NH Boating Guide

New Hampshire vessel registration and numbering is governed by RSA 270 and RSA 270-E. All motorized vessels and certain other watercraft must be registered with the state. Contact the New Hampshire Department of Safety or Marine Patrol for registration requirements.

New Hampshire boating education requirements are established under RSA 270-D:10 through RSA 270-D:20. Effective January 1, 2026, online final exams are available for persons 18 years and older. The minimum passing grade is 80 percent. The certificate of safe boater education is valid for the lifetime of the person and may not be revoked without cause and a hearing. Courses are approved by the Division of State Police.

Required safety equipment must be carried on all vessels as specified by New Hampshire and US Coast Guard regulations. Equipment requirements vary by vessel type and length.

New Hampshire boating laws are established in RSA 270 (Supervision of Navigation, Registration of Boats and Motors), RSA 270-A (Houseboats), RSA 270-B (Abandoned Boats), RSA 270-C (Federal Numbering System), RSA 270-D (Boating and Water Safety), and RSA 270-E (Vessel Registration and Numbering). Additional rules are found in Saf-C 400-415.06 and Saf-C 2300-2309.03.

Primary boating waters include Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, Newfound Lake, Lake Sunapee, Lake Winnisquam, Winnipesaukee River, the Connecticut River, the Merrimack River, the Piscataqua River, and the Atlantic coastline at Hampton Beach and the Isles of Shoals.

New Hampshire has aquatic invasive species prevention requirements. Boaters should clean, drain, and dry their vessels between trips to prevent the spread of invasive species.