Boats for Sale in West Virginia

Titles and registration at the DMV

In West Virginia, boat paperwork goes through the Division of Motor Vehicles, not the wildlife agency. All motorboats have had to be titled since July 1, 1989. Before that, they were only registered.

Registrations run on a three-year cycle. Each cycle year ends March 31, and the fee is staggered so you only pay for the years left in the cycle. Registrations can't be transferred to a new owner. Motorboats with motors of at least 3 hp or 70 pounds of thrust pay a registration fee based on length. Boats below that threshold pay no registration fee.

Buying a used boat

For a boat already titled in West Virginia, the DMV wants:

• the WV title, properly assigned to you
• a notarized bill of sale if the price is less than 50% of book value
• the fees, including 6% sales tax on the MB-6 title application

If the boat was only ever registered in West Virginia, you'll need form MB-6, form DMV-1-B (a hull identification check done by any law enforcement officer), the seller's registration and a notarized bill of sale. A boat from another titling state needs its out-of-state title sent with the application. Titles with liens are mailed straight to the lienholder.

Older boats can be tricky. A 1984 or newer boat with a hull number shorter than 12 digits needs extra paperwork, including the DMV-1-B inspection.

Boater education

West Virginia Code 20-7-12b says no one born on or after December 31, 1986 may operate a motorboat or PWC without a boating safety education certificate, and the certificate must be carried and shown on request. Courses from the WVDNR, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Power Squadron and NASBLA-approved providers count, and the DNR lists approved online options.

There are exemptions. Nonresidents visiting 60 days or less who are 15 or older and hold a home-state certificate are exempt, as are visitors from other countries for 90 days or less and commercial operators. Someone who bought the boat within the past 45 days is also exempt, provided they haven't been charged with a boating violation.

Where to boat

Stonewall Jackson, Burnsville and Sutton are reservoirs in the middle of the state. Cheat Lake near Morgantown is busy in summer. The Ohio and Kanawha rivers carry barge traffic, so give tows plenty of room.

Popular boats

Bass boats, pontoons, fishing boats and runabouts make up much of the market. Larger cruisers tend to live on the Ohio River.

Buying tips for West Virginia

Ask the seller to bring the title and a notarized bill of sale, especially if the price is low. Check where the boat is in the three-year registration cycle so you know what you'll owe.

For a West Virginia used boat, bring a notarized bill of sale if you're paying less than 50% of book value, and budget for the 6% sales tax on the MB-6. If the boat was only registered here, you'll need a law enforcement HIN check on form DMV-1-B. Boats from Summersville or the Ohio River should be checked for prop and hull damage.