Kayak sail regulations in Oregon

The question has come up from time to time about the need to register a kayak, that has a sail, in Oregon. The answer is yes, if the kayak is 12ft or over. Unfortunately, my Outback, is listed by the manufacturer as being 12ft 1inch in length. I measured it and came up with a length of just under 12 ft, but it doesn't matter because it's what the manufacturer says that counts.

a kayak is neither a powerboat or a sailboat as stated in the reply. if you have kayak on ur title toss the registration in the ga badge. canoes/kayaks and rowboats do not need to be registered at this time in oregon. i sail mine too. why ask questions?

However, adding a motor to a kayak does make it a motorized craft - that make sense. 

My question, since looking at this a couple years ago, does adding a sail to a kayak make it a sailboat?  To me it shouldn't, though the response that goldendog got sure seems to imply that it does.  I've not been able to find that in the regulations.  One reference that I found, from the OSMB, glossary of definitions:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/library/docs/ExperienceORBoatingWeb.pdf

SAILBOAT Any boat which is under sail alone,
including any sailboat equipped with
a motor

If that definition is allowed, then our sail equipped kayaks are not sailboats (as long as we are pedaling/paddling too?), and the licencing requirements noted for sailboats should not apply.  Right?

-Sam

i would think you have a valid point, according to the definition.  I would keep a copy of the regs with you and present them to marine patrol if you get pulled over, and then explain your rationale.  But I suspect the state would differ in the interpretation, albeit their limited understanding about sailing a kayak/canoe.  I  doubt they understand the convertible nature of sails with kayaks or the idea of the primary means of propulsion.   I would suspect if you have an enforcement officer observing a kayak underway using a sail without registration, and they have nothing better to do you might get stopped or if you sail up to a boat ramp where inspections are being performed, you might be greeted.  However, what are the odds?  Just my opinion.  It may be a moot point as registration seems to be on the horizon unless we can block it in Salem.

Should the state find the ability to tax you, reason will have no play in the matter.

just my two cents

John

I asked Janess Eilers if I needed to register my Outback if I use a sail. She
said yes. I am not going to risk the $260 fine.

I asked Janess Eilers if I needed to register my Outback if I use a sail. She
said yes. I am not going to risk the $260 fine.

Dave, since you took the initiative to stir the bees nest, please go back to Janess and get in writing of where these registration fees actually go?   
If the registration fees only support logistics regarding motor boats and "sailboats", but have no direct support for kayaks, canoes, etc..., then it's a wash and needs to be revised with a big push from the people. 

As A person who owns a couple sail boats I might just add that when the Measurement on a Sailboat, the Length registration is From the water line not the manufactured lines, Bow to stern, If that make's any difference and would be measured By the person filling out the forms Not your Sales receipt, And would Also have to be Checked By Sheriff/Marina patrols Before final Say so. A couple inches could save allot of cash.

Slight correction Sail boats measure from center point top of bow to waterline  and back, and a small strap on popup sail might be considered a Sail/kite assist Not a built on(Sailboat ) Most of the patrols I've ever dealt with are more worried about your Fish and safety equipment,Still Of course the Marine Board Wants every Dime they can get.To pay for the fancy boat they cruised 25+miles down the river to inspect my 29ft sailboat just cause it was a nice day for a boat ride..when the could have drove to the marina and walked out on the dock in much less time and wasted fuel. so you can guess where the money goes. We are already charged for the weed permit, why not a sail permit too. just saying.   

In all honesty, if they just want a cheasy way to get more money, I am not in support of it.

If they really feel there is a need to register a kayak with a sail be it for safety or other legit reason, I could support  a flat rate 2 year done deal slap a sticker on and call it good registration. Registering a kayak isn't as cut and dry as registering a sailboat that should already have a bill of sale, manufacture of origin, history, etc. 

To expect to have to pay the same per foot nonsense as a real sailboat is just not making sense to me.  It would be like trying to justify the same registration fees for bicycles as is required for cars.  Heck even motorcycles cost half as much as cars to register, and they occupy the same roadways and traffic as cars.   

I really think this wouldn't be an issue if we just shut up about it. If I launch and land under my own power and put up a sail for an hour or two while I'm the lake I sincerely doubt that it's ever going to be an issue. Just my opinion. If you force the issue then, as mentioned above, logic will probably take a back seat to collecting taxes.

I've been stopped multiple times while sailing my tandem island on the Columbia, once A passenger on my boat even received a ticket for fishing on a closed a day. Never did any of the various officials ask for any registration and my tandem Island is not registered anywhere.

I really think this wouldn't be an issue if we just shut up about it. If I launch and land under my own power and put up a sail for an hour or two while I'm the lake I sincerely doubt that it's ever going to be an issue. Just my opinion. If you force the issue then, as mentioned above, logic will probably take a back seat to collecting taxes.

Bingo!!

Same thought applied to metal detecting a public park or school.  If it isn't posted at the park or searchable online, don't call or write and ask.  Real good chance of  receiving a "NO" as it is too easy to leave it at that and be safe from their boss if they get it wrong. 

I believe in clear posting oif the regs.  If it is left vague, and can be assumed either way, I assume in my favor.  I think it's Florida or California that clearly specifies whether a kayak with a sail is to be registered. And it is under $20 IIRC.  Not to hard for Oregon to do if they would move away from vague regs that earns them easy money due to how LOE's interperate the regs in the field.

I always registered my AI in California because the laws were a little less ambiguous although I would say, only 50% of AI owners registered. When I moved to Washington it was less clear that I needed to register it based on the sail alone, however since I run a gas engine on the Columbia, it was a no brainer. I hate paying unnecessary taxes, but the assessed value on a 5 year old plastic kayak was so low that I pay around $10 a year or less. For guys running a sail only intermittently, the lady at the motor vehicles it is not necessary to register. But that was Clark County. LOL Up in King County, they would probably fine you then throw you in jail.