Berkeley Lake Homeowners Association

Boat Registration

boats at the beach

For questions about boat registration or storage racks please read the information below before calling or email anyone. There is currently a waiting list for the boat racks. If you want to be put on the waiting list send an email to the boating registrar. If you need to register a boat send an email to the boating registrar. Your email should contain the type of boat, color, length and HP if there is a motor. You will be contacted with a place to pick up your registration sticker. When you pick up your registration sticker you will be required to pay for your registration. Checks should be made out to BLHA. Do not use PayPal or send your check to the PO box. The boating registrar is a volunteer position and moves between members across the lake. The most efficient way to get registered is by sending an email to the boating registrar. Typically it takes a few days to get a registration sticker in your hands but you should plan for 7 days in case the boating registrar is out of town.

BLHA now has two types of boat registration: Standard Registration at $25 or Non-Powered Registration at $10. The registration fee is a one-time fee. There is an annual $25 watercraft fee that covers all boats that you have registered. If it floats and moves around the lake, you need a registration sticker/number and must pay the annual watercraft fee. If you have a boat without a registration sticker please see the information below.

  1. The standard registration is $25 (you will receive 2 stickers and registration numbers).
    1. Pontoon boats
    2. Runabouts
    3. Fishing boats
    4. Sailboats
    5. Any boat that is powered by fuel, electric or wind
    6. Any boat that does not meet the criteria for a Non-Powered registration
  2. Non-Powered registration is for boats that are powered by human power only. If your boat is already registered you do not need to re-register or change stickers. You will receive only one registration sticker for these boats. Please put in a visible location.
    1. Canoes
    2. Kayaks (this includes the small yellow kayaks)
    3. Paddle boards
    4. Peddle boats
    5. Inflatable boats and boards

Boating Rules

  • All boats must be licensed by the BLHA.
  • All persons operating boats on Berkeley Lake must first obtain a BLHA license decal and registration numbers from the boating registrar.
  • All watercraft must be registered with BLHA, and must display a BLHA registration decal with number on both sides of the watercraft. Contact the BLHA member the boating registrar to register a watercraft and obtain the decals. Canoes, paddle boats and kayaks are considered watercraft and must be registered. Inflatable devices are not considered watercraft unless they are motorized.
  • Boats licenses will only be issued for boats which are owned by current members of the BLHA or deed covenant property owners. The license is not transferable. If a boat is obtained which already has a license, the boating registrar must be informed and an additional $25.00 fee will be collected. Canoes are boats and must also be licensed at $10.
  • Pontoon boat dimensions may not exceed 28′ x 10′. All other motorized boats may not exceed 18 feet in length.
  • NO WAKE at any time. The maximum permitted speed is 5 MPH. Do not drive between the roped off area and swim platforms when swimmers are in the water; stay to the right or left of these areas for the safety of our members.
  • The BLHA complies with the Coast Guard requirements of at least one Coast Guard approved life preserver for each occupant of the boat at all times when operating on the lake.
  • Towing persons or objects behind a boat on the lake constitutes reckless operation of a craft and may be punishable by revoking the license to operate a boat on Lake Berkeley. An exception to this rule is another boat in distress and requiring assistance.
  • When a boat is bought or sold, please inform the boating registrar for the purpose of updating records.
  • Deed covenant property owners who are not BLHA members are limited to 5 horsepower motors by their own deed covenants – BLHA reserves the right to enforce those covenants.
  • The BLHA complies with the Coast Guard requirements for watercraft operated on the Berkeley Lake. For further details consider reviewing the US Coast Guard website at www.uscgboating.org. Listed below is a subset of the items for watercraft
    • All boats must have approved life preserver for each occupant of the boat at all times when operating on the lake.
    • All boats with a gas engine must have a marine type fire extinguisher.
    • All boats with a gas engine must have functional navigation lights
    • All boats with a gas engine must have a throw able floating device

Note: GA law which is enforced on nearby lakes require all boaters under the age of 13 to wear a PFD, while this is not enforced on Berkeley Lake it is a good guideline to be cognizant of.