Just moved back to Florida from SC and I know this question has been brought up before, but I can't get a clear answer from the dmv office. Do I need to register a Hobie 18 in Florida. If anybody knows where I can find the statue that I can present to the dmv, will be greatly apprecated.

Welcome!

A google search on FL boat registration might help, first on the list...

http://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/faqboat.html

Hope this helps.

Mike

Is a non-powered vessel required to be registered and titled?

If the non-motor powered vessel is less than 16 feet in length, it is not required to be registered or titled. However, if the vessel is 16 feet or more in length, it is required to be registered and titled.

Blades measure at 15 11/12 feet.

Never registered my 20 ft and never had a problem. Are you having problems in Dunedin. I don't recall seeing any registration numbers on any of the cats the last time I was over there.

We have had 40-60 beach cats on our beach in South Florida for the last 20 plus years, from 14-21 feet. NOT ONE HAS EVER BEEN REGISTERED. This topic comes up from time to time and the only sailors who ever have a problem are the ones from Dunedin. I am on beaches on the East coast of Florida from the Keys to Melborne and never see one registered.

Didn't that law just change to include catamarans a year or two ago? I seem to remember a discussion about it.

Yes, the law was recently changed along with not needing nav lights at night. I am sure once the word spreads to the enforcement agencies, they will start enforcing it.

If you title your boat you WILL be required to register it. As far is it being enforced... time will only tell. It doesn't seem to be a problem at the moment but as municipalities realize it's another source of revenue I'm sure that will change.

Similar law exists in RI (16 feet = need to register). Lots of people assume that if it doesn't have a motor, it doesn't need to be registered. Not correct. Worse thing is, it's not a DMV item in RI, so you have to hunt for the right resource (easier now with internet of course).

I registered my second Hobie Cat, and was the only one at any event that had (from RI anyway). Never bothered again, and 3 H16s later, never had an issue.

Mike

Just to clarify, We in Dunedin have not had any problems with it. There was one guy in St.Pete that had a Dart 20 who was trying to sell it to someone out of state. That person needed a title so they could register it in their state. It became a can of worms trying to get a title since Darts don't have VIN #'s. Instead of selling it he wound up cutting it into little pieces and throwing it away.

Just to clarify, that was a Dart 18 and it was at the Clearwater Sailing Center. He ended up selling the sails and making lawn furniture out of a really nice Dart, because he couldn't title or register it. I cried a little.

Two interesting things about registering my N20 in FL.

1) I couldn't get insurance for it unless it was registered.

2) Shortly (ok, 6 months or so) after I moved here, I got a letter from the county Tax Collector stating that I had an "unregistered boat" parked in my driveway. It came along with a sternly worded mention of fines and penalties if I didn't register the boat within 30 days.

Big brother is watching apparently.

Wow.. i was not asked for registration during insuring. I wonder if a claim can be denied if not registered/titled

In Dunedin you can't have a boat in your driveway/yard. it has to be behind a fence.. i know people that have had tickets for that.. but never heard of anyone getting notice for a registration

Just to clarify, The guy was in my shop and we talked about it.
It was a Stampede. He put the mast and sail on a 17' windrider. Wahoo, He also owns a F-27 just to be totally accurate.

That will cost you another steak dinner along with fireworks.

Hate to argue (no i dont) but this guy had an Dart 18. It was tan/brown. I almost bid on it when Parker got it from Ebay. Dave sailed it 1 or 2x before he sold it to this guy. I think the owner didnt know a 18 and 20 apart

That makes two that have been chopped up then.

I am suprised you had issues with insurance. Who do you insure through? I have never had any problems insuring my (unregistered) boat.

There is a clause in the statute regarding registration that boats used exclusively for racing do not need to be registered. That is the hook I am hanging my hat on. Very rarely am I sailing and not participating in some sort of a race.

I am certain it was the same guy. cause this guy did purchase the windrider and put his custom spars/sail on it

Why can't rules be simple so we could actually follow them without hiring lawyers? (Rhetorical, I know it's because the legislators are mainly lawyers.)

The official website says register if over 16 feet. Pretty cut-and-dry, and I provided a link.

Folks here are showing different experiences [insurance clauses, racing may be a special case, discussion about special rules for catamarans (why should they be unique?), etc.]. Not saying I don't believe you (quite the contrary), but no links are provided, which is what would really help anyone trying to figure out what needs to be done.

As for "Big Brother" watching what's parked in your yard, that's definitely possible (there's a reason they hire tax assessors, etc.); but in my experience, it's more likely that a spineless neighbor who doesn't like seeing your boat (is jealous, or whatever), called on you. Yes, there are people who spend more time worrying about what other people are doing wrong, than leaving the house and actually doing something themselves...

ANYWAY, my advice overall would be to register it if you feel there is a strong likelihood of being ticketed, or just to ensure you will have no title issues selling the boat down the line. Otherwise, keep all your paperwork from your purchase, and bet on the odds that the cops have no clue either...

Mike