Gdbyrd wrote: If that's correct, you just made my summer.
I'm not about to stick it to anyone. Just got done paying a ticket for not having a PFD on a kayak..was testing a new one out with two friends, didn't have a chance to even get my gear from my dad's house so was using their stuff..and they didn't have an extra. I was about 15' max from the dock, am an experienced swimmer, NAUI certified, been like a fish since I was a kid..100$$$$$ for that!
Should I call to verify that I can do this or are you 100% sure? That would mean I could potentially be sailing Tuesday!
It depends a lot on where you sail. But if you've made a good faith attempt to get things clear, that should be a defense to any ticket. Notice that I say defense. A harda$$ or dumba$$ TPWD ranger can still give you a hard time. But they can do that for all kinds or reasons.
Basically, it's the same as being able to use a freshly bought used car before you actually have good plates and clear title with your name on it. A bill of sale and copies of the submitted paperwork will keep you driving, though the cop will probably run your data through a system.
The people in the TPWD offices do tend to be a bit on the persnickety side. In fact, it sounds like you dealt with that old battle axe over in the Garland office. She's a piece of work. I don't know why it's like that. Punishing people for trying to do the right thing is just stupid.
You can call if you want, but what I'll tell you over the phone is what I've typed above. Put the paperwork in a ziploc and don't waste time waiting on a bunch of bureaucrats to do the job we pay them to do.
All that said, I'd avoid Lake Lewisville and any body of water heavily patrolled by the Coast Guard. Avoid being seen drinking beer. Wear your life jacket and avoid swim beaches. Basically, blend in.
These are my opinions and not those of Mariner Sails. And they might even get me in trouble with my boss. But petty pencil pushers piss me off and can kiss my big ole butt.
Brian C
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Sounds like it will be a major pain though if I ever move somewhere where I need a title for the boat (or sell it).
One thing to remember, though- many enforcement actions are really about taking your $! Kind of surprising that my home base of MD doesn't require registration for sail only- guess they are missing out on it!