• More from M-W
  • To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

Definition of motorboat

  • stinkpot [ slang ]

Examples of motorboat in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'motorboat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1890, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near motorboat

Cite this entry.

“Motorboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motorboat. Accessed 18 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of motorboat, more from merriam-webster on motorboat.

Nglish: Translation of motorboat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of motorboat for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motorboat

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries.  Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Plural and possessive names: a guide, more commonly misspelled words, your vs. you're: how to use them correctly, every letter is silent, sometimes: a-z list of examples, more commonly mispronounced words, popular in wordplay, 8 words for lesser-known musical instruments, birds say the darndest things, 10 words from taylor swift songs (merriam's version), 10 scrabble words without any vowels, 12 more bird names that sound like insults (and sometimes are), games & quizzes.

Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

  • Dictionaries home
  • American English
  • Collocations
  • German-English
  • Grammar home
  • Practical English Usage
  • Learn & Practise Grammar (Beta)
  • Word Lists home
  • My Word Lists
  • Recent additions
  • Resources home
  • Text Checker

Definition of motorboat noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Take your English to the next level

The Oxford Learner’s Thesaurus explains the difference between groups of similar words. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app

define a motorboat

  • Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of motorboat in English

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

  • cabin cruiser
  • dragon boat
  • rubber dinghy
  • While you can take a motorboat, many people prefer to take the original Venetian taxi, the famous gondola.  

motorboat | Intermediate English

Examples of motorboat, translations of motorboat.

Get a quick, free translation!

{{randomImageQuizHook.quizId}}

Word of the Day

a long period when there is little or no rain

Fakes and forgeries (Things that are not what they seem to be)

Fakes and forgeries (Things that are not what they seem to be)

define a motorboat

Learn more with +Plus

  • Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
  • Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
  • Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
  • Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
  • English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
  • English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
  • English–Dutch Dutch–English
  • English–French French–English
  • English–German German–English
  • English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
  • English–Italian Italian–English
  • English–Japanese Japanese–English
  • English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
  • English–Polish Polish–English
  • English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
  • English–Spanish Spanish–English
  • English–Swedish Swedish–English
  • Dictionary +Plus Word Lists
  • English    Noun
  • Intermediate    Noun
  • Translations
  • All translations

To add motorboat to a word list please sign up or log in.

Add motorboat to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.

  • 1.1 Alternative forms
  • 1.2 Etymology
  • 1.3 Pronunciation
  • 1.4.1 Translations
  • 1.4.2 See also

define a motorboat

Alternative forms

motor +‎ boat

Pronunciation

  • ( UK ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈməʊtəˌbəʊt/
  • ( US ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈmoʊtəˌboʊt/
Audio ( ): ( )

motorboat ( plural motorboats )

  • ( nautical ) Any vessel driven by an engine (either inboard or outboard ), but especially a small one.

Translations

    ,       (zawraq ʔāliyy)   (motoranavak)   (matórnaja lódka),   (matórny čóvjen) (mōṭorbōṭ)   (motórna lódka)   (mautaubhut),   (mautau) (mo tok syun ), (hei teng ), (hei syun )   (mótuōchuán),   (qìtǐng),   (qìchuán)           or       ,   (moṭoriani navi)         (tachyploḯa),   (michanokínito skáfos)   (moṭarboṭ)     ,         (mōtābōto) (motorly qaiyq) (kaanout), (kaanout yŭən), (long bot yŭən) (moteoboteu) (motorduu kayık) (hư̄a chak)     ,     (motoren čamec) ,       (qâyeq-e motori)     ,         with outboard engine)   (motórnaja lódka); (with inboard engine)     (káter),     (motórka) (colloquial)           ,         (qayiqi motordor)   (rʉʉa-yon)     (motórnyj čóven)   (moṭar boṭ) (matorluq qëyiq)

motorboat ( third-person singular simple present motorboats , present participle motorboating , simple past and past participle motorboated )

