Considering buying a second hand boat, app 1 year old, fiber glass body, 15ft, 70hp outboard with receipt, does this need to be registered, what are the implications if it is not?. What would be the cost's involved?.

Thank you in anticipation for any input.

Regards Tom

Technically any seagoing vessel has to be registered. They seem to allow the use of small sailing dinghies, kayaks and inflatables to be used without registration but anything that can carry more than 1-2 persons and have an engine must be registered. Even jet skis have to be registered.

I’m not sure what the risk of getting caught is and what the penalty would be if you drive around without registration. In addition to registration you also need to have a license to drive the boat.

To get full up to date information you should go to the marine police office. The office is at Bali Hai, go true where all the speed boats are parked, half way to the light house, opposite the new marina, there is a rescue boat on a trailer there, office is upstairs.

Bring some photos of the boat and preferable someone that can speak Thai. Ask them about boat registration and driver license for a boat; this is also issued by them.

My guess is that to get the registration they will need; passport copy, proof of address from immigration, proof of ownership (receipt), serial/model number and make of boat and engine and they may also need to send someone to inspect the boat. I have no idea what the cost would be.

When you get the registration book you will need to renew this every year. That means you bring the book to the marine office, sign a form, pay a few hundred Baht and pick up the book a week later.

Hope this will give you an idea of what is involved but, as mentioned, just check with the marine office as they have all the answers.

Alternatively you could go down to Ocean Marina and check with the marina office or any of the yacht brokers down there. They can probably take care of everything but it will probably be much more expensive.

Hi, thank you for the information, it was very informative.

Tom