The following vessels are exempt: Vessels less than 14 feet in length. Canoe and kayaks. Sailboats less than 21 feet in length.
Many boats also need to be titled in the State of Ohio. All boats less than 14 feet long with a fixed motor of 10 horsepower or more, as well as all boats 14 feet or longer, must be titled and registered.
Boats and Motors That Need a Title a watercraft 14 feet or greater in length; a watercraft less than 14 feet in length with a permanently affixed mechanical means of propulsion of 10 horsepower or greater
All boaters born after December 31, 1981 must have an Ohio Boater Education Certificate to operate any motorized watercraft over 10 HP. BOATERexam® is a delegated provider for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft.
Certain boats or outboard engines require a certificate of title in Ohio. These include: Any boat 14 feet or greater in length. An outboard motor of 10 horsepower or greater.
If you were born before Jan, 1 1982, the State of Ohio does not require you to have a Boater's License. If you born on or after Jan. 1 1982, and do not have a valid boating license, we can administer a brief (5-10 minutes) safety exam prior to your rental to ensure that you are safe while on the water.
Rule 15-3-35 | Intoxicating beverages on waters administered by the division of parks and watercraft. It is unlawful to overtly and publicly consume or display the presence of any beer or intoxicating liquor on any watercraft on any waters administered by the division of parks and watercraft.
Registrations are required for every recreational boat in Ohio, including powerboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and inflatable boats. NOTE: Kiteboards, paddleboards, and belly boats (or float tubes) do NOT have to be registered as boats in Ohio.
Ohio's boater education law went into effect in 2000. Ohio law requires boaters born on or after January 1, 1982, to successfully complete either a boating course or a proficiency exam in order to operate a boat powered by more than 10 horsepower.
Rental businesses cannot lease or rent a boat powered by more than 10 horsepower to anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, unless the person: Signs a statement that they have successfully completed an approved boating course or a proficiency exam, OR.