I'm with eyeFISH on this one. I believe the state figures if you can afford a new or newer boat, than you can afford to pay the higher taxes. When I bought my Alumaweld SuperVee new back in 2000 I had the same eye opening experience but