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Does anyone know if I need to put Michigan Reg. Numbers on a 10' Pelican Bass Raider? I think it is only necessary if I put a motor on it. Anyone know for sure? Electric trolling motors count. I'm thinking of mounting oars on it like a drift boat to see how it goes. To be honest the river is so shallow that I don't think the motor would work anyway dure to the racks. Any advice?
Based on this, SOS - Watercraft I say "no"
Mike,
The key to what Don posted is the words "propelled by...". According to the website from the State of Michigan, if a watercraft is under 16 foot and specifically propelled by oars or paddle, then it does NOT need to be registered. Because the state does NOT specifically mention or define anything other than "oars or paddles" I would say your Pellican would be ok if you are using oars only. It would be up to the conservation officer as to the interpritation of the actual law and definition if you have an electric trolling motor attached is that is NOT specifically defined.
All legal terms aside... oars=no registration. If it was me, I would make a phone call to the local CO and find out for sure on the trolling motor... Those guys are always willing to help. Especially if someone is asking whether they can or cannot do something as apposed to trying to get out of something because they didn't ask.
I'd say no motor no number, it would be like a canoe. But be sure so you don't get ticketed.
I've been told that oars do not work on these little boats. I have a hard time believing that but I'm going to start with oars only with no numbers and go from there. If the oars don't work I'll just put on the electric and buy the numbers. I'm still looking for someone from Michigan that uses on of these. Thank's for all the suggestions.
I got checked by a CO a year ago. After Checking our License's he said I see you have an electric trolling motor I assume your Registration is up to date and since I had and electric trolling motor he made mention that I had a 40 oz'r in the boat.
I say just registar it then your covered
Good luck with the oars. It can be done but it's far too much work. You sit so high that rowing is awful difficult. And directional control is terrible.
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If it was me I wouldn't take a chance
I remember back 8 years when i bought my boat i took it out for my first time with my kids and got nailed for an expired tab, this happened on a Saturday and the following Monday the people i bought this boat from was buying a new tab, the cop didn't care
So don't find out the 60.00 way
Why don't you either call or email the Michigan Conservation Laws Division? Get yourself the right answer.
Here you go.
DNR - Natural Resources Contacts and Information