67.50 for three years.
- Boats 16 feet to less than 26 feet in length (Class 1): $45.00 for one year, $90.00 for two years, and $135.00 for three years.
- Boats 26 feet to less than 40 feet in length (Class 2): $75.00 for one year, $150.00 for two years, and $225.00 for three years.
- Boats 40 feet in length and over (Class 3): $120.00 for one year, $240.00 for two years, and $360.00 for three years.
Do I need a boating license in New York?
New York doesn't require a "boating license" as you would need for driving a car. However, there are boating safety education classes, certificates, and requirements that apply to most boat owners.
Who is required to have a boater safety education certificate:
- Anyone born on or after May 1, 1996 must complete a boater safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card or certificate.
- All operators of Personal Watercraft (PWC) regardless of age must obtain a boatin safety certificate.
Important Update: By January 1, 2025, all operators of motorized boats, regardless of when they were born, will need to have a boating safety certificate.
How do I get a boating license or safety certificate in New York?
To obtain a boating safety certification or "boating license" in New York, you will need to complete a boating education and safety course.
You can research which safety courses are approved by this link at the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Presentation
You can choose to do online, or in-person courses
Upon passing your exam, most online courses allow you to print a temporary certificate immediately or if you did an in-person exam you may receive a certificate at the training facility.
Your official boating safety certificate may be mailed to you within 2-3 weeks.
How much is boat storage in New York?
Boat storage costs in New York vary based on the type of storage, amenities offered by a storage facility, the boating season, as well as the location of the storage. Below are some average prices of boat storage in New York.
- Dry Stack Storage: ranging from $16-$20 per foot per month. Dry stack offers protection from theft, elements, as well as storms.
- Wet Slip Storage: ranging from $12-$40 per foot per month. Keeps your boat in the water, but less secure than a dry stack storage.
- Outdoor/Trailer Storage: ranging from $50-$300 per month. Require transporting your boat yourself.
Keep in mind, larger boats naturally cost more to store and coastal areas are generally more expensive than inland locations.
Is boat insurance required in New York?
Boat insurance is not legally required in New York. But if you obtain a boat loan and finance a boat, a lender will typically require you to have insurance to protect their investment. Also, if you plan to store your boat at a marina, the marina may also require insurance if you dock your boat at their facility.
While boat insurance is not required in New York, it is highly recommended to have insurance. Boat insurance can cover theft, physical boat damage, hurricanes or storms, and medical coverage for you and your loved ones.
Inspecting a boat & sea trial tips
After narrowing down your search, now it is time to schedule an in-person boat inspection. If it is a used boat, we recommend bringing a certified mechanic with you and always conduct an engine compression test. Depending on the type of boat, we also recommend conducting a proper sea trial on the water as well.
During the inspection, evaluate the boat’s structure, engine, bilge components, and electrical systems. We put a few tips below:
Take your time and turn everything on and off. Depending on the type of boat, this can include light switches, bilge switches, live well pumps, and windlass switches.
Walk around the boat and look for any “soft spots”
Look for signs of damage that could have come from an accident or even the boat sinking.
Take a 5-gallon bucket of water and pour it in the bilge to make sure all pumps and safety components works properly.
If conducting a sea trial, throttle the engine(s) to variable RPMs and pay close attention to the engines and how they sound. For example, throttle to 2500 RPMs, then 3000 RPMs, then 4000-4500 RPMs.
Buying a New York boat required documents
Once you have negotiated the price, seen the boat in-person, and are happy with your inspection, now it is time to organize your purchase steps. First and foremost, make sure the boat dealer or private seller has a clean title for the boat. We outlined a few steps and provided sample documents below to ensure you are safely purchasing a boat in New York.
Ask the boat seller to provide a Bill Of Sale. This is a simple document outlining the details of the boat purchase, price, and seller and buyer details. You can download a sample Bill of Sale document here: Sample Bill of Sale Download
The boat seller will have to provide the title to you for signing. This can also be done at a local tag agency to transfer the boat title to you as the new owner. Depending on the type of boat and size, you may have to pay registration fees and tax on the boat.
If you're buying from a private seller, confirm the private seller’s name is on the title and ask to see his or her driver’s license or ID.
Ask the dealer or boat seller for any boat, engine, or accessories documents, warranties, or maintenance records.
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