a question for va boat owners

[deermaster]

i just bought a 15' v hull starcraft riveted aluminum boat and trailer for 250$.  the boat is in great shape and the trailer is ver solid, just needs a good wire brushing and paint.  this is my first boat, so i ahd a couple of questions for va boat owners.

1)  does my trailer have to pass an inspection to get registered and licensed by dmv?

2)  does va require a boating course to operate a recreational boat?

3)  does my boat or trailer need to be insured to be legal?

thanks for any info!

[burleytog]

1. No. Inspection is only required for trailers equipped with brakes and/or over a certain gross weight.

http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/citizen/vehicles/trailerreg.asp

I have a small trailer and I would like to know if it is required to be inspected.

It depends. If the "actual gross weight" is 3,000 pounds or more, it is required to have brakes and is required to be inspected. (The "actual gross weight" is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of any load that the trailer is carrying.) If the "actual gross weight" is less than 3,000 pounds, it is not required to be inspected; however, any trailer under 3,000 that is equipped with brakes is also required to be inspected.

http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Safety.shtm#InspectionProgram

2. VA does not require a safe boater's course as yet. The requirement is coming. Check the following site for more information.

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/registration/

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/education/

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/education/boating-safety-education-requirement.asp

3. Check with your auto insurance provider. Trailers are usually covered by your auto policy while in use.

http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/citizen/vehicles/trailerreg.asp

[deermaster]

thanks!

[memo43]

Good question an phenomenal answer.

Sorry I was curios as well.

Hey Deermaster what part of virginia are you from.

memo

[rondef]

WTG Burley that is 100% right.  My insurance carrier covers my trailer and I have another policy for the boat.  I would recommend getting a policy on the boat if you have not.  I just wish VA would implement the boat license and safety course sooner.  There are quite a few unsafe boaters out there.

[deermaster]

yessir, great answers and very helpful links.  memo, im from the eastern shore of va.  some of the well known areas nearby are salisbury, md, about an hour north of me, and kipptopeake va, about an hour south of me.  chincatueage va is about 30 miles north of me.  just to give you an idea of where im at.  plenty of great freshwater, saltwater fishing, and all the deer and duck hunting a person can stand...i love it.