  • To ride in a motorboat.
  • 2011 October 10, Molly McCarthy, Stella Blake-Kelly, Peter McCaffrey, “Year In News”, in Salient , Victoria University of Wellington, page 9 : ACT on Campus President Peter McCaffrey allegedly motorboated Heather Roy at the ACT Party offices over the newly-passed piece of legislation.
  • 2012 June 8, “ Underwood takes her 3rd video of year win at CMTs ”, in Bali Post , page 12 : Kellie Pickler pretended to motorboat an imaginary pair of breasts to introduce Little Big Town's performance of “Pontoon,” [ … ]
  • 2013 October 25, “Breast cancer awareness gone too far”, in The Daily Athenaeum , West Virginia University, page 4 : Other promotional events, such as “No Bra” day or the “ motorboating girls for breast cancer awareness” campaign, also take things a little too far.
  • 2013 , "19 Most Lustable Celebs", VIBE , April/May 2013, page 84 : You're blind to the blue Pacific water and glaring sun as your entire face is buried in Sofia's bosom—you're motorboating on a motorboat!
  • 2014 , Madison Holmes, "Big boobs: The bane of my existence", The Orion (Chico State University), 15 October 2014, page A6 : While talking to some dude at a party, he bent over and motorboated me.
  • 2015 , Jill Sorenson, Shooting Dirty , unnumbered page : Tiffany put her hands on Janelle's hips and motorboated her breasts.
  • 2016 July 19, Shane Allison, You're the One I Want: A Novel , Simon and Schuster, →ISBN : Tangela has these huge titties, the kind I like to motorboat .
  • 2013 August 1, Ben Brooks, Lolito , Canongate Books, →ISBN : 'And we can fucking smash his dick in. Elliot's coming. And Hattie.' 'Are you lying?' 'I am not lying.' 'If you are lying, I am going to smash your dick in.' ... Amundsen pushes his whole head into the bowl, motorboating his food.
  • 2021 April 6, Natasha Osiris, Transformed into a Ts-Girl (M2F) by a Dice , AuthorHouse, →ISBN : Immediately I started to lick, to suck, to kiss, to blow and to motorboat her pussy .
  • 2012 07 , Karen Alterisio Nelson, Millions of Reasons to Lie , iUniverse, →ISBN , page 118 : She wanted to straddle him and motorboat him right there. She thought about his chest again, and his lips. His dark eyelashes made his dark chocolate eyes so much darker, especially when they softened with desire.
  • 2017 April 9, Harvey C Gordon, SEXciting PUNography , eBook Partnership, →ISBN : A man who was having trouble recalling an important piece of information put his head between his girlfriend's breasts and had her motorboat him. You might say the man was racking his brain trying to remember.
  • 2019 April 24, Cassandra Dee, Buy Me: A Forbidden Romance , Cassandra Dee Romance: Some guys would have welcomed the opportunity to motorboat his face between two huge bags of saline, enjoying the artificial bounceback.
  • 2020 January 28, Joe Ide, Hi Five , Mulholland Books, →ISBN : “Why didn't you just take your tits out and motorboat him?” “He was nice and polite, okay?” she said. “Something you should learn about. Where's the fucking car?” As good a time as any, Isaiah thought.
  • 2020 August 18, Ashley & JaQuavis, Money Devils 1: A Cartel Novel , St. Martin's Press, →ISBN : It was the same girl from the boat earlier that day, but she was the one driving this go-around. She motorboated his face as he licked away. A petite-framed Latina woman was giving him oral while massaging his sack.
  • 2021 September 1, Goran Radanovic, 10 Erotic Short Stories Vol. 1 , Goran Radanovic, →ISBN , page 51 : He smiled as I motorboated his face between my breasts.
  • For more quotations using this term, see Citations:motorboat .

define a motorboat

  • English compound terms
  • English 3-syllable words
  • English terms with IPA pronunciation
  • English terms with audio links
  • English lemmas
  • English nouns
  • English countable nouns
  • en:Nautical
  • English verbs
  • English slang
  • English intransitive verbs
  • English transitive verbs
  • English terms with quotations
  • Terms with Albanian translations
  • Terms with Arabic translations
  • Terms with Armenian translations
  • Terms with Azerbaijani translations
  • Terms with Belarusian translations
  • Bengali terms with non-redundant manual transliterations
  • Terms with Bengali translations
  • Terms with Bulgarian translations
  • Terms with Burmese translations
  • Terms with Cantonese translations
  • Terms with Mandarin translations
  • Mandarin terms with redundant transliterations
  • Terms with Czech translations
  • Terms with Danish translations
  • Terms with Dutch translations
  • Terms with Estonian translations
  • Terms with Faroese translations
  • Terms with Finnish translations
  • Terms with French translations
  • Terms with Georgian translations
  • Terms with German translations
  • Terms with Greek translations
  • Terms with Hindi translations
  • Terms with Hungarian translations
  • Terms with Icelandic translations
  • Terms with Italian translations
  • Japanese terms with redundant script codes
  • Terms with Japanese translations
  • Terms with Kazakh translations
  • Terms with Khmer translations
  • Terms with Korean translations
  • Terms with Kyrgyz translations
  • Terms with Lao translations
  • Terms with Latvian translations
  • Terms with Lithuanian translations
  • Terms with Macedonian translations
  • Terms with Malay translations
  • Terms with Maori translations
  • Terms with Norwegian Bokmål translations
  • Terms with Norwegian Nynorsk translations
  • Terms with Persian translations
  • Terms with Polish translations
  • Terms with Portuguese translations
  • Terms with Romanian translations
  • Terms with Russian translations
  • Terms with Serbo-Croatian translations
  • Terms with Slovak translations
  • Terms with Slovene translations
  • Terms with Spanish translations
  • Terms with Swedish translations
  • Terms with Tajik translations
  • Terms with Thai translations
  • Terms with Turkish translations
  • Terms with Turkmen translations
  • Terms with Ukrainian translations
  • Urdu terms with redundant transliterations
  • Terms with Urdu translations
  • Terms with Uyghur translations
  • Terms with Uzbek translations
  • Terms with Vietnamese translations

