Boats for Sale in Nebraska

Titles first, then registration

In Nebraska, you deal with the county treasurer in your county of residence. All first-time owners of newly acquired motorized vessels must get a title before the county will issue or renew a registration, and a boat must be titled before it can be sold. Boats made before 1972 are exempt from titling but must still be registered.

Any vessel powered by a mechanical device, whether gas, electric or diesel, must be registered. That includes eFoils. Registering canoes and kayaks is optional.

Registrations last three years and expire December 31 of the third year. New registrations come only from the county treasurer. Renewals can be done at the county treasurer or online through clickdmv.ne.gov. The registration certificate must be available for inspection.

A boat newer than 1972 with no HIN needs a new one from the Nebraska DMV before it can be titled.

Out-of-state boats

Motorized boats registered outside Nebraska must buy and display an Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp before launching from any Nebraska ramp.

Boater education and age limits

Nebraska law sets the minimum age at 14 to operate a motorboat or PWC, and 16 to tow someone. Since January 1, 2012, anyone born after December 31, 1985 must complete a Game and Parks-approved boating course and carry the certificate.

Nebraska residents must take the Nebraska course, which can be a six-hour classroom session, a home study course with a proctored test, or an online course. Nonresidents can use a NASBLA-approved certificate recognized by their home state. The same education rule applies when renting.

Every student must score 75% or better on the exam. The classroom and home study options cost $10, paid to the instructor. If you lose your registration certificate, the county treasurer issues a duplicate for a $5 replacement fee plus a $4 issuing fee.

Where to boat

Lake McConaughy near Ogallala draws boaters from across the region. Lewis and Clark Lake sits on the South Dakota line. Harlan County Reservoir, Branched Oak Lake near Lincoln and the Missouri River are also popular.

Popular boats

Fishing boats for walleye, pontoons, wake boats and runabouts, plus PWCs at the bigger lakes.

Buying tips for Nebraska

Because a boat must be titled before it's sold, ask to see the title in the seller's name. Bring it to your county treasurer to title and register.

Before you buy in Nebraska, confirm the seller holds a title, since a boat must be titled before it can be sold. Check that the HIN on a post-1972 hull is present and readable. A missing HIN means a DMV trip before you can even title. Take your paperwork to the county treasurer where you live, and budget for the AIS stamp if the boat is still registered out of state.

Questions for a Nebraska seller: Is the title in your name, with no lien? Is the registration current, and from which county? Has the boat been launched outside Nebraska, and was it cleaned and drained after each trip?