Lifetime trailer registration in Washington state

[Mastercraft]

If a personal boat trailer is under 2,000 lbs without boat, you can register for a one time fee for a lifetime in Washington state.
Cost is about $200 plus the current year registration. So total cost is usually under $300 and never have to pay again. It is non-transferable. It applies to other trailers too. Also, there is a similar deal for lifetime old car registration.
My new triple axle R29 Float-on trailer is under 2,000 lbs. I think some other mfg of trailers are over 2,000 lbs.

 

[bob daily]

The Washington state law you are referring to is REC 46.16A.428, it states for Intermittent use only and occasional pleasure use of not more than once per week. If you are caught vilotating the intent of the law there is a fine and you are required to pay all back registration fees.
I have two vehicles that have lifetime registrations a horseless carriage (1929 model-A) and a (Ford 1990 F-250) farm use only not to exceed 19 miles from address on registration.
Can you do it? Yes! But remember that is a big red flag for the State Trooper behind you.
If it's too good to be true, it usually isn't. Bob

 

[knotflying]

Isn't interesting how many of us buy expensive boats and planes and then look to save a few bucks other ways? I am just as guilty. And perhaps it is that mental discipline that allowed us to afford our toys. Boy I would feel cheated if I bought the lifetime registration and then croaked a year later. :lol:

 

[dgiles]

Not sure what is wrong with having expensive toys has to do with saving a few bucks. Donating money back to the govt doesn't seem to be the best way to spend your money. If it's legal, do it. I would bet most ocean going boats with trailers have their trailers used much less than 1 per week. Some are 1 per year....

 

[Mastercraft]

RCW 46.16A.428 section (7) states “occasional pleasure use means use that is not general or daily, but seasonal or sporadic and not more than once per week on average”. It is a rare boat owner that trailers their boat every week for 52 weeks a year. I used to tow my Mastercraft 4 times a week years ago, yet not 52 times a year. This is where laws are weird. What period do they use for “average”?
WA did not have intermittent plates when I was towing 4 times a week, so I was not even a questionable violator, back then.

 

[bob daily]

Mastercraft, Just talked to Wa. Vehicle registration and they verified that yes I qualify for a lifetime registration for my boat trailor total cost for my trailor is about $250, at my annual fee of about $35 it will take 6.5 to 7 years to break even. At this time in my life I'm not sure its worth it, hell I don't even buy green banana's any more due to time! Bob

 

[knotflying]

Not sure what is wrong with having expensive toys has to do with saving a few bucks. Donating money back to the govt doesn't seem to be the best way to spend your money. If it's legal, do it. I would bet most ocean going boats with trailers have their trailers used much less than 1 per week. Some are 1 per year....

Nothing wrong with trying to save a buck. I was just trying to bring a little humor to the topic. As I said, I am just as guilty and probably why that mode of thinking allows us to enjoy the toys we saved for.