I actually had to argue with the DMV in CA to register my F18. They were telling me that I didn't need to register it. I assured them I did, showed them the regulation and made them take my money. I had to have a valid registration to get a spot in the city boatyard. Whattapain.
Yes, CA DMV are quite random in what they tell you. I had all kinds of issues registering my 7 yr old T from an out of state seller. They couldn't get past that it had never been registered in the states for those 7 years (RI didn't require it). Eventually I had to get a security bond issued on the sale price tp protect the DMV in case the boat was ever reported stolen. Then to get the actual reg numbers, had to have a harbor patrol guy "inspect" the hull for a registration number...there was only a builder's hull number, matching my builder certificate from seller. They wanted more digits and said all boats coming into the US had to get a coast guard assigned hull ID. Then had to spend a few weeks tracking down the original importer (Fun In The Sun in FL) and they got me a hull ID.
I now have it all sorted, bu I hate the fact I have to carry reg numbers & permit sticker on my hulls...it looks rediculous when I show at a major T fleet regatta in Texas/FL/etc and I'm the only one with these things. Top teams cringe at putting anything on the bows (drag & makes the boat easier to call over the line at crowded starts). I started putting the numbers/sticker on the boom...but my local harbor patrol scolds me regularly...I'm sure he'll charge next time I'm caught.