Navigation menu

  • ABBREVIATIONS
  • BIOGRAPHIES
  • CALCULATORS
  • CONVERSIONS
  • DEFINITIONS

Definitions.net

  Vocabulary      

What does motorboat mean?

Definitions for motorboat ˈmoʊ tərˌboʊt mo·tor·boat, this dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word motorboat ., princeton's wordnet rate this definition: 0.0 / 0 votes.

motorboat, powerboat verb

a boat propelled by an internal-combustion engine

  • motorboat verb

ride in a motorboat

Wiktionary Rate this definition: 0.0 / 0 votes

motorboat noun

Any vessel driven by an engine (either inboard or outboard), but especially a small one.

To place one's head between a woman's breasts and make the sound of a motorboat with one's lips whilst moving the head from side to side

Wikipedia Rate this definition: 0.0 / 0 votes

A motorboat, speedboat or powerboat is a boat that is exclusively powered by an engine. Some motorboats are fitted with inboard engines, others have an outboard motor installed on the rear, containing the internal combustion engine, the gearbox and the propeller in one portable unit. An inboard-outboard contains a hybrid of an inboard and an outboard, where the internal combustion engine is installed inside the boat, and the gearbox and propeller are outside. There are two configurations of an inboard, V-drive and direct drive. A direct drive has the powerplant mounted near the middle of the boat with the propeller shaft straight out the back, where a V-drive has the powerplant mounted in the back of the boat facing backwards having the shaft go towards the front of the boat then making a V towards the rear.

ChatGPT Rate this definition: 0.0 / 0 votes

A motorboat is a type of watercraft that is powered by an engine. It can be used for various purposes, such as recreation, sport, transportation, or professional duties. It typically operates in rivers, lakes, or seas, and sizes can range from small to large enough to accommodate multiple passengers and crew members.

Wikidata Rate this definition: 0.0 / 0 votes

A motorboat, speedboat, or powerboat is a boat which is powered by an engine. Some motorboats are fitted with inboard engines, others have an outboard motor installed on the rear, containing the internal combustion engine, the gearbox and the propeller in one portable unit. An inboard/outboard contains a hybrid of a powerplant and an outboard, where the internal combustion engine is installed inside the boat, and the gearbox and propeller are outside. There are two configurations of an inboard, v-drive and direct drive. A direct drive has the powerplant mounted near the middle of the boat with the propeller shaft straight out the back, where a v-drive has the powerplant mounted in the back of the boat facing backwards having the shaft go towards the front of the boat then making a 'V' towards the rear. The v-drive has become increasingly popular due to the wakeboarding and wakesurfing sports. Motorboats vary greatly in size and configuration, from the 4-meter, open center console type to the luxury mega-yachts capable of crossing an ocean.

Matched Categories

How to pronounce motorboat.

Alex US English David US English Mark US English Daniel British Libby British Mia British Karen Australian Hayley Australian Natasha Australian Veena Indian Priya Indian Neerja Indian Zira US English Oliver British Wendy British Fred US English Tessa South African

How to say motorboat in sign language?

Chaldean Numerology

The numerical value of motorboat in Chaldean Numerology is: 2

Pythagorean Numerology

The numerical value of motorboat in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2

Examples of motorboat in a Sentence

Warren Wallace :

When we host big public Alcatraz Swims or small private ones, we are planning around the currents, creating detailed safety plans, coordinating with the Coast Guard and providing motorboat and kayak support during the swim, many of our captains and kayakers have supported hundreds of Alcatraz Swims, and that’s important in ensuring the swimmers have a safe and successful experience.

