New York Boating Laws & Regulations

How do I transfer ownership of a used boat in New York?

You will need to follow these steps:

1. Obtain a bill of sale: The buyer and seller must complete a bill of sale to document the transfer of ownership. You can use a generic bill of sale form or the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides a specific form for this purpose.

2. Obtain the boat's title: New York requires all boats with a motor of more than 10 horsepower to be titled. The seller must provide the buyer with the boat's title, which is a legal document that proves ownership.

3. Complete the title transfer: The buyer must complete the back of the boat's title, including the purchase price, date of sale, and their contact information. The seller must sign the title to transfer ownership.

4. Obtain a transferable registration (if applicable): If the boat is currently registered in New York and the registration is transferable, the seller must provide the buyer with the registration.

5. Pay the sales tax: New York requires the buyer to pay a sales tax on the purchase price of the boat. The sales tax rate varies based on the county where the boat is registered.

6. Register the boat: The buyer must register the boat with the New York State DMV within 30 days of the purchase. To register the boat, the buyer will need to complete a registration form, provide proof of ownership, pay a registration fee, and show proof of sales tax payment.

7. Obtain new registration: Once the boat is registered, the buyer will receive a new registration card and a set of registration decals. The buyer must affix the decals to the boat and carry the registration card on board whenever the boat is in use.

To operate a motorboat, you must be at least 10 years of age.

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 14 to operate a personal watercraft (PWC).

New York State PFD requirements

Operating under the influence of drugs and alcohol in New York State

In New York, it is unlawful to operate a vessel (including PWC) or use water skis or a similar device while under the influence of alcohol or another impairing substance.

New York law defines boating under the influence (BUI) as operating a vessel or manipulating water skis or a similar device while having a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or greater, or if the operator is rendered incapable of safely operating the vessel due to having consumed impairing substances.

Boating accident in New York State

In the case of an accident, it is the vessel operator’s duty to immediately stop their vessel and give assistance anyone involved or injured in the accident to the extent that they are able without endangering their own vessel or passengers. 

The vessel’s operator must supply his/her name, address, and vessel registration information (including the name and address of the vessel’s owner, if not the operator) to anyone injured in the accident as well as to the owner of any property damaged in the accident. 

New York State Marine toilets - Littering - Oil spills

It is illegal to discharge sewage into any of New York’s land locked-lakes that are completely within state borders as well as into any designated No Discharge Zones.

The No Discharge Zones in New York State are: Hempstead Harbor, Hudson River, water intake zones, Hudson River Estuary, Huntington-Northport Bay Complex, Jamaica Bay, Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Lake George, Lake Ontario, Long Island Sound, Mamaroneck Harbor, New York State Canal System, Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor, Peconic Estuary, Peconic Waters, East Hampton, Port Jefferson, Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, South Shore Estuary Reserve

Vessels with a marine toilet (or any equipment resulting in the drainage of waste water) must be fitted with an approved (Type III marine sanitation device) holding tank that may only be emptied at approved sanitation (marine pumpout) facilities.

Aquatic invasive species in New York

Introducing non-native species into state or federally controlled waters can upset the ecosystem and hurt the environment by clogging waterways and crowding out native species.

Invasive quagga and zebra mussels are a particular problem as they reproduce rapidly and destroy fisheries, pollute the beaches and shoreline, and cause damage to boats and equipment.

Reasonable precautions must be taken to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. A number of New York counties, towns and villages prohibit aquatic invasive species (for example, on vessels, trailers or equipment).

You can help prevent the introduction and spread of non-native species from one body of water to another by thoroughly checking, draining, cleaning and drying your boat and trailer.

Complying with officers

New York State Park Police, and other authorized law enforcement officers may enforce New York boating laws and regulations. U.S. Coast Guard officers and officers of other federal agencies also have enforcement authority on interstate waters.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) in New York

• All PWC operators, passengers, and anyone being towed must wear a USCG-approved PFD at all times. Inflatable PFDs are not permitted.

• Operators of PWC equipped with an ignition safety switch must attach the engine shut off lanyard to his or her person, PFD, or clothing

• PWC operation is only permitted during daylight hours (from sunrise to sunset), even if the vessel is equipped with navigation lights. Operation is also not permitted when conditions are classified as “restricted visibility”.

• No one under the age of 14 may operate a PWC

Unlawful boating operation in New York

• Operating at speeds that do not allow the operator to stop the vessel in the assured clear distance ahead

• Also, following or operating too close to another vessel, and operating too close to swimmers or divers.

• Operating at speeds that create dangerous wake

• Attempting to spray others with the wake from your vessel

• Exceeding any marked speed limitations

• Operating without keeping a proper lookout

• Operating at night without the required navigation lights

New York State safe speed

Vessel speed is generally* limited to 5 mph within 100 feet of:

• The shore

• A dock or pier

• An anchored boat

• A raft or float

*The 5mph limit extends to 200 feet on some bodies of water.

A number of bodies of water impose 45 mph daytime and 25 mph nighttime speed limits. Check the regulations for where you plan to go boating with local authorities. 

Towed water sports in New York

There must be a person, other than the operator, on board who is at least 10 years old and who continually observes the person being towed.

The towing vessel must have a capacity rating at least equal to the number of people operating, observing, and being towed.

Towing people on water skis or similar devices is only permitted from sunrise to sunset.

Sound signaling device in NYS

All powered vessels—including PWCs—must carry a sound-producing device, such as a horn or whistle, capable of a two-second blast that is audible for at least half a mile.