Catch-22 in Oregon. My insurance broker called and told me that I could not insure my trailer without insuring a boat. In order to insure a boat, it has to have a hull identification number, and in Oregon, the hull has to be inspected by an agent from the state Marine Board to confirm it is legitimate. To get it inspected, I had to tow my uninsured trailer and uninsured boat to the county Sheriff’s Marine Patrol office on the Columbia River. Fortunately, it is a short three mile road trip to the river and I did it early on a Monday with little traffic. The Sheriff’s Deputy liked what he saw as they use a similar design in welded aluminum (and a bazillion more horse power and fire power).

 

This was the first time I have ever seen my boat from more than 20 feet away, as my vantage point has been limited to standing at the end of my drive way looking at the bow. Sure does look nice.

 

The inspection was a quick 5 minute process and the Marine Board sent me my H.I.N, title and registration in just a few days. So now I have a real boat, and not just a pile of lumber and glue on a trailer.

 

Above: Note that I have added two additional rubber stops on the trailer where the turn of the bow meets the trailer frame. The spot behind the bow painter line, just above the chine, is the drain hole for the anchor locker. It will eventually be covered with a clamshell vent after the hull is painted.

 

Below: A 24’ Jumbo behind my full size Ford truck . . . one big boat!