Scott Hagerstrom :

You can't bring a motorboat on a lake, but you can bring a canoe. You can't go to a bunch of stores, but you can buy marijuana.

Popularity rank by frequency of use

  • ^  Princeton's WordNet http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=motorboat
  • ^  Wiktionary https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Motorboat
  • ^  Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorboat
  • ^  ChatGPT https://chat.openai.com
  • ^  Wikidata https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=motorboat

Word of the Day

Would you like us to send you a free new word definition delivered to your inbox daily.

Please enter your email address:

Citation

Use the citation below to add this definition to your bibliography:.

Style: MLA Chicago APA

"motorboat." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Jun 2024. < https://www.definitions.net/definition/motorboat >.

Cite.Me

Discuss these motorboat definitions with the community:

 width=

Report Comment

We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe. If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.

You need to be logged in to favorite .

Create a new account.

Your name: * Required

Your email address: * Required

Pick a user name: * Required

Username: * Required

Password: * Required

Forgot your password?    Retrieve it

Are we missing a good definition for motorboat ? Don't keep it to yourself...

Image credit, the web's largest resource for, definitions & translations, a member of the stands4 network, image or illustration of.

define a motorboat

Free, no signup required :

Add to chrome, add to firefox, browse definitions.net, are you a words master, a deliberately offensive act or something producing the effect of deliberate disrespect, Nearby & related entries:.

  • motorbike verb
  • motorbike cover
  • motorboating
  • motorbreath
  • motorbus noun
  • motorcade noun
  • motorcar noun

Alternative searches for motorboat :

  • Search for motorboat on Amazon

define a motorboat

An official website of the United States government Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Do I Need a USDOT Number?

Companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT Number . Also, commercial intrastate hazardous materials carriers who haul types and quantities requiring a safety permit must register for a USDOT Number .

The USDOT Number serves as a unique identifier when collecting and monitoring a company's safety information acquired during audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations, and inspections. Click the button below to determine if you need a USDOT number:

Find Out Now

You are required to obtain a USDOT number if you have a vehicle that:

  • Is used to transport the types and quantities of hazardous materials requiring a safety permit in intrastate commerce (see 49 CFR 385.403 ).
  • Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater; or
  • Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or
  • Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation;

AND is involved in Interstate commerce:

Trade, traffic, or transportation in the United States—

  • Between a place in a State and a place outside of such State (including a place outside of the United States);
  • Between two places in a State through another State or a place outside of the United States; or
  • Between two places in a State as part of trade, traffic, or transportation originating or terminating outside the State or the United States.

You are required by FMCSA to obtain a USDOT Number and comply with the Federal Regulations.

  • How to Comply with Federal Regulations

It is the responsibility of motor carrier operators and drivers to know and comply with all applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Safety compliance and safe operations translate into saved lives and protected property.  We believe the information in this package, when effectively applied, will contribute to safer motor carrier operations and highways.

States that Require a USDOT Number

Apart from federal regulations, some states require their intrastate commercial motor vehicle registrants to obtain a USDOT Number. These states include:

  • Connecticut
  • Massachusetts
  • North Carolina
  • Pennsylvania
  • Puerto Rico
  • South Carolina
  • West Virginia

For intrastate motor carrier registration, check with your responsible state agency.

Car and Driver participa en varios programas de afiliación de marketing, lo que significa que Car and Driver recibe comisiones de las compras hechas a través de los links a sitios de los vendedores.

La locura. Así define la DGT esta maniobra captada por uno de sus helicópteros Pegasus

La DGT muestra una maniobra captada por uno de sus medios aéreos para ejemplificar lo que no se debe hacer.

preview for La locura. Así define la DGT esta maniobra captada por uno de sus helicópteros Pegasus

  • La DGT lo acaba de confirmar: instalará 88 nuevos radares en 2024 y dice dónde los pondrán
  • La Policía Nacional advierte a los aficionados sobre las furgonetas camper

Se trata de una de las situaciones que más riesgo supone para la seguridad vial. Son las paradas en plena carretera por alguna emergencia. Cuando se realizan es importante tener en cuenta la seguridad y señalizarlas, o bien con los triángulos de emergencia y el chaleco reflectante, o, mejor aún, con la señal luminosa V-16 .

La DGT vigila este tipo de maniobras

Este dispositivo es de color amarillo y se coloca en la parte más alta posible del vehículo inmovilizado. A día de hoy, ambos dispositivos, triángulos y señal V-16, se pueden utilizar uno u otro hasta el 1 de enero de 2026, cuando los primeros desaparecerán.

