On your boat in South Carolina you need registration, certificate of number registration card and validation decals, personal flotation devices, title,
Fire extinguisher is required for most types of boats, navigation lights, flares, bells and whistles.
Boats in SC under 40 feet must have a working sound producing device like a horn or whistle and boats over 40 feet must carry a bell and whistle and flares are required for all vessels in coastal waters.
In SC children under 12 years of age must wear a personal flotation device or life jacket on boats under 16 feet long and if your boat is 16 feet or longer you must also carry a throwable personal flotation device.
Boats do need titles and registration in SC although they don't require boat insurance.
In the state of South Carolina, the law requires all motorized boats and watercraft, except exempted vessels, sailboats, and all outboard motors five horsepower and greater to be titled.
You do not need boat insurance in SC as only the states of Utah and Arkansas require boat insurance.
Boat insurance is a good idea even if your state does not require it.
Without a good boat insurance policy, it can be expensive to deal with the damages to the boat in the event of an unexpected repair or accident.
Liability boat insurance covers the costs if you injure someone or damage their property with your boat which includes medical bills, clean up costs and lost income.
Hull insurance is also known as comprehensive and collision coverage which protects your boat from physical damage.
Actual cash value boat insurance pays up to the boats current market value if it's a total loss although it factors in depreciation.
Marine insurance covers a variety of watercraft which includes boats, sailboats, yachts and personal watercraft.
Boat and PWC rental insurance covers damage to the vessel, operator and passengers.
Boat clubs cover all club members while they operate the boat.
Boat insurance is a good idea even if your state does not require it.
Without a good boat insurance policy, it can be expensive to deal with the damages to the boat in the event of an unexpected repair or accident.
The right boat insurance also protects you if someone gets injured while riding in or operating your boat.
The 2 states that require insurance for most motor boats are Utah and Arkansas.
For example in the state of Arkansas, all boat-owners must carry liability insurance on vessels that have engines of over 50 horsepower, and you are also required to register all boats with engines or sails that will use public waterways.
If you're hauling your boat on a trailer, you'll also need to register and present a title for the boat trailer.
If docking your boat at a Marina many marinas also require you to have proof of boat insurance.
Or if you're financing your boat then the lender will require you to have boat insurance.
And if your boat is over 27 foot long then you may require yacht insurance and older boats may also benefit from an agreed value policy that provides a predetermined payout.
In addition to liability boat insurance you can also get other coverage options for your boat which include.
Emergency service insurance that covers towing, fuel, labor, dead battery and more.
You can also get GAP insurance that covers the difference between your boats appraised value and your outstanding balance.
Depending on the size of your boats engine you may also be able to get liability boat insurance coverage under your home insurance policy.
Without a good boat insurance policy, it can be expensive to deal with the damages to the boat in the event of an unexpected repair or accident.
The right boat insurance also protects you if someone gets injured while riding in or operating your boat.