February 22, 2012

Dear Maryland BoatU.S. Member:

As you may have heard, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has proposed boat registration fee increases as a way to mitigate income loss from lower boat sales tax revenue. We encourage you to take a minute today and contact your state representatives to share your views on this.

The current boat registration fee in Maryland is $24 for two years, with exemptions for sail and human-powered-only vessels along with all vessels less than 16 feet and powered by less than 7 ½ hp. Set in 1983, this fee adjusted for inflation would now be approximately $54 for two years.

House Bill 1307 proposes the following boat registration fee increases:

Boat Length Current Bi-Annual Fees Proposed Bi-Annual Fees Effective October 1st, 2012 Proposed Bi-Annual Fees Effective October 1st, 2014
<16' , <7.5hp $0 $25 $50
<16' , >7.5hp $24 $25 $50
16' to <32' $24 $75 $75
32' to <45' $24 $125 $250
45' to <65' $24 $250 $500
65'+ $24 $350 $700


(In addition, unpowered sailboats greater than 16’ would be subject to registration requirements and fees.)

In comparison, a 21’ boat costs $20-56 for 2 years registration in VA, DE, PA, NJ or NC.

To read more background information and to see a copy of the legislation, click here: HB 1307 Background

We encourage you to contact your state representatives to let them know how you feel about this proposal.

21' boat in VA. registration is $37 for three years.
Randy, you can move into my spare bedroom in VA if you want.
Sounds like the "Free State" aint so free.

Just document it with the Coast Guard. It does not cost anything.

You know those old men, they gotta complain about everything.

You back?

Really?? They always charged me $10.00 to document, and you still have to pay to register you boat in MD. Been down that road before. You got to have the state sticker to show you paid your state sales tax. How do you get your sticker....register you boat. Documentation does nothing really to get around any state regs.

I'm on the fence. At first I was p!st at the thought, but then after reading on, it is meant to raise money to take care of the waterways we like to enjoy. But then i think will i notice a difference on the water "I" use. or is just gonna make someone elses waterway nicer.

I pay more to have a car registered that I use less than my boat. Then I think about the money the state gets for my boat trailer reg. that is not on the road nearly as much as a vehicle.

What the "F".

I dont think it will pass, but i might talk myself into being fine with it if it does.

And that new Bud light Platinum is prety good

They will NOT use this money for waterway improvements! The reason the waterway improvement fund is BROKE right now is that they raided it to pay for all the other crap they wanted to do. We cannot give these idiot children any more money on the credit card! They have blasted through the credit limit and they still want more, enough is enough!

If you'd like them to know how you feel CLICK HERE

Feel free to change the message to your own.

Yes, Got back Friday. I had to give my liver a break.

Never did register it with a state. Been stopped a few times in VA MD and FL. Nobody asked other then to see my document.