Boats for Sale in South Dakota

Titles and registration

Boats over 12 feet and motorboats of any length, including those with electric trolling motors, must be registered to use public waters. You do it at the county treasurer's office in your county of residence, not where the boat is kept. Registration is for one year. You can renew online or at a DMV Now kiosk.

Titles are required for boats over 12 feet and all motorized boats, except canoes, inflatables, kayaks, sailboards and seaplanes. New owners have 45 days from purchase to title and register. A boat bought from a dealer or private party needs current registration before it goes on the water, and the treasurer can sell a temporary permit.

Current Department of Revenue fees:

• Non-motorized boats over 12 feet and electric-only boats: $18
• Motorboats under 19 feet, including PWCs: $30
• Motorboats 19 feet and over: $55
• Title: $10 (plus $10 per lien noted)

Small administrative, technology and mailing fees apply. Bring ownership documents such as the MSO, bill of sale or dealer invoice.

Out-of-state boats may stay 60 days before needing South Dakota registration. Nonresident boats under a marina berth contract of more than 60 consecutive days must be licensed here.

Who can drive

South Dakota doesn't require adults to take a course. The state's boating handbook sets youth limits:

• Under 12: no motorboat over 6 hp unless someone 18 or older is aboard.
• Under 14: no PWC unless someone 18 or older is aboard.

Game, Fish and Parks recommends a boating course anyway and issues a certificate to those who finish an approved one.

Where to boat

Lake Oahe stretches north from Pierre into North Dakota and is known for walleye. Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case and Lewis and Clark Lake near Yankton follow the Missouri downstream. In the northeast, glacial lakes around Watertown, Webster and Sisseton are fishing favorites, and Sylvan and Pactola are in the Black Hills. Big water on the reservoirs can turn rough quickly when the wind comes up.

Popular boats

Walleye boats in aluminum and fiberglass, pontoons and ski boats, and smaller fishing boats on the glacial lakes.

Buying tips for South Dakota

For boats six years old or less, the handbook requires a damage disclosure on the title application if damage exceeded $5,000. Ask the seller about it. Confirm the title is clear, register in your home county, and plan around the 45-day deadline. Get a temporary permit if you want to fish the boat right away. Bring the MSO, bill of sale or dealer invoice to the treasurer, and keep the registration card in the boat with decals on both sides, as the Department of Revenue requires.

South Dakota gives you 45 days to title and register, but budget for the $10 title fee plus registration by length. Collect the title or MSO and bill of sale at the sale. Missouri River reservoir boats like those on Lake Oahe can see wind and wave stress, so check the transom and hull for cracks.