Boat registration hinges on motor size — OPP

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By Mike Verdone

Posted 3 hours ago

Recreational boating is a favourite pastime of Canadians with between seven and nine million people enjoying the waterways each year.

If you're out on the lake in a boat with a 9.9-horsepower motor, there's no need to worry if the men in blue come along and ask to see your vessel registration because you don't need one.

As long as you keep that motor on the boat there is no need to register the vessel and put those three-inch-high registration numbers on both sides of the bow.

But as soon as you bolt on a 10-horsepower, or larger motor, you must register the vessel or face a potential fine if you're stopped by the OPP Marine Unit.

When it comes to regulations for pleasure crafts in Ontario - boats not used for commercial enterprise - all things hinge on engine size, says Const. Dave Ault of the Sault Ste. Marie OPP Marine Unit.

"Everything basically over 10 horsepower or more must be licenced," Ault says.

"We do come upon those (situations) every now and then."

He says it's up to the discretion of the police officer to lay a fine, or not.

Ault says 9.9-hp motors came on line specifically to skirt the registration law.

"It's one of those things where the industry was looking at what the rules and regulations are."

If a boat meets the criteria and must be registered, it is mandatory to have registration documents present on the vessel. Ault says most people photocopy the documents and keep them aboard their vessel.

If the registration is not present, it may also cost you money.

"We don't deal with that too often, but there is a fine for not having it (on hand)," Ault says.

"Again, it's a discretionary call" by the officer of the marine unit, he said.

It's also important for boat owners to keep their registration updated, Ault says. If someone buys a second-hand boat that requires registration, the owner must change the documents over into their own name.

They must also post the new registration numbers on the vessel. If they fail to do so, they could also be fined.

"The officer, yes, he can lay a ticket. Would he lay a ticket, who knows."

Ault was unsure about the size of fines police can levy for violating mandatory requirements.

"It's close to the $100 area."

To register a vessel go to the office of boating safety at www.boatingsafety.gc.ca 

Click on "Vessels" on the left side of the page and follow the link.