Where are all the Illinois Guys ?

[hooah212002]

Could someone help me with some info on what it takes to "legalize" a boat purchased via private sale?

 

My father (lives in IL) and I are looking at getting a boat which would be stored at his house. It would most likely be under 16 ft (looking at 14ft jon boats) since that seems to be the cutoff. I have already looked at the DNR site, but it's not as clear as I would like it, or I am simply having trouble reading it.

 

What I need to know:

 

Insurance? Do boats need it?

 

Title? Should it come with one that I just renew? (remember: 14 footer)

 

Registration? Same as title?

 

Trailer plates?

 

Trailer insurance?

 

I know this all sounds like "duh" stuff to yous guys, but I/we have never had this sort of stuff (boats/atv's/trailers even). Prices would be great, but more importantly is just finding out what I need. I can find out the price later.

[slonezp]

2 titles. One for the boat and one for the trailer. If the boat will not have a motor and will be used only on private water it does not need to be registered. Registration application from the DNR if it has never been registered in IL. You will need to keep a copy of the application in the boat until they send you the registration sticker and then you will need to buy vinyl registration numbers for the hull. If it was previously registered in IL I believe there is a transfer application. Insurance is not mandatory unless the boat is financed, but it's a good idea. It should be relatively cheap. My old 17ft with a 90hp was $250 for the year which included liability, theft, full replacement, medical payments, etc. To insure your gear is additional depending on the dollar value you put on it. The boat and trailer SHOULD be covered under the auto policy while they are in tow but you need to check with your agent. In IL you need trailer plates and can apply for them at the DMV or any currency exchange. You will need to call and see what paperwork you need for the application.  

[hooah212002]

Thank you. I assume it would make the process much smoother if we get one with existing title/registration and just transfer it over, yes? Or is it easy enough if you get one where the seller indicates that they do not have the title/registration (bill of sale is good enough, right?)? It is also cheaper to renew as opposed to new, isn't it?

[slonezp]

From what I hear, trying to title a boat or trailer in the state of IL isn't worth the aggravation. I know in WI none of that is required under a certain size. If I were you, I'd buy the boat in IL with a title and skip the headache. If the boat is under 16' registration is $22 and good for I think 3 years. You're going to get screwed on the plates the first time. No way around it.

[hooah212002]

Again, thank you very much.

 

 You're going to get screwed on the plates the first time. No way around it.

 

What do you mean?

 

edit:

nvm. I see. It's bloody expensive.

[MarkH024]

What don't we get screwed on in IL other than pizza?  

[slonezp]

I had a plate fall off my trailer a few years back 2 months before it was up for renewal. To get a replacement plate I had to pay the renewal fee then pay  the full fee for a new plate AND pay for another sticker. It cost me almost $200

[hooah212002]

Ouch. I guess I will lean even closer to a jon boat that we can toss in the back of the truck for now. We don't go on big bodies of water anyways.

[slonezp]

Why don't you just have everything registered in WI? You can still store it at your dads as long as everything is current. Trailer it back to WI once every 60 days to keep it legal.  (the law says no registration is needed if boat is registered in another state and is being used less than 60 consecutive days in IL)

[MarkH024]

Why don't you just have everything registered in WI? You can still store it at your dads as long as everything is current. Trailer it back to WI once every 60 days to keep it legal.  (the law says no registration is needed if boat is registered in another state and is being used less than 60 consecutive days in IL)

This.....................is what we do. No plates for boats under 3,000lbs in weight with trailer.

[hooah212002]

I like the cut of your jib lol. I suppose I could, I just wanted to keep everything on the up and up, as legal as possible. Plus, like I said, this is all new to me and is a rather daunting task (one that he has placed on my shoulders).

 

If I do it that way, do I need to let someone know I have returned it back once every 60 days? Does that need to be over night? Or is it more along the lines of just saying I did when the Warden asks? Nevermind.

 

So then this way, I would need: title/registration for boat and.....title (no plates/registration) for trailer (if we go with a trailer)?

[MarkH024]

I like the cut of your jib lol. I suppose I could, I just wanted to keep everything on the up and up, as legal as possible. Plus, like I said, this is all new to me and is a rather daunting task (one that he has placed on my shoulders).

 

If I do it that way, do I need to let someone know I have returned it back once every 60 days? Does that need to be over night? Or is it more along the lines of just saying I did when the Warden asks?

Not that I'm aware of.  Never been questioned in the 4+ years owning my boat.

 

[hooah212002]

Not that I'm aware of.  Never been questioned in the 4+ years owning my boat.

 

 

I probably severely overestimate the thoroughness with which the DNR does their job on the water. I find myself rather paranoid. I seriously envision there to be gov't employees at every ramp checking papers and whatnot, as well as roving boat patrols.