Sin embargo, hay conductores que prescinden de señalizar este tipo de maniobras, como ha ocurrido en este caso, según expone la DGT. Se trata de un vídeo, que si bien no es actual, refleja cómo no se debe proceder ante una parada en carretera. En la secuencia se aprecian dos vehículos, parados en la parte derecha de la vía sin ningún motivo aparente, y sin señalizar la maniobra, ni con luces de emergencia, warning ni con los mencionados triángulos o la baliza V-16. Además, uno de los conductores se baja y camina sin el chaleco reflectante.

graphical user interface, website

Ante esta situación de la DGT se pregunta, la parada, es para ¿charlar? ¡Y se sitúa de espaldas a la carretera! Esta imprudencia supone una multa de 200 euros y la pérdida de cuatro puntos del carnet de conducir.

Mejores ofertas Amazon

Pack Pre-ITV Diésel: Los mejores aditivos 2 x 300 ml

Motul Pack Pre-ITV Diésel: Los mejores aditivos 2 x 300 ml

Nevera portátil eléctrica de 19 litros con cables de alimentación y 12 V

Severin Nevera portátil eléctrica de 19 litros con cables de alimentación y 12 V

Tratamiento anticristalizante de AdBlue

Goodyear Tratamiento anticristalizante de AdBlue

Tablet Pad SE 4GB/128GB - Color negro

Xiaomi Tablet Pad SE 4GB/128GB - Color negro

Headshot of Rodrigo Pareja

Periodista especializado en movilidad en todas sus variantes: coche, moto, bicicleta, patinete eléctrico... y no siempre por este orden, dado que la forma en la que nos desplazamos está cambiando. Más de 20 años de experiencia en el mundo del automóvil y en constante adaptación en un sector que no deja de generar noticias.   

.css-1updq97:before{background-color:#000000;color:#fff;left:0;width:50%;border:0 solid transparent;bottom:48%;height:0.125rem;content:'';position:absolute;z-index:-2000000;} Noticias .css-1e2ieb7:after{background-color:#000000;color:#fff;right:0;width:50%;border:0 solid transparent;bottom:48%;height:0.125rem;content:'';position:absolute;z-index:-2000000;}

audi e tron gt 2024

MG responde a Europa por los nuevos aranceles

infinix bmw smartphone

Así es el smartphone ideal para los fans de BMW

audi museum mobile 2024

4 cosas imprescindibles que ver en el Museo Audi

arrancador de baterias de coche

A tiro el arrancador con más de 2.255 valoraciones

ford mustang gtd

El Mustang GTD llegará a España, pero a qué precio

tag heuer carrera chronograph x porsche 963

Este reloj es perfecto para amantes de Porsche

ferrari le mans 2024

Miguel Molina gana Le Mans y Ferrari le felicita

guardia civil exposición 65 aniversario

La Guardia Civil se movía en estos coches

lotus emeya

El Lotus Emeya se queda con este record del Taycan

f1 grand prix of spain

Camisetas y gorras para lucirte en el GP España F1

hennessey venom f5 revolution carbon series

La última locura de Hennessey para su Venom F5

Definition of 'motorboat'

IPA Pronunciation Guide

motorboat in American English

Motorboat in british english, examples of 'motorboat' in a sentence motorboat, trends of motorboat.

View usage over: Since Exist Last 10 years Last 50 years Last 100 years Last 300 years

Browse alphabetically motorboat

  • motorbicycle
  • motorbike accident
  • motorboater
  • motorboating
  • All ENGLISH words that begin with 'M'

Tile

Wordle Helper

Tile

Scrabble Tools

Quick word challenge

Quiz Review

Score: 0 / 5

Image

Boat/Vessel Registration

If you own a sailboat over eight feet long or a boat/vessel with a motor (no matter the size), you must register it with DMV in order to legally operate it on California waterways.

To register your boat/vessel, you will need:

  • A completed Application for Vessel Certificate of Number (BOAT 101) form. 
  • If the original certificate is lost or damaged, complete an Application for Replacement or Transfer Title (REG 227) form to request a copy.
  • Applicable fees .
  • If you own a trailer for your boat/vessel, you need to register it separately .

You may also need:

  • To complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a California Boater Card if you plan to operate a motorized vessel on a state waterway.
  • Bill(s) of sale (if you bought your boat/vessel from a private party instead of a dealer). 
  • A Statement of Facts (REG 256) form, in case you do not have a copy of the bill of sale.

