Gilford wants boat owners to register locally

The annual tussle over boat registrations opened this week as Town Clerk/Tax Collector Denis Morrissette announced that 2010 boat decals are available at Town Hall and urged boat owners to register their vessels with the town.

Morrissette explained that by registering with the town or one of its agents — Gator, Inc., Irwin Marine at Mountain View Yacht Club or Silver Sands Marina — boat owners can ensure that the town receives its fair share of the fees. Last year the town collected nearly $60,000 from boat registrations.

Morrissette stressed that when boat owners register directly with the state through the Department of Motor Vehicles, the state retains all the proceeds without forwarding any funds to town and cities.

Last year the Legislature doubled the registration fee, which is based on the length of the vessel, as well as increased the surcharge for the lake preservation and restoration fund and the agent's fee.

The Town Clerk/Tax Collector's office is open weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and until 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Morrissette reminded boat owners to bring the renewal form mailed to them by the state and noted that the registered owner must sign the registration form.

For more information or answers to questions, call 527-4713 or e-mail dmorrissette@gilfordnh.org