Watercraft inspection checkpoints

[Mtelkman]

Anyone hauling Kayaks from state to state on their RV trips?

We have been thinking of buying a pair of Kayaks to haul with us but are wondering about all the watercraft inspection stations we see along the way. We would like to know how much trouble it is regarding inspections/permits/licenses. Mostly we stay in MT, ID, WA, OR areas but will likely go further in the future. I assume I would have to stop at every watercraft inspection station (which could be at least several each travel day). Do you get a pass that you can show subsequent stations the you have been checked? Do they spray off the kayaks with some type of chemical at every check station? Does one states inspection station recognize another states inspection?

It sounds like it might become a significant waste of time depending on how the inspection stations are run. Is a different boating type license/permit $ required in each state?

Thoughts? Experiences?

[Witch Doctor]

I never had a problem with a kayak, I don't think they fall under a trailer boat, which there inspecting

[Iwannacamp]

I am interested in this topic..
I cannot see how a state would not allow you craft on their water based on registration. Safety equipment? Yes, but I would assume if your craft meets the criteria of the water way then all is good. I have seen lakes with restrictions on motor or craft sizes.

Now someone who actually knows might chime in.

[Witch Doctor]

If your on a lake that is patrolled by local fish and game or aux CG they can stop you to make sure you have a life vest and not drunk, or if your fishing to check your license that's about it with a kayak, 8 years or so never been questioned.

[Witch Doctor]

I did get question and had to have registration when I owned a SNARK sail boat in California at San Pablo resorvior . That was like 20 years ago, they wouldn't let me launch at the boat ramp without it. But that was California, and we all know about that tax hunger state. That's why I live in Virginia now, can't afford there taxs. After 25 years there, could retire there, crazy hun![emoji848]

[Witch Doctor]

I'm not a idiot I swear, this damn phone[emoji851][emoji196]

[Mtelkman]

How about stopping at each and every watercraft inspection station where they are looking for aquatic invasive species? Does it get overwhelming? How is that working out for people?

According to all the fish and wildlife agencies in the west, kayaks are included.

[JLeising]

I carry an inflatable kayak. Never stopped. I have asked at the park office before inflating/launching it - don't want to be a source of an ecological problem - so far, have been told "no problem". Have assumed I could get an invasive species inspection at the park if needed - but not sure.

[Witch Doctor]

They only inspect boats with bilge pumps and fish holding tanks like on bass boats, they might included it in the law, but think, the only place a invasive spec. could live is in those areas not on a kay

[Witch Doctor]

Kayak, I wouldn't even stop and never had, I have never even seen a station. Your over thinking this IMO

[Hudgen]

In Oregon if you pass the watercraft station, its a big fine when they catch you. We went thru 3 states in one day and the inspection paper is good for that day only. Watercraft means if it floats on the water it must be inspected at every station.

Yes, I know because I got caught 45 minutes after I passed a station at the OR CA border.

[Witch Doctor]

Can only happen on the west coast, they even have fruit inspection stations. The OP lives in Montana. Also never have seen one on the right side of the USA, at least not yet or any state I have been through. We took a trip out to Calif and OR. 5 years ago, I guess we got lucky, only had to stop at the fruit check points. Nobody ever Said a word about the kayak strapped to the back latter, like I said I guess we got lucky. I know we don't have that law here in Virginia.

[Tombsy]

In Alberta we have zebra mussel sniffer dogs.

[Chaplain Kent]

I wish we had had inspection stations in the Midwest before all of our lakes became infested with zebra mussels. Sadly, too many people thought they knew better and did not clean out their boats prior to moving from one lake to another. This even includes that little bit of water left over in the bottom of your kayak which would not spill out. Now we all suffer the consequences of invasive species and one consequence is increased state expenditures which means more taxes.

[OREddie]

Gotta echo Hudgen. We have SUP's that required a annual permit and would require inspection if we reentered Oregon from another state.

If one saw the damage invasive species are causing one would understand why.

[tugboat369]

Crayfish covered in zebea mussels

[D W]

All States are different in terms of watercraft inspection. A lot depends on a native species and how it may be effected by an invasive species. Many NP's will allow non-powered watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc., after an inspection. Often times, in the case of powered watercraft, an inspection and quarantine of up to 30 days may be required before you can launch.

[LAE]

Whenever we pass through Yermo on the way to San Diego from Las Vegas and we have Kayaks, the inspectors stop us and do a walk around. 30 second delay. Not enough to stop us from travelling with the Kayaks.