What does it take to make a boat lake legal?

[Cuz]

I have a 15' v bottom boat and just got a motor for it. Right now It's just a boat and motor. I want it for me and wife to go crappie sand bass fishing at the local lake.
So, what does it take to make it lake legal for day and night fishing?

The boat and motor have to be "registered"? Do they give numbers when you register the boat?
Front green/red light?
Back white light pole?


Anyone have a link to what it takes to make it legal? Sorry for my ignorance in this department...

[skeeter]

tpwd will give you a "tx" number. you'll have to go to wal mart or where ever to get numbers to stick on boat. both sides. they will have directions on where to display tx number, along with boat registration sticker.

you will need a:
red/ green bow light
white transom light
throw cushion
whistle or horn
fire extinguisher

thats all I can think of right now.

[Charles]

Approved life vest for each person in the boat. I'm not positive but I think you need a paddle as well due to size of your boat.

[dpatterson1976]

Check out --> TEXAS VESSEL REQUIREMENTS



All vessels including motorboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, rubber rafts, or other vessels when not at dock must have and exhibit at least one bright light, lantern or flashlight visible all around the horizon from sunset to sunrise in all weather and during restricted visibility.

* All Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and of the appropriate size for intended user. See Life Jackets for more details on PFD types.
* All children under 13 years of age in motorboats under 26 feet in length must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD while underway. Underway means not at anchor, made fast to the shore, or aground.
* All vessels, including canoes and kayaks, must be equipped with one Type I, II, III or V wearable PFD for each person on board. A Type V PFD is acceptable only if used in accordance with the specific instructions on the label of the device.
* Vessels 16 feet and longer, excluding canoes and kayaks, are required to be equipped with one Type IV throwable PFD in addition to the Type I, II, III, or V PFD required for each person on board.
* Inflatable PFDs are authorized only when used in accordance with requirements as presented on U.S. Coast Guard approval labels. Inflatable PFDs are not approved for use on personal watercraft, waterskiing, or other high speed activity.


Any vessel less than 12 meters in length (39.4 ft.) is required to carry a whistle or horn, or some other means to make an efficient sound to signal intentions and position in periods of reduced visibility.

Outboard motorboats less than 26 feet in length, of open construction, not carrying passengers for hire, are not required to carry fire extinguishers; however, a fire extinguisher is required if one or more of the following conditions exist: (1) Closed compartment under thwarts and seats wherein portable fuel tanks may be stored. (2) Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation material. (3) Closed living spaces. (4) Closed storage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials are stored. (5) Permanently installed fuel tanks. (6) Inboard engines.

[Cuz]

So does anyone have an idea where the closest place to cedar hill or mexia tx is to get registration for the boat/motor is?
Thanks

[Hot4huntin]

TPWD Office Locations for Registration and Titles
(Boats/Outboard Motors)