I too have a 12 ft' inflatable catamaran fishing boat. Do you need a boat licenses in PA to launch? It folds.

Question

This pontoon catamaran is a 12' inflatable and will fold up into a bag and store in your car. In Pennsylvania do you think you would need a 10 tag or a boat licenses? It does not have a motor attached to it, although if I wanted to I could put one on. Right now I am just oaring it. I just bought it so I don't know all of the regulations in PA yet. I am sure someone will know.

Answer 1

Yes, you will need a current watercraft registration, but can be from any state.  See section 11.219 in following link.

A local marine shop would be able to confirm.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/f...

Answer 2

If you put an engine on it you need the license. That goes for the electric motor also.

Answer 3

yes .you dont have too but you should any way.i think its like ten bucks and you get a sticker to put on it...

Answer 4

From PA Boating & Fishing Commission...

Boats that must be registered:

-  Any boat powered by a gasoline, diesel or electric motor.

-  Vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard for recreational purposes. Documented vessels are large pleasure boats, such as yachts.

-  Boats such as sailboats that use gasoline, diesel or electric motors for auxiliary power.

Boats that MAY be registered:

Unpowered boats are not required to be registered. However, registering an unpowered boat allows it to be used at a Fish & Boat Commission access area or lake, or at Pennsylvania state park lakes.

Another option for unpowered boats (only) is a Use Permit from the Fish & Boat Commission, or a Launch or Mooring Permit from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of State Parks. Doing so provides the same benefits on Fish & Boat Commission properties and Pennsylvania State Park lakes as does registering them.

However, registration (versus Use Permits) provides additional protection for boat owners in the event of loss, theft or accident, as well as automatic reminders when the registration is about to expire.