Dear Board,
Read this and see if it doesn't become clear that if you have any motor you must register your boat.
Launch permits are for non-powered boats ONLY.
Taken from the FAQ page on the Fish and Boat Commission website.
1. Do I need to register or title my boat?
REGISTRATION
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.
Boat -- the Commission defines a boat as: Every description of watercraft constructed or sold for the primary purpose of being used as a means of transportation on the water. The term does not include:
1.Surfboards and other similar nonpowered contrivances used primarily as swimming aids.
2.Commercial craft subject to Federal manning and inspection requirements.
....go to our Registration/Titling page to find out how to register or title a boat.
UNPOWERED BOATS
Unpowered boats are boats without motors such as certain kayaks, canoes, rowboats, sailboats, rafts or inflatable boats. Unpowered boats are not required to be registered – unless used at a Fish & Boat Commission access area or lake, or at Pennsylvania state parks and state forests; or required by the owner (one example is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers).
....view list of Commission access areas
....view DCNR's listing of PA state parks
....go to our Registration page to find out how to register or title a boat.
Another option for unpowered boats (only) is a Use (Boat Launch) Permit from the Fish & Boat Commission, or a Launch or Mooring Permit from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of State Parks....view issuing agents for Use Permits.
Permits can also be purchased online using a credit card at The Outdoor Shop....go to The Outdoor Shop (choose Products, then Boat Permits)
Regards,
Tim Murphy 🙂