What do I need to do?

I am likely going to buy a jon boat with a trailer soon and then also buy a motor. What all needs to be done after? Do I need a boating license? How much does it cost to register boat and trailer? How much does it cost to insure? etc... Just looking for some info from someone who has done it before.

No boating license needed but if first time operating a boat it wouldn’t hurt to go through a class. Once all together you will need to register boat and trailer.

Also, price will determine who you go with for insurance, length, year, etc.

Make sure boat motor and trailer has a title. Proof of sale or any other written made up deal from previous owner is worthless.

I think you accidentally typed "THF", when you meant "TFF". Not to be a thread Nazi, like some of my friends on here, but if you're not gonna hunt out of it, you're in the wrong forum. Full disclosure: If I suddenly had the bizarre desire to buy a boat, I'd be just as lost as you appear to be. All the best!

duck hunting, sir. Thanks for trying though.

You will need to title the boatand motor. You will also need registration numbers for the boat.
It cost me a total of $116.00 to title and register a 12ft Jon boat and a 6hp outboard motor.
I don’t believe there is an insurance requirement on non commercial watercraft.

Talk to your car insurance company. Trailers are usually covered for liability if you have insurance on the vehicle your towing with but not collision and comprehensive unless you request coverage.

You have to go through the boaters ed class if born after Sept. 1, 1993. You can take it online.

You also need lifejackets,etc. Check boating regs.

Post on the Migratory Bird Forum....All the guys over there are super helpful people especially when it involves duck hunting tips

For duck hunting you will most likely be driving in the dark which requires running lights on the front and back. Law also requires some sort of signaling device (horn or whistle).

Make sure the motor and the boat have separate titles. If you get stopped by a Game Warden they will ask for proof of ownership and you have to show them the card with your name on it. Its near impossible to get it registered under your name without a signed title.


I don't believe you have to have insurance by law. For a cheap jon boat its probably not needed. Registration cost something like $100 first time and $75 every year after. Keep in mind you will have to pay taxes on the sale price when you register it the first time.

You only need to register the trailer, you don't need a title for it unless you have a very large trailer. You do that at DMV/Tax office.

Boat and Motor will each need a title (I wouldn't buy it if it doesn't have one). You do that paperwork at your local Tx Parks Wildlife office.