What is the primary purpose of a boat registration?

The primary purpose of a boat registration is to legally identify the boat and ensure it is tracked by state authorities. Each registered boat is assigned a unique identification number, which helps law enforcement and other authorities to recognize the ownership and status of the vessel. This is essential for various reasons, including safety, accountability, and to help in the recovery of stolen boats.

While tracking navigation routes could be beneficial for safety and operational reasons, it is not the main purpose of registration. Certification of the boat's material quality and establishing its commercial value are also not related to the registration process, as registration primarily focuses on identifying the vessel and its owner within the legal framework.