Trailer Plates and buying boat hours away?

hostage

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May 4, 2010
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1,291
I am in NY and the only boats that I am interested are hours away. One is in Canada and the other is in PA. Still figuring out which one I want to look at. Which ever one I want to buy is contingent on sea trial and letting a mechanic to take a look at it. If all is well I will buy it, though won't have plates to transport it. I don't think I can just use/borrow the plates from my current trailer. I just don't want to drive hours, then have to go back to NY to register it. What do people do in these situations? If it was in my area then going to the DMV isn't a problem.
 

tpenfield

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Jul 18, 2011
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I just used the plate from my other trailer . . . but don't tell anybody. 🤪

If it became an issue, my story would be that I am transferring the registration to the 'new' trailer. (which the DMV gives you a few days to complete)

Make sure you have your insurance coverage in place and be careful.
 

Searay205

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May 27, 2018
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I wouldn’t give a rat ass and would drive without a plate fora trip. Just have paperwork on sale. On flip side temporary tags are very cheap.
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
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70,954
Ayuh,.... In NYS, all you need is an unladen weight ticket from a certified scale to create a Homemade trailer,.....

But as Ted said, I'd run it home on yer current wagon plate,....
 

matt167

Rear Admiral
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Sep 27, 2012
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As far as I'm aware in NY you are allowed to bring a trailer home with no plate. Just have sale information with you.

I bought a boat trailer new from a dealer and a utility trailer from Home depot. Both times drug it home with no plate. I have drug home trailers with old plates too though that isn't legal.
 

FLATHEAD

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Dec 29, 2002
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3,163
If you end up traveling to Pa just call a reputable notary in the town or area your buying, they will tell you what you need before you show up, then you could use that notary if need be.Pa has some crazy motor vehicle laws. Might be as simple as the owner signing the title and you register once your back in NY. Might want to check with your insurance carrier as well.
 

76SeaRay

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Aug 24, 2017
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Call the DMV where you live and where will the trailer be ultimately registered (I assume NY). Many states have the ability to get a 3 day travel permit for $10 or so and that solves your problem in state. However, I would not attempt to cross the border either without plates or with plates from a different trailer. Plates are automatically scanned at most US/Canada border crossings these days. Check with customs on import requirements as you may be required to pay an import customs fee and that is separate from DMV fees. Better safe than getting your trailer confiscated. Also, don't forget the boat registration or licensing if crossing the US/Canada border. State to state that isn't a problem as long as you aren't launching it in a state without having it licensed in any state.

Some states require boat inspections to prevent invasive species transport across state lines and those are often at port of entry truck scales. I got my boat in Colorado (titled and licensed there) and transporting it to Washington state, I had to have it inspected in Utah, Idaho, Oregon and Washington for invasive species. Invasive species inspections sites don't look at license but you might have to pass through a truck scale as part of the site.
 

JASinIL2006

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Feb 10, 2012
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5,673
I think my concern would be US Customs if you get the Ontario boat. We trailer our boat across the border every year and they very frequently check our trailer plates and registration.
 

H20Rat

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Mar 8, 2009
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5,203
If your state ties registration to a trailer plate, i would NOT swap it! The penalty for swapping plates is pretty severe, much worse than running without. I'd just run without a plate and keep your paperwork.
 
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