Stability as key speed factor

From Michigan DNR website: DNR - Boat Registration http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10365_10884_11578-34770--,00.html

Watercraft exempt from registration are:

• Those 16 feet or shorter, propelled by oars or paddles, and not used for rental or commercial purposes;
• Nonmotorized canoes and kayaks not used for rental or commercial purposes, rafts, surfboards, sailboards, and swim floats, regardless of length; and
• Watercraft registered in another state and used only temporarily in Michigan.

Requirements do vary by state. My experience is the most accurate information is available on state government websites and state government publications. Even folks in state offices have been known to provide misleading or incorrect information.

 

In Florida, a regular kayak without motor has no State registration, I can't say if it's required with motor. Outboard motors are not registered or titled in Florida whereas in other states they can be. Also trailers, in Florida we don't have titles for them just registrations, gets confusing. I don't know what important advantage a dealer would have if it's designated a kayak.

 

Requirements from boat dealers differ by state, but there are no special requirements from kayak dealers.

Kayaks with motors, even small electric motors, must be registered with the state. They are registered as motorized kayaks and not as boats.
Different states have different agencies responsible for this registration.
You need a Certificate Of Origin (COO) and a Bill Of Sale (BOS) to register a motorized kayak.

Years ago, when people just started motorizing their kayaks, government personnel were not always familiar with regulations pertaining to kayaks, but these days, as motorizing kayaks is increasingly popular, they usually are.