Small boats are very vulnerable to theft. Boaters who register and title their boats have more security than other boat owners. Such boats are easier to identify, and much more difficult to sell illegally. Boat theft is usually committed by experienced criminals who strike when and where they find an easy opportunity.

• Secure it. Store your boat and motor in a secure location. Use a hitch lock to secure your boat trailer. Lock your outboard motor to your boat with a motor lock or chain and padlock.
• Mark it. Use an engraving tool to mark your boat, motor and the marine equipment with a unique identification (driver’s license number, etc.). Hide your engraved identification in a location where it is not easily found.
• Record it. Keep a record of your boat and motor’s make, model and serial numbers.
• Report it. Immediately report any theft to your local police and to the PA Fish and Boat Commission, Licensing and Registration Section, in Harrisburg, at (717) 705-7940 or 1-866-262-8734. Reporting your loss to the police and the Commission may lead to its recovery in the event someone attempts to sell or register it.

CAPACITY PLATES

A capacity plate is required on all monohull (single hull) boats, less than 20 feet in length, designed to carry two or more persons and propelled by machinery or oars as their main source of power. Boats exempt from having to display a capacity plate include pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, inflatables, hydroplanes, personal watercraft, and boats considered by the Commission to be of unusual or unique design. The capacity plate must be positioned close to the operator where it can be easily read.The capacity plate provides important information about the boat, including maximum weight capacity, maximum horsepower, maximum person capacity by number, and maximum persons capacity by weight. Any person towed behind a boat is included in the total number of persons specified on the capacity plate.No boat shall be loaded beyond its safe carrying capacity. Observe and understand your capacity plate. It is the law and it may save your life.