I am looking at buying a Jon boat right now with a trailer. What all is needed beyond that? What do I need to do to register boat and trailer? Also, do I need a boating license to operate it on public land? Any info or anything else I forgot would be appreciated! Thanks!

No boating license. Take a boater safety course if you haven’t driven a boat before. Boat, motor and trailer will have to be registered separately. Boat and motor should have title, register with TPWD, trailer probably won’t but contact your county tax office for info about the trailer. Have the vin number or license plate handy. It can be a nightmare to try and transfer ownership if you don’t have the boat/motor titles FYI.

I agree with all rexmitchell, Also DO NOT LET A SELLER TELL YOU A BILL OF SELL IS ALL YOU NEED! You need a clean and clear title or find a new boat. There are a lot of boats that will idle and rev up on one of the water muffs as I call them ,but put them on the water and punch the throttle and they flop
This also will let you check for holes and see if there are any cracks
You may even want to pay a few bucks and get someone to check the motor out or take someone that kind of knows boats with you to help make the decision Last is make sure the vehicle will pull it before buying
Probably a little more that you asked for but wanted to say to help you
Good luck on the purchase!

One other thing. Trailers are finicky depending on size, when they were made and if they’ve been registered before. Some trailers won’t have a title but will just need the registration stub (from the previous owner), along with the title transfer paperwork. Some will be titled and need an inspection. This is why I suggest contacting the tax office, since they will be the ones you have to provide the paperwork to.

Won't be very heavy but I would inquire about the wheel bearings, I see several on the side of the road with nothing showing but the spindle. Sure would mess up a fishing trip.

Born after 9-1-1993. You do need to take a boating education for certain vessels over 15 HP and 14 feet and personal water craft, check with the state to be sure.

Make sure papers are up to date and legitimate as stated above.

This was great! Thank you all!

Get something with a yamaha engine if you can

Or a Mercury

You can register a boat if you don’t have the title, but it’s a very frustrating process. My brother gave me a boat and motor that someone gave him, and that person won it in a raffle. I had no idea how tough it was going to be to get registration and a title. But I finally got there.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/boater-education, Click the online button: of the three online courses the bottom one (boat us) is the only one that is free. Take my advice, print the worksheets on each section, there is a lot of information and the pop quizzes are tough.

Before you take your new boat out. Go sit at a busy boat ramp and learn from the idiots. There is nothing worse then waiting on idiots.

A few things that are great to know.
Put your plug in the boat the night before...make a habit of this
When you get to the ramp don't start backing down till your ready. You can't load your boat and Unstrap it on the ramp. That's just plain rude. If there is a big light at the ramp it's best to park under it and get ready there so you can see everything in the boat.
DONT back down the ramp with your high beams on!!!
Once your boats off the trailer move it out of everyone's way.

Make a short checklist of things every time you start your boat..like make sure your plug is in.

I had to do a 1973 trailer not long ago for a 20ft sailboat, all I had was a bill of sale and they put it through and send me registration for it. Did have vin ans plate number though.

Don't forget the required registration numbers on the boat, and the required safety equipment such as fire extinguisher, throw able cushion, PFD's for each person on board.