You can register your boat/vessel at any DMV field office , or mail your registration application and related documents to:

Department of Motor Vehicles PO Box 942869 Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

You may also need to pay the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Fee and obtain a Mussel Fee sticker. Please see the Mussel Fee sticker request page for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any boat or vessel that you can use to transport yourself on water, such as a:

  • Sail-powered boat/vessel that is over eight feet long.
  • Vessel/boat with a motor (no matter how big it is).

If you bought your boat/vessel from an out-of-state seller, or if you recently moved to California, you need to register your boat/vessel with DMV within 120 days of bringing it into the state.

There are some boats/vessels that  do not  have to be registered:

  • Canoes, rowboats, or any boats/vessels that use paddles or oars
  • Sailboats shorter than eight feet long
  • Sailboards or parasails
  • A ship’s lifeboat
  • Seaplanes on the water
  • Boats that run on a track, such as amusement park rides
  • Floating structures that are tied to land and use power, water, and a sewage system on the shore.

Dinghies must be registered with DMV.

Houseboats that have a motor must be registered with DMV.

Commercial boats/vessels that weigh more than five net tons and are longer than 30 feet must be registered (documented) by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Yes. Any boat/vessel that travels or is moored in California waterways, including private lakes, must be registered with DMV.

  • A  documented boat/vessel  is registered with the U.S. Coast Guard and has a marine certificate. These boats/vessels do not have to be registered with DMV.
  • An  undocumented boat/vessel  is registered with DMV and does  not  have a marine certificate from the U.S. Coast Guard.

If you buy a new boat/vessel, it is automatically considered undocumented, so you have to register the boat/vessel with DMV before you can put it in California waters.

Your boat/vessel will get a vessel registration number (beginning with CF before the numbers) when you register your boat/vessel with DMV.

You have to display your vessel registration number on your boat/vessel. Make sure it meets the following requirements.

Your Vessel Registration Number must:

  • Be painted on or permanently attached to each side of your boat/vessel’s bow.
  • Be written in plain, vertical block letters and numbers that are more than three inches high.
  • Be properly arranged so you can read it from left to right.
  • Contrast with the color of the background so that it is easy to see and read.
  • Example A:  CF 1234 AB
  • Example B:  CF-1234-AB

In addition to your vessel registration number, you will also receive a registration sticker. You should attach it to the both sides of your boat/vessel, three inches apart from your vessel registration number.

Your registration sticker must be clearly visible at all times. Please do not place any numbers, letters, or devices near the registration sticker (other than your vessel registration number and Mussel Fee sticker (if required)).

Starboard and port sides of vessels. Arrows indicate where to place Mussel Fee and Registration stickers. On the starboard side of the hull the stickers are placed to the immediate left of the CF number. On the port side the stickers are placed to the immediate right of the CF number.

If you boat in California fresh waters such as the Delta, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and streams, you must purchase and display a Mussel Fee sticker next to your registration sticker. The Mussel Fee sticker matches the registration sticker by color and date.

You may purchase the Mussel Fee sticker online . The vessel registration/renewal and sticker transactions are separate. Once you receive your Mussel Fee stickers, place them on either side of the registration sticker as shown below.

Since 1972, all boats/vessels manufactured in the U.S. come with a Hull Identification Number (HIN).

The HIN must be:

  • Painted on or permanently attached to your boat/vessel so that it cannot be changed or removed.
  • Assigned and attached by manufacturers to commercially built boats/vessels.
  • Assigned by DMV for homemade boats/vessels.

If your California Certificate of Ownership is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can submit a completed Application for Duplicate or Transfer of Title (REG 227) form.

If you lost your sticker, you can submit a completed Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156) form to replace the lost certificates and/or stickers.

You can then mail the forms to DMV or visit a DMV field office in person.

You must renew your boat/vessel registration by December 31 of every odd-numbered year (for example, 2013, 2017, etc.), even if you do not use your boat/vessel.

To remind you that you need to renew your registration, DMV will mail you a renewal notice 60 days before your registration expires.

Visit our online registration page to see if your vessel is eligible to be renewed online.

You can also renew your registration by phone (automated system), mail, or by visiting a DMV field office in person.

Phone:  1-800-777-0133 Mail: Vehicle Registration Operations Department of Motor Vehicles PO Box 942869 MS C271 Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

If you renew your registration by mail, please return the bottom portion of your renewal notice in the envelope provided with a check, cashier’s check, or money order to cover your fees .

