If you are not a NJ boater, or do not know the rules, don't chime in.
In NJ, if you BUY a boat without a NJ Motor Vehicle Department registration and title, you are out of luck.
Yes, the state publishes a method for getting a registration only for a short boat, but it[s harder than pulling your own teeth.
As for taking the helm of a power boat, you need to have passed the Safe Boating course, offered by AAA in many NJ areas.