 

I really need to get my sea legs about me.

[hooah212002]

Wait a minute....so if I were to get a small jon boat (under 16 feet) and title it in MY name in Wisconsin....all I pay is the title, which is a max of $22, and that is if there isn't one already (transfer is $3.75). No registration necessary in WI?

 

Yet, if I were to do it in IL, I would be robbed for between $100 and $200?

[slonezp]

You're not getting robbed. Think of it as donating to the pension fund. LOL

 

Just keep everything current in WI and you shouldn't have any issues in IL and keep whatever paperwork with you on the boat

If you carry a WI drivers license they are not going to question you since you are just visiting

[hooah212002]

Ok. Thanks guys. VERY much appreciated.

[slonezp]

At least we don't charge you guys $50 for an out of state fishing license

[MarkH024]

At least we don't charge you guys $50 for an out of state fishing license

For real! Fibs

[hooah212002]

At least we don't charge you guys $50 for an out of state fishing license

 

Yea, that IS ridiculous. But...I'm not one of "you guys". I am a FIB that just happens to live on the wrong side of the cheese curtain. I seriously despise everything about this vile state. I've been around, lived in a number of places, but WI is the worst so far.

[NILBasser]

Does anybody thats been on Clinton know what the water temps are at the 48 and Dewitt bridges is?

[MarkH024]

Yea, that IS ridiculous. But...I'm not one of "you guys". I am a FIB that just happens to live on the wrong side of the cheese curtain. I seriously despise everything about this vile state. I've been around, lived in a number of places, but WI is the worst so far.

Why? That's how I feel about Illinois. I love WI up by my place. Green Lake area. Could definitely live up there if life would allow.

[hooah212002]

Why? That's how I feel about Illinois. I love WI up by my place. Green Lake area. Could definitely live up there if life would allow.

 

I've just had a far worse time here than anywhere else I've ever been. I never had allergies or asthma until I moved here. My ex is completely looney tunes and is the reason I even moved to WI in the first place, so had I never done that, she wouldn't be haunting me and making me miserable still. The weather is.......southern WI weather. Either be cold or don't be. Stop teasing me with Spring. I am done with Winter, but Winter isn't done with me. All the lakes (ALL OF THEM!!!!!) require boat access, so us shore bound guys are screwed. As I mentioned in the other thread, it seems as though WI is one of the ONLY states with LMB season. Packer fans. Brewer fans. Bubbler? Seriously? I don't understand is that?

 

The beer is good, though. So are the friday fish fry's. Taxes aren't too bad.

[slonezp]

Caught my first fish in the new boat. Another virgin off the water  . Loon Lake water temps are 53*-56* and the water is quite stained. I haven't fished there in 3 years or so, but it used to be gin clear with 20ft of visibility. With the Chain closed my choices are limited. Anyway, had bites shallow and deep in the 45 minute window the sun was out. Once the clouds moved in the bite all but stopped. No fish were picture worthy but they were caught in 18fow on jigncraws, 8fow on swimjigs, and 2fow on flukes.

 

Mark, If you like bluegills and crappies, another few weeks and the bite should be spectacular. I normally don't fish for them unless I'm with my dad. The lake is abundant with 9"-10" gills and 11"-13" crappies. They tend to school with others similar in size, so if you find one it should be game on. I normally stock the freezer in spring. If I head up there with my dad I'll give you a shout. 

[MarkH024]

I don't really go out of my way to catch panfish but I've also never sat on a nice school of crappies and had fun with my ultralight. Every year up at my place in Wisconsin we pull out a HUGE slab or 2 14"-16" but they are always solo and caught while fishing for bass.  I would definitely dedicate a few hours of my fishing day if I knew I'd consistently catch some monster panfish.  Our bluegill are all stunted too, 3"-6" is all I see and a loner perch here and there.   I'm heading up to Wisconsin if the weather holds out for us this coming weekend. Should be able to find some prespawn fatties I hope. 

Glad to hear you broke in the new boat!

[stoutie]

I don't really go out of my way to catch panfish but I've also never sat on a nice school of crappies and had fun with my ultralight. Every year up at my place in Wisconsin we pull out a HUGE slab or 2 14"-16" but they are always solo and caught while fishing for bass.  I would definitely dedicate a few hours of my fishing day if I knew I'd consistently catch some monster panfish.  Our bluegill are all stunted too, 3"-6" is all I see and a loner perch here and there.   I'm heading up to Wisconsin if the weather holds out for us this coming weekend. Should be able to find some prespawn fatties I hope. 

Glad to hear you broke in the new boat!

I went up to shawano lake last fall and from the dock i was catching monster panfish... especially at dusk they were going crazy!! id say the smallest was 5in... anways just saying