Boats for Sale in Utah

Utah boating means desert reservoirs and mountain lakes. Lake Powell, Bear Lake, Jordanelle, Deer Creek, Willard Bay, Sand Hollow and Flaming Gorge are all popular.

Titles through the Utah DMV

Every 1985 or newer watercraft operated in Utah must be titled, with exceptions. Exempt are Coast Guard documented boats, boats owned and operated by nonresidents, canoes, inflatables with an outboard of 25 hp or less. Every 1985 or newer outboard motor over 25 hp must also be titled. A canoe can't be titled, but a 1985 or newer motor over 25 hp on it can.

Use form TC-656V. All owners listed must show government ID. A boat titled in Utah for the first time needs an inspection on form TC-661, unless it's new from a Utah dealer.

Nonresident-owned boats in Utah 60 days or less a year are exempt from registration if they're registered at home, where required.

Mussel Aware course and AIS enrollment

All boaters, residents and nonresidents, motorized and human-powered, must complete the annual Utah Mussel Aware Boater course and keep proof in the launch vehicle. Motorized boats must also be registered with the DMV and enrolled in the Utah AIS program. The fee is $20 a year for residents and $25 for nonresidents, and a current-year AIS decal is mailed to you.

Boater education

Anyone 12 to 17 must complete the youth PWC education course to operate a personal watercraft.

Where to boat

Lake Powell on the Arizona line is famous for houseboats and red rock canyons. Bear Lake on the Idaho border, Jordanelle and Deer Creek near Park City, Willard Bay near Ogden, Sand Hollow near St. George and Flaming Gorge in the northeast are other favorites.

Popular boats

Wake boats and ski boats, pontoons, PWCs and houseboats on Lake Powell.

Buying tips for Utah

Check whether both the boat and the motor need titles, and look at the year and horsepower. Ask for the AIS decal history. Budget for the AIS fee and complete the Mussel Aware course before your first launch. If the boat is coming from out of state, plan for the TC-661 inspection before titling, and make sure every owner on the title can show ID at the DMV. That saves you a second trip.

Utah buyers should remember a separate title may be needed for a 1985 or newer outboard over 25 hp. For boats coming from Lake Powell, check the hull for sand abrasion and the trailer for wear from long desert tows. Get the paperwork for both hull and motor in the seller's name before you hand over money.

Questions for a Utah seller: Is the boat or outboard titled, and is the title in your name? Is the AIS decal current? Has the boat been used outside Utah, and where? Who will be driving, and has anyone aged 12 to 17 taken the youth PWC course? A seller who can show recent decals and clean paperwork saves you time at the DMV. Then sign up for the Mussel Aware course before the first trip.