Inflatable, Non-motorized boat registration in Illinois?

[confuzed1]

Good evening,

Please assist me in answering these questions, if you've had experience with this (state of Illinois):

* Inflatable boat (Seahawk 4)
* 12' long
* Non-motorized (no gas, electric motor, nothing)
* Purchased off of eBay for about a hundred bucks

I've emailed IDNR and they'd responded that this boat needs to be registered and submitted for taxes as well in Illinois, whereas, on their site it specifically says, and I quote: "All watercraft other than non-powered watercraft on the waters within the jurisdiction of this State shall be registered and titled." - (Source: Boating : Registration/Titling of your Watercraft)

Who's correct? I am lost and confused. In regards to 'taxes' on an inflatable boat with paddles, no kind of a motor whatsoever...for a but that costs a $100, there is to be a "tax" on it annually? It's down the rabbit hole, unfortunately, and the more I read the more confused I get.

If anyone is from Illinois and had this situation before, please shed some light.

Thank you in advance.

BTW: I am in the NW 'burbs, in the Chain O' Lakes/Fox River/McHenry area.

 

[CapeAnn]

Re: Inflatable, Non-motorized boat registration in Illinois?

Sounds like you might have to pay the water usage tax of $6.00. Heck - it's a vinyl boat with no motor. Just oars. Kinda like a fat kayak. Whatever you do - don't put a sail on it.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Inflatable, Non-motorized boat registration in Illinois?

I can't imagine it would need to be registered or licensed in any way with no motor ever attached or intended to ever be attached, but I'm not in Illinois.
I'd ask about this one and if I got the same answer, I think I would ignore it.

I mean where do they draw the line.... does this one need to be registered? lol

 

[confuzed1]

Re: Inflatable, Non-motorized boat registration in Illinois?

Believe me, I hear you loudly and clearly. It is, however, nowhere in the guide book where logic comes into play. If the state wishes to "tax", "register" and/or "title" anything that goes onto their waters, they'll find a way and means to make people pay for it. And should one omit to do so and gets caught, well...that's a different story altogether. I've been there.

Anyways, do you know if the "Water Usage Stamp" is already available and has always been or if it is available on and after 1 July 2013? And if it currently isn't, then is it simply an a mandate/rule that can be ignored for the time-being?

 

[LeisureLady]

Re: Inflatable, Non-motorized boat registration in Illinois?

You can ignore it for 'now'. The paddle pass won't be available until June and not enforced until July according to the IDNR. (I live in Illinois and have a Sevylor inflatable and Kayaks). However, you will have to pay taxes on it. (You KNOW Illinois isn't going to let you get away with no sales tax. hahaha, but it's a one time thing, not a yearly thing.)

 

[LeisureLady]

Re: Inflatable, Non-motorized boat registration in Illinois?

Here's a link that will explain the taxes a little better, and give you information on how to obtain the tax forms needed. I've only had to do it once on a boat I bought four years ago second hand. If you buy from a retailer where taxes are paid, you don't owe the state any more taxes.

Boating : Tax Requirement on Watercraft

 

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Re: Inflatable, Non-motorized boat registration in Illinois?

I have a Sea Eagle 124smb and have to have it registered. I have an electric trolling motor on it. I have had the IDNR guys request my papers a number of times.
And when you register it you need to supply receipt of tax paid or pay tax to them or wont get registration.

From IDNR site
Q. Must I register my inflatable boat(s)?

A. Illinois law includes inflatable boats in the definition of "watercraft" and as such, they must be numbered in accordance with the law.
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