In Mass its the Sales Tax (5% of the actual transaction) that gets you. There
is also an annual Excise Tax (as there is on cars) but boats tend to be
undervalued. Of course, these taxes must be paid regardless of the
registration/documentation status, but folks with documented boats have been
known to forget to pay.

Although the registration resembles the DMV automobile registration, its
actually handled by the Environmental Police, and there was no wait the last
several times I went there.



"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:3vozc.1072$3W3.148@lakeread04...
Mass. is one of those rare states like Texas that exempts documented
boats from having to be registered with the state. They just want their
property tax. It would cost $80 to $100 depending on LOA (and maybe a
day standing in line at the DMV) to get legal until the documentation
comes through. OTOH, if you just spent a wad on a new boat, a few more
bucks might not be all that bad to get to use the boat for the summer.

What I wonder about is why it would take 3 months to get papers? Only
thing I can think of is a cloud on the title that has to be cleared up.

Dave wrote:
On Mon, 14 Jun 2004 17:50:35 GMT, said:


What are the fines/penalties for having an undocumented boat in
Massachusetts waters?


When I needed proof of registration in CT, and the change in documentation
wouldn't come through quickly enough to get the state decal, I simply
registered the boat in CT while applying for new documentation. Then when
the documentation came in it cost about $3 to switch the state registration
to a certificate of decal.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com