Is it best to document with the CG or register with the DNR in Maryland?

Do you have to pay sales tax when you document?

Do you get hassled by DNR more often if you don't have MD numbers?

Documentation is much better IMO;

You cant document anything under 20 feet, yes you pay sales tax, but only on the amount on the bill of sale I have never had a hassle with DNR for anything and I even ran with the wrong stickers, for a year as i forgot to put them on, (they were in the boat though). I think a lot of that tends to be because I do my best to not make myself stick out, even though my boat is recognizable I try not to draw attention to it by my actions.

Documentation is only 10 dollars a year and they mail you everything in January.

I used Atlantic Documentation in Annapolis..

I have mine just registered. I think that if you financed a boat, the bank may require documentation.

Not sure on the sales tax, but I would assume that there is little chance of getting away with not paying tax.

I would think that the chances of being pulled over are increased with no numbers!!!

I have my boat registered, its cheaper and easier, plus I have some really low Delaware numbers I need to use, you could also register your boat in DE if you have a address here. we dont have that sales tax problem

Thanks for the info guys.

As for the DE thing, I heard that DNR is cracking down on that by going around to marinas in MD and looking for DE registered boats, then digging deeper.

Yes I have herd that as well, not sure if they can do anything if you have a legit DE address!!

Dave, they really dont bother you anymore one or the other. If you are Documented, you still have to display the current validation sticker. Its more about the money to make sure you paid your sales tax. If they see the sticker and no numbers they just go around to the rear to see your name and hailing port.

We have had boats registered and documented. Either way is fine, BUT you WILL have to pay taxes on it unless you do the DE route, which they are cracking down on.

They caught us for back taxes and penalties for the Fountain and the Searay. Ouch is all I'm gonna say

In VA - I much prefer having my boat documented and I actually find that I seem to get LESS hassle being documented. I say LESS because (knock on wood) I have NEVER been pulled over despite the fact that every weekend we blast through the Yorktown Coast Guard training facility. Most of my registered friends have at some point attracted some attention from either the CG or the Marine Police.

As for sales tax - you might get away with it by documenting. You WON'T get away with it registering.

I ended up registering with MD.