I am a fan of the free magazine 48 North. In the March 2010 issue (page 16) is a response to a readers confusion on dingy registration in Washington State. Here is the response:
"We talked with Mark Kenny, who is the Marine Law Enforcement Specialist for State Parks, and after examining a bunch of different scenarios, it basically boils down to, if you have a dingy with an outboard over 10 HP, you need to display registration numbers, whether you're documented or not. If you outboard is less than 10 HP, and/or you only use it as a tender between shore and boat (which is seldom the case), you don't need to worry about it.
Personally, I'd pay the $20.75 it takes to register the dingy and have no worries. Sure beats arguing with the San Juan County Sheriff, Coast Guard or Park Ranger that might stop you not to mention a charterer who will really be in the dark. Much of the money goes to boating programs that could use the support.
For a definitive answer to particular situations, call Mark Kenny at 360-902-8500. There is also a list of agencies that State Parks works with on their website:
www.parks.wa.
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If you happen to see a 48 North -- grab a copy -- it's free. It is a sailing-focused magazine but there is a lot in it for us stink-potters as well. One monthly feature "Lowtide" has a list of courses available to all in the Pacific Northwest. This months menu includes a Boating Education Series in Elliott Bay; a 1-day 8-hour introductory course for new boaters put on by the US Coast Guard Auxillary and Seattle YC's course "Demystifying DSC and MMSI." Most of these courses happened in March -- but what is in April and Mays issue? There are also good articles on places to go (in March Blake Island; Redonda Islands & Toba Inlet (Desolation Sound); and Everett Marina)The magazine is usually available at chandleries, marinas and most places where boaters stop to swap true lies.