If you do not receive or lose the renewal notice, you may contact DMV and pay your fees.

When you buy a boat/vessel from another person, you should also get the California Certificate of Ownership from the person who sold it to you. That person should sign/endorse the certificate on line 1. If there is a lienholder, you need their signature on line 2.

Once you have the California Certificate of Ownership, write your name and address on the back. Then you can submit the certificate to DMV along with the transfer fee, use tax, and any renewal fees that might be due.

If the boat/vessel has a trailer, you need to get the trailer title. If you cannot get a copy of the title, you can complete a Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) Certification and Application (REG 4017) form to transfer it into your name.

If you decide to sell your boat/vessel, you need to:

  • Give the Certificate of Ownership to the person who buys it. Make sure you sign the certificate on the front.
  • Contact the DMV within five days of the sale and fill out a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138)  form.

You must provide the boat/vessel information (vessel registration number, HIN), the name and address of the buyer, and the sale date on the form.

  • Submit the form online or by mail.

If the boat/vessel has a trailer, give the titling and/or registration documents to the buyer and submit a separate  Notice of Release of Liability (REG 138)  form.

Additional Information

Boats and vessels registered in California are included in property taxes by the county tax collector, depending on where the boat/vessel is stored or moored. DMV might deny registration renewal or transfer if the county tax collector tells DMV that you have not paid your personal property taxes.

Vessel registration becomes invalid when a boat/vessel is:

  • Required to be documented by the U.S. Coast Guard.
  • Transferred to a new owner.
  • Destroyed or abandoned.
  • No longer used primarily in California.

You must tell the DMV when a boat/vessel is:

  • Moved to a different storage location.
  • Documented through the U.S. Coast Guard.
  • Destroyed, lost, or abandoned. Return the California Certificate of Ownership to DMV within 15 days.

Learn more about vessel registration transaction requirements by visiting the Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual .

Need something else?

Registration fees.

How much will it cost to register your boat?

Boat/Vessel Guide

Our special interest guide for boat owners is full of great information on everything from registration to quagga requirements.

Everything you need to know about owning and transferring titles, including vessel titles.

General Disclaimer

When interacting with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Virtual Assistant, please do not include any personal information.

When your chat is over, you can save the transcript. Use caution when using a public computer or device.

The DMV chatbot and live chat services use third-party vendors to provide machine translation. Machine translation is provided for purposes of information and convenience only. The DMV is unable to guarantee the accuracy of any translation provided by the third-party vendors and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information or changes in the formatting of the content resulting from the use of the translation service.

The content currently in English is the official and accurate source for the program information and services DMV provides. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated content, please refer to the English version.

Google™ Translate Disclaimer

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website uses Google™ Translate to provide automatic translation of its web pages. This translation application tool is provided for purposes of information and convenience only. Google™ Translate is a free third-party service, which is not controlled by the DMV. The DMV is unable to guarantee the accuracy of any translation provided by Google™ Translate and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information or changes in the formatting of the pages resulting from the use of the translation application tool.

The web pages currently in English on the DMV website are the official and accurate source for the program information and services the DMV provides. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated website, please refer to the English version.

The following pages provided on the DMV website cannot be translated using Google™ Translate:

  • Publications
  • Field Office Locations
  • Online Applications

Please install the Google Toolbar

Google Translate is not support in your browser. To translate this page, please install the Google Toolbar (opens in new window) .

COMMENTS

  1. Motorboat Definition & Meaning

    motorboat: [noun] a boat propelled usually by an internal combustion engine.

  2. MOTORBOAT

    MOTORBOAT definition: 1. a small, fast boat that is powered by an engine 2. a small, fast boat that is powered by an…. Learn more.

  3. MOTORBOAT Definition & Meaning

    Motorboat definition: a boat propelled by an inboard or outboard motor. . See examples of MOTORBOAT used in a sentence.

  4. Motorboat

    A motorboat is a small craft with one or more engines for propulsion. Motorboats are commonly used for work, recreation, sport, or racing . Boat engines vary in shape, size, and type. These include inboard, outboard (integrating, the engine, gearbox, and propeller in one portable unit mounted in the rear), and inboard-outboard (or "sterndrive ...

  5. Motorboat

    motorboat: 1 n a boat propelled by an internal-combustion engine Synonyms: powerboat Types: show 6 types... hide 6 types... cabin cruiser , cruiser , pleasure boat , pleasure craft a large motorboat that has a cabin and plumbing and other conveniences necessary for living on board launch a motorboat with an open deck or a half deck outboard , ...

