What permits needed

[nyflyguy]

Hey what's up guys so I just purchased my first used drift boat. My question is I'm a NYS resident and will be floating the upper Delaware. I heard from someone that if you float boarder waters or say the Delaware through pa you need some type of permit. I just want to make sure that I'm legal with everything. I believe it's the launch permit? Thanks for any help.

 

[krayfish2]

Launch permit is needed if you use any PFBC operated ramps. They can be purchased online. Hell, I'd just stay between Stilesville and Hale Eddy. No permit needed and that's where all the big fish are.

 

[nyflyguy]

You do have a point! Thanks for the info

 

[MBWCC]

The answer depends upon whether the boat is powered or not.

Powered boats must have a current powered boat registration. PA recognizes powered boat registrations from all other states. The boat must be registered in the state of primary use.

If an unpowered boat is launched from or operated on PFBC owned or controlled property (e.g. a PFBC launch ramp) or water, or state park owned or controlled property or water then the boat must have either a PFBC launch permit or a PA state parks launch permit or a PFBC unpowered boat registration.

 

[allan_s]

Registrations only need to be bought for the state of principle use. (Launch permits not included) The registration covers you in any state you use it in through reciprocal rights.

So if it is registered in PA you can take it to any state. The PA launch permit is only good in PA.

 

[wbranch]

Andy wrote;

Launch permit is needed if you use any PFBC operated ramps.

Is a launch permit the same thing as a PA boat registration? I have a series of numbers and letters on the side of my drift boat, and bass boat, that coincide with the numbers on my PFBC boat registrations. Initially my drift boat had no motor and the annual square stamp affixed adjacent to the registration number said "Unpowered". When I went to an electric motor I had to get re-registered and the stamp now says "Powered".

I was always under the impression that the use permit was for water craft, under a certain length, other than drift boats like kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, that launch from, and take-out at, PA launch ramp facilities.

The launch permit is a decal that indicates the year, or years, it is valid for and it is affixed to the bow and stern areas of the craft whereas the alphanumeric registration number is placed on the front sides of the drift boat or I guess any boat larger than the length specified by PFBC.

I found this on-line;

"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.

Another option for unpowered boats (only) is a Use (Boat Launch) Permit from the Fish & Boat Commission."

 

[allan_s]

wbranch wrote:
Andy wrote;

Launch permit is needed if you use any PFBC operated ramps.

Is a launch permit the same thing as a PA boat registration? ."

Launch Permit isn't the same as a registration - powered or unpowered. Registration covers you in all states and requires a bit more information.

Launch permits are only valid in PA waters and can only be purchased for unpowered boats.

So you could buy the launch permit if you never plan on leaving PA to boat in your kayak, canoe, unpowered boat.

You never need to purchase both though and other state's registrations are valid here. So if your boat is registered anywhere else you still don't need a PA registration or launch permit.

 

[wbranch]

Allan,

Thanks - that is quite clear.

 

[chromefinder]

I can tell you from my experience that PA Launch Permits are NOT required on un-powered craft on PA FB&C launch sites on the PA NY Border waters of the Upper Delaware system. Balls Eddy, Shehawken, Buckingham and the ones downstream. Only because these launch sites are border waters with NY state. This info came directly from a PA FB&C officer patrolling the Shehawken PA access site last summer. I hope this info saves some people some money and time.