registration question

What would it cost to register a kayak with a trolling motor? Do they charge by length of boat? How long is the reg good?

I just got my registration renewal for both my registered boats, one 9 ft, and 1 20 ft, both were $20 each for 2 years. So it's $10/yr, but I'm not sure what the original cost to register was. 

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/fees/vessels.htm

Depending on the county you live in, also be prepared for "boat tax". I think they call it unsecured property tax. I store my boats at Orwoods in Contra Costa County, and the county sends me a bill every year for about 3-4% of value of the boats. Works out to be about $600 a year on a Boston Whaler and a Basscat Puma bass boat. They determine the value of your boat, without looking at it. It would probably be ~$20 ish for the kayak. They don't know you have it until you register it. When you register the kayak, the DMV will ask for purchase price, tell them $50 on Craigslist, maybe you will avoid the taxman.

My 9 ft boat is an inflatable, somehow the tax bill got screwed up and they wanted over $1000/yr, so I called, explained the boat only cost $999 new, after some discussion the tax man (lady on the phone) waived it, said it wasn't worth the paperwork to collect taxes on a boat whose total value was less than $1000.  that was 6 years ago, I've never gotten another tax bill on it.

I registered my P15 in Santa Clara about a year ago.  I told them the value was $500.00.  I haven't received any unsecured property tax bill yet, but I can't imagine it would be much if they even tax something with that low of a value.  Just installed a rudder and now it is worth it to troll with the motor occasionally and steer with the foot pedals .  I should have used the Craig's List idea just in case.  They collect enough on my two jet skis and ski boat!

You still have to have a valid CF sticker for it though.  I thought you had to pay the tax to get the sticker. 

I have a $700 zodiac and it's also only about 20 bucks every other year.  When you report the value, report the value of the bare hull, no motor, sails, ect, since it's only the hull that the CF numbers goes onto. 

How would one get around this requirement:

The documents required to register and title a new vessel or a vessel being registered for the first time are:

    * Application for Vessel Certificate of Number (BOAT 101).
    * Proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale, certificate of origin, bill of lading, invoice, or out-of-state title.

      OR

    * A bond for the vessel value if proof of ownership cannot be provided and the vessel's value is $2,000 or more.

I have a canoe that I don't technically "own" but that I am in possession of in accordance with vessel salvage law.