  6. motorboat noun

    Definition of motorboat noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

  7. Motorboat

    Define motorboat. motorboat synonyms, motorboat pronunciation, motorboat translation, English dictionary definition of motorboat. n. A boat propelled by an internal-combustion engine or other motor.

  8. MOTORBOAT definition and meaning

    Any boat powered by a motor.... Click for English pronunciations, examples sentences, video.

  9. MOTORBOAT Definition & Usage Examples

    Motorboat definition: . See examples of MOTORBOAT used in a sentence.

  10. Motorboat Definition & Meaning

    Motorboat definition: A boat propelled by an internal-combustion engine or other motor.

  11. Motorboat

    motorboat, a relatively small watercraft propelled by an internal-combustion or electric engine. Motorboats range in size from miniature craft designed to carry one person to seagoing vessels of 100 feet (30 m) or more. Most motorboats, however, have space for six passengers or fewer. Motorboats are used recreationally for traveling on water ...

  12. motorboat

    From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Related topics: Water motorboat mo‧tor‧boat / ˈməʊtəbəʊt $ ˈmoʊtərboʊt / noun [countable] TTW a small fast boat with an engine Examples from the Corpus motorboat • When crew raised an alarm, he climbed down and escaped in a motorboat.

  13. MOTORBOAT

    A complete guide to the word "MOTORBOAT": definitions, pronunciations, synonyms, grammar insights, collocations, examples, and translations.

  14. MOTORBOAT

    MOTORBOAT meaning: 1. a small, fast boat that is powered by an engine 2. a small, fast boat that is powered by an…. Learn more.

  15. Motorboat Definition & Meaning

    Motorboat definition, a boat propelled by an inboard or outboard motor. See more.

  16. Motorboat Definition & Meaning

    1 ENTRIES FOUND: motorboat (noun) motorboat / ˈ moʊtɚˌboʊt/ noun. plural motorboats. Britannica Dictionary definition of MOTORBOAT. [count] : a boat with a motor — see picture at boat. MOTORBOAT meaning: a boat with a motor.

  17. motorboat

    motorboat - WordReference English dictionary, questions, discussion and forums. All Free.

  18. Motorboat Types: Powerboat Terms, Uses, and Definitions

    Bass Boat: A type of boat that generally has a flat deck, low freeboard, and a shallow draft and is used primarily for fishing on protected lakes and rivers. Bay Boat: A low-freeboard center console fishing boat designed for near-shore and coastal use. Bowrider: A powerboat with a seating area set in its bow.

  19. motorboat

    motorboat (third-person singular simple present motorboats, present participle motorboating, simple past and past participle motorboated) To ride in a motorboat. ( slang, intransitive, transitive) To press one's face between (another person's breasts ); to press one's face between the breasts of (another person) and shake ones head, hum, or ...

  20. What does motorboat mean?

    Definition of motorboat in the Definitions.net dictionary. Meaning of motorboat. Information and translations of motorboat in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web.

  21. Motorboat Terms: Different Powerboat Types, Uses, and Definitions

    Motorsailer: A boat that relies primarily on engine power for propulsion, but also has a mast and sails to improve its passage-making efficiency. Multi-species Boat: An open and rugged dual console boat with a utilitarian cockpit that's designed primarily for fishing lakes and rivers. Most are constructed of aluminum.

  22. Do I Need a USDOT Number?

    It is the responsibility of motor carrier operators and drivers to know and comply with all applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Safety compliance and safe operations translate into saved lives and protected property. We believe the information in this package, when effectively applied, will contribute to safer motor carrier ...

  23. La locura. Así define la DGT esta maniobra captada por uno de sus

    Planeta Motor Así define la DGT esta maniobra captada por uno de sus helicópteros Pegasus La DGT muestra una maniobra captada por uno de sus medios aéreos para ejemplificar lo que no se debe hacer.

  24. MOTORBOAT definition in American English

    motorboat in American English. (ˈmoutərˌbout) noun. 1. a boat propelled by an inboard or outboard motor. intransitive verb. 2. to travel in or operate a motorboat. to motorboat from Hyannis to Martha's Vineyard.

  25. Boat/Vessel Registration

    A documented boat/vessel is registered with the U.S. Coast Guard and has a marine certificate.These boats/vessels do not have to be registered with DMV. An undocumented boat/vessel is registered with DMV and does not have a marine certificate from the U.S. Coast Guard.; If you buy a new boat/vessel, it is automatically considered undocumented, so you have to register the boat/vessel with DMV ...