Boats for Sale in Kansas

Registration

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) registers boats. Motorized boats and sailboats must be registered and display their numbers, and the Certificate of Number has to be on board when you're on the water.

Kansas registrations last three years from the date you register. KDWP sends a renewal notice about six weeks before expiration. Because the clock runs from your own registration date, check the expiration on the seller's certificate before you buy. If it's close, budget for renewing right away.

For a used boat, get a bill of sale signed by the seller with the hull identification number, make, model and year, and the seller's current Certificate of Number. Compare the HIN on the transom with both. If anything doesn't match, call KDWP before you hand over money.

Boater education under K.S.A. 32-1139

Kansas law is clear on who needs a course. Since January 1, 2001, no one born on or after January 1, 1989 may operate a motorboat or sailboat on public waters without a certificate from an approved boater safety course. Owners may not let an uncertified person in that group drive their boat.

There are a few exceptions written into the statute:

• People 21 or older are exempt from the requirement.
• An uncertified operator may drive when accompanied by, and under the direct and audible supervision of, someone over 17 who is certified or exempt.
• Students in an instructor-led class sailing a boat with no motor that's 16 feet 7 inches or shorter are exempt.

If you're stopped without your card but had a valid one at the time, showing it in court or at the arresting officer's office prevents a conviction. Carrying it is simpler.

Where to boat

Milford Lake near Junction City has room for sailboats and cruisers. Tuttle Creek near Manhattan, Perry and Clinton near Lawrence, and Kanopolis and Wilson in central Kansas are popular too. Near Wichita, El Dorado and Cheney are the go-to lakes. Hillsdale and Pomona serve the Kansas City area.

Kansas weather drives safety on the water. Strong winds build fast and push steep waves across shallow reservoirs, and summer thunderstorms can pop up in the afternoon. Check KDWP lake reports and any posted advisories before you go.

Popular boats

Bass and walleye boats, pontoons, ski and wake boats, and a solid sailboat community on the windiest lakes. Aluminum jon boats work the rivers and duck marshes.

Buying tips for Kansas

Check the registration expiration date and the HIN. Ask whether the boat has been in waters with zebra mussels, and inspect the hull, engine cooling intakes and trailer for them. Look at trailer bearings and tires, since many Kansas boats are trailered long distances to bigger lakes. A boat kept on a windy lake may show wear on canvas, cleats and mooring lines.