How To Register A Boat With No H.i.n. In Pa?!

[George DeHaven]

Good morning!

 

I recently purchased a 10' jon boat from Craigslist. Originally, I had no intention of putting a trolling motor on it because of it's size. I assumed that because it is so small, I wouldn't have any problem using paddles or even turning it into a row boat.

 

I was really wrong. I wound up turning my arms into Jell-O trying to paddle around and didn't even really get anywhere! LoL

 

The problem is that the boat does not have a Hull Identification Number.

 

Can any of our PA residents help me out and point me in the right direction? I've heard that the Fish and Boat Commission can issue a HIN?

 

Any info is appreciated! Thanks!

[Fishes in trees]

I wouldn't worry about it.  I don't know about Pennsylvania, but here in Missouri the conservation agents & such have better things to do than to be checking registration on an old jon boat.  If you are really paranoid, carry the bill of sale in your glove compartment and should you ever get stopped (highly unlikely), just explain and ask how to proceed.

 

The more important question is how are you going to rig the boat.  I would put a trolling motor on it.  The biggest 12 volt trolling motor I could find, probably a 55 lb thrust Maxim with variable speed.  You will need an alternate source of power.

I think that oars are preferable to paddles if you can get them to fit.  In a 10' jon boat, you are probably going to get VERY shallow from time to time.  An extendable aluminum push pole isn't a bad idea.  Back in the day when I fished out of a 10' pond boat, I didn't leave home without the push pole in the boat.

 

On a related subject, back in the day, guys fishing out of a small boat would use a sculling paddle, basically a one-handed paddle that they would use to maneuver the boat similar to how most of us use a trolling motor now.  Using a sculling paddle is a real pain, more trouble than it is worth  in my opinion.   The few guys I know who are good at it tell me that it makes much less noise then a trolling motor and they catch more fish because of it.  I don't know about that, seem more like a bull headed approach to doing it "old school" more than anything else.

[DelcoSol]

Depending on the year of the boat it will not have it. Good luck. http://www.fish.state.pa.us/faqregt.htm

[flyfisher]

I would research the laws because if my memory serves me right, it is not a cheap fine if you get caught and ticketed.

 

It is also a pretty easy thing to see...someone using a trolling motor on a boat with no registration numbers visible.  This gives probably cause and who knows what else could happen at that point.

 

Most states have the ability to register a boat with no title as long as there is a bill of sale involved.