Cali. or Arizona

[master13]

Should I register my new boat in California or Arizona? I will use the boat in Arizona 99% of the time. If Arizona is the cheapest what are the steps to make it happen. Our boat will be ready in 6 weeks. Please help.

[mbrown2]

Arizona, but I don't know the steps off the top of my head...my dealer handled that...you will pay less in the long run...Someone here will have the details :)

[locogringo]

make sure the trailer is registered in Calif. if you are going to tow in Calif.
Daniel

[Charley]

Definitely AZ....California has a Boat LUXURY tax..... Typical Cali BS if I didn't know any better i would have blamed that crap on our POS Gov.Gray davis
[ January 23, 2003, 10:15 PM: Message edited by: Charley ]

[andy01]

Charley:
Definitely AZ....California has a Boat LUXURY tax..... Typical Cali BS if I didn't know any better i would have blamed that crap on our POS Gov.Gray davis Yeah what the guy with the blowing avator says.
Andy

[wildbillg]

Try talking to these people and they will help you out with what you need to know and do.
I know it is strange but they do the regestraion of boats for the state not the hiway department.
Arizona Game & Fish Department
2221 W. Greenway Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85023-4399
(602) 942-3000

[Steamin' Rice]

What everybody else said..
Trailer in CA
Boat in Az

[Bad Puddy Tat]

I registered my HTM in Arizona. You have to register it as a non resident. The first time you actually have to let them see it for inspection. If I remember correctly the cost is either $125 or $145 a year. Cheap compared to luxury tax. Liek the others said make sure your trailer is registered in CA.

[master13]

Thanks for the info everyone. What is the advantage to registering the trailer in CA and the boat in AZ???? Why not both in AZ???
Thanks
[ January 24, 2003, 08:09 PM: Message edited by: master13 ]

[Boatcop]

The advantage to having your trailer registered in California (if you're a CA resident) is not geting stopped by the CHP or local PD for being a resident with out-of state plates. And then having to pay hefty fines. (I've heard upwards of $500).
CA law says that if you live in CA you must register all your vehicles in CA (a trailer is a vehicle), unless the vehicle will never be brought into CA. It's a misdemeanor, so it's classified as a CRIMINAL Offense. Although jail is unlikely for a registration violation, it's possible. It also shows they take the subject VERY SERIOUSLY.
Boats can be registered in the "State of Principle Use". If you run the River, either AZ or CA would apply.

[Boatcop]

You shouldn't have to have the boat physically inspected, if you're just changing state of registration. If all your paperwork is in order (certificate of origin/bill of sale on a new boat or signed and notarized title/bill of sale on a used boat) it can all be done through the mail.
The only time an inspection is needed, is if there is a discrepancy in the Hull ID number (HIN), or it's a pre-1973 boat without a standardized HIN.
Call the number that Bill posted and they'll send you everything you need.