Once again the ignorant claim that Massachusetts is greedy. MA has one of the lowest
overall tax rates in the country, as a percentage of income. The sales tax is 5%,
much lower than many states. While boats can be taxed under "excise tax" the same as
cars, the assessments are quite forgiving, and you won't be billed if you're "on the
move," and I've never heard of anyone being forced to register in the state if they
are transient, and documented boats need not register.

Frankly, although MA is nice, its likely that you won't stay in the state long enough
to be zapped, unless of course you decide to live there. Florida is a bigger problem,
because they require you to register (even if documented!) if you stay in the state 3
months.

One more thing - in MA, communities that look for boats to tax tend to do it in July,
not in January. Its a little hard to get numbers off boats packed in a yard, covered
with shrinkwrap and a foot of snow.

And do keep that sales tax receipt!



"Rich Hampel" wrote in message
...
Be very wary of where you keep your boat with respect to draconian
taxation. It usually involves where your boat is located on January 1.

South Carolina and portions of the northeast (actually hidden
Socialist Peoples Republics) impose personal properrty taxes that may
result in very stiff yearly tax bills.
Also be aware that there are 'time limits' that you can visit many
states or you have to pay sales/use taxes or the differential between
what you originally paid where you bought the boat and what that state
charges .... keep a copy of your original tax receipts when traveling
and when over-staying past the tax time limits in these 'class envy' /
'soak the rich' areas. These are typicaly the 'blue' states with
Massachusetts especially draconian and greedy.

Isnt creeping socialism just grand.
PS - Dont forget to vote.






In article aB8gd.434334$mD.157519@attbi_s02, just me
wrote:

I've decided it's time to hang it up and get out of town! I'm currently in
Texas on an inland lake. I'm going to move my boat, a 40' Jeanneau, to the
east coast in the spring of 05. I'm thinking of the Carolinas, but have no
first hand knowledge.
I would appreciate input regarding marinas, monthly costs if possible, and
any recommendations. I'd like to roam the east coast for a year or so then
to the Bahamas and on to the Caribbean (or wherever the wind blows me).
Thanks to all.
Jay