Maryland DNR questions.

alk

alk

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I'm having some trouble getting answers in the DNR site, maybe someone here can help.

Last winter I built a canoe out of cedar strips. I know I can use it in MD waters without registering it - as long as there is no motor attached. What if I clamp an electric trolling motor on, do I need to register it and pay that tax?

That will be a pain, because first I will have to put in the paperwork for a hull id number; including receipts for costs.

Anybody been down this path? I spent way too much money on the wood and glass to build this thing ; hope I dont get taxed on all of the sawdust sitting in my garage ( and lungs).
 
This is straight from the MD DNR Website.

All vessels, whether commercial or recreational, must be registered in Maryland if they are:
Equipped with any kind of primary or auxiliary mechanical propulsion; and
Used in Maryland most in a calendar year.

It doesn't say anything about a minimum HP. It says ANY KIND of mechanical propulsion. I take that to include an electric motor. That's the way it is in VA and I would be very surprised if MD wasn't just as strict.
 
If I Dont use it 'most of the calendar year in Maryland' am I exempt, or only exempt if its registered in some other state? That's the part I can't seem to figure out. I guess I'll try to call them tomorrow.
 
If motor is less than 7 hp, the registration is free. Sticker shows gull instead of state dome. That's how they know your motor should be less than 7 hp.
 
The Maryland form , DNRB 240m says in section four, 'Registration Fee - 2 year over 16 foot OR over 7.5 hp $24.00. 16 foot or under with 7.5 hp or under NO FEE.'

My canoe is 18 feet, so if I was using it principally in MD, I would owe not only the registration fee, but the excise tax on the materials. Although I suppose since all I bought was a pile of cedar, and paid PA sales tax on said cedar, I might be able to get credit. My main problem isn't the fees, it's the fact that I don't have a hull identification number, and don't feel like dealing with the hassle to get one. My hope is that since I'm not primarily using it in MD waters, I won't have to register it in MD. I know that is true of my Bowrider which is registered in Delaware. I just don't know if I get the same pass on the canoe, which is not registered in any state, because apparently it is a bit of a pita to register a homemade boat. In delware I would have to travel in person to freaking Dover.
 
Alk, you're sounding more and more like a Libertarian every day! <G> (and I hope that didn't sound too NBR)

I've got nothing to offer re your MD NBR issues, but I'd really like to see pics of your canoe. Sounds like a beautiful project.
 
You jack booted thugs can have my 1/2 hp minn kota when you pry it from my cold dead hands. Hows that for NBRish? (:

Forms are in the mail, will soon have a HULL ID, and Maryland sticker on the canoe.
 
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