Boating guides
Rules, seasons and where to go, checked against official sources.
How to Register a Boat in California (DMV Guide)
In California, any boat with a motor and any sailboat over 8 feet must be registered with the DMV, unless it is USCG-documented. Registration renews every odd-numbered year on December 31, and freshwater boaters also need a separate Mussel Fee sticker ($16 as of October 2026, per DMV).
Updated Oct 2026
How to Use a Boat Launch Ramp in California
Do your prep in the staging area, launch quickly, park in a trailer space and retrieve the same way, then Clean, Drain and Dry before you leave. Many California ramps add their own launch permits, mussel inspections, hours and parking limits, so check the ramp's page first.
Updated Oct 2026
