Questions for a new boat owner...?

[bigdipper]

I am about to pull the trigger on my 1st boat. I'm certainly not as knowledgable or as technical as most here - but i was hoping some of you guys could fill me in on the following:

1. What state does a boat usually get registered in - the state you live OR the state you are keeping it in? (I live on the East Coast but am keeping the boat in Minnesota)

2. What about the boat trailer? Is it considered part of the boat for registration purposes? (license plates?) What state does that get licensed in?

3. Does the trailer need to be insured separately from the boat?

4. Who do you recommend for boat insurance?

5. I have a GM Truck. It already has access for the trailer hitch on the back. What other items will i need to trailer the boat? (Do i need to take the truck to the dealer to have anything installed - like lights, etc?)

My concern is that it might be about a month from now before i pick up the boat and trailer it to the lake where it will stay permanently. I want to make sure everything is handled correctly and i am prepared ahead of time.

Thank you for your help!!!

[yarcraft91]

On questions 1&2, answers depend on your home state and the state where the boat and trailer will be kept. Some states require the boat to be registered in that state if kept there more than 30 or 60 consecutive days, other states don't care. Some states don't require boat trailer registration. You'll find some helpful information on boat registration here:
http://www.takemefishing.org/boating/register

3. My boat/trailer rig is insured as a package.
4. Start with the people who insure your home and cars. Often, there is a discount for multiple policies through the same comapny. My boat insurance is an add-on to my home insurance.
5. If your GM truck has a factory hitch, it should also have a factory trailer wiring harness. At most, you should only to need to adapt the factory plug (may be a round 7-conductor) to the trailer wiring socket (often flat 4-conductor). Any trailer parts store has the adapters.

[chevtow]

For a michigander yarcraft is on the money!!:exactly:

[Stripehunter]

If your trailer has electric brakes, you will need a brake controller wired into your truck. You may also need an upgraded blinker relay, but if you have a factory towing package it likely already does.

[bigdipper]

On questions 1&2, answers depend on your home state and the state where the boat and trailer will be kept. Some states require the boat to be registered in that state if kept there more than 30 or 60 consecutive days, other states don't care. Some states don't require boat trailer registration. You'll find some helpful information on boat registration here:
http://www.takemefishing.org/boating/register

3. My boat/trailer rig is insured as a package.
4. Start with the people who insure your home and cars. Often, there is a discount for multiple policies through the same comapny. My boat insurance is an add-on to my home insurance.
5. If your GM truck has a factory hitch, it should also have a factory trailer wiring harness. At most, you should only to need to adapt the factory plug (may be a round 7-conductor) to the trailer wiring socket (often flat 4-conductor). Any trailer parts store has the adapters.


Thanks Yarcraft and everyone else! (i will have to contact the DMV to find out where the boat needs to be registered)

Also - does anyone know of a good used boat contract out there onlne anywhere that they've used before?

Thanks!

[bigdipper]

If your trailer has electric brakes, you will need a brake controller wired into your truck. You may also need an upgraded blinker relay, but if you have a factory towing package it likely already does.

The truck does have the wiring harness as i've just located it. I'm just not sure if it will control the electric brakes on the Ranger trailer? (i'm pretty sure this trailer has electric brakes?)

[Sakakawea]

Just purchased my first boat right here off walleye central. got a great deal and love the boat. Good luck with your purchase. It's a great feeling to be a boat owner

[fxnrxn]

The truck does have the wiring harness as i've just located it. I'm just not sure if it will control the electric brakes on the Ranger trailer? (i'm pretty sure this trailer has electric brakes?)

If it indeed has brakes, you'll need a flat-five conection, otherwise your brakes will lock up! Works electrically when you put the rig in reverse. Mike

[guest]

Go to the sales man who sold you the boat. Make him do the work for you. Take the truck, let him look. Let him answer these questions. He has the answers available to him and he can tell you where it will be cheaper to pay taxes as well. If he cannot, cancell the order and go elsewhere to a professional.

[overdalimit]

rdgd htch prt nmbr 47385 or 118707 is an adapter that goes from the 7 pin round plug on your chev to a 4 and 5 flat (has both!) the second number also has a backup alarm that goes beep! Beep! beep!... both are less than 25 bucks!