Boats for Sale in Montana

Permanent registration

Montana does something most states don't: boat registration is a one-time, permanent registration. You register at the County Treasurer in the county where you live, pay a one-time fee in lieu of tax, and get a white permanent decal that goes on the port side three inches behind the boat number. Numbers read MT, then digits and letters, with a space or hyphen (MT 234 ABC). The certificate of number has to be aboard whenever the boat is running.

FWP's 2026 boating laws book lists the one-time fees by length, rising to $295.50 for motorboats, PWCs and motorized pontoons 19 feet or longer. Failing to pay the fee in lieu of tax is a misdemeanor with a fine of four times the fee. Out-of-state boats can stay up to 90 consecutive days; after that, they register in the county of principal use.

Titles and transfers

Montana titles motorboats and sailboats 12 feet or longer. The title fee is $10. When you buy a titled boat, the seller signs the back of the certificate of ownership in front of a county treasurer, deputy or notary. You then have 40 days to apply for a new title and registration. If you run the boat during those 40 days, carry a temporary registration permit from the county treasurer.

Owners must tell the county treasurer about an address change, or when the boat is sold, destroyed, abandoned or stolen.

Youth operators and education

Adults aren't required to take a course in Montana. Youth rules are firm:

• Children 12 or younger may not operate a motorboat or PWC over 10 hp unless someone 18 or older is with them.
• Ages 13 and 14 need a Montana motorboat operator's certificate, proof of a NASBLA-approved course, or an adult 18 or older aboard.

FWP's homestudy course is free, and those 13 or older who complete it get the Montana certificate. Online and Coast Guard Auxiliary classroom courses are also available.

Aquatic invasive species

All watercraft must stop at open AIS inspection stations. Boats entering Montana must be inspected before launching, and nonresidents need an AIS Prevention Pass. Expect a check if you tow a boat in from another state.

Where to boat and local rules

Flathead Lake is the big draw in the northwest. Near Helena, Canyon Ferry, Hauser and Holter reservoirs line the Missouri River. In the east, Fort Peck Reservoir is remote, open water. In the western fishing district, lakes of 35 acres or less are no-wake everywhere, and on larger lakes it's no-wake within 200 feet of shore,. Some lakes have their own special rules, so check the FWP regulations before launching.

Water stays cold through early summer, winds rise quickly on big lakes, and rivers carry snags and changing flows.

Popular boats

Aluminum fishing boats, jet boats for rivers, pontoons and wake boats on Flathead and Canyon Ferry, and drift boats for trout rivers.

Buying tips for Montana

Because registration is permanent, confirm the seller's name matches the title and certificate of number. Get the title signed before a notary or treasurer, and mark your 40-day deadline. Ask for AIS inspection history on boats bought out of state.