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I bought a 4-person inflatable boat (around $600). I would like to equip that with a 4HP 4-Stroke outboard motor. I'm not sure if I need a licence for that in Ontario, Canada. In addition, I believe this is more of a toy than a boat, so is this the same "Inflatable boat" that is addressed on some internet pages?
This Government of Canada website says:
Licensing a pleasure craft
A vessel used for pleasure, recreation, or daily living is a pleasure craft.
Determining whether a Pleasure Craft Licence is required
Every pleasure craft must have a Pleasure Craft Licence, with the following exceptions:
- a pleasure craft using a motor with less than 10 horsepower (7.5 kW)
- a pleasure craft that has a vessel registration
- a pleasure craft that was purchased less than 90 days previously (this is a grace period, during which the new owner must carry documentation with their name and address and the purchase date)
So the answer looks like "No, you do not need a licence".
There are 2 separate answers to the question:
1. Regarding licensing the boat: No you do not need to license the boat as it less than 10hp (7.5kw)
1. Regarding having a boating license to operate the boat: Yes are required to have an Ontario boating license to operate the boat. You can get your boating license online. It takes around 4 hours, costs $40 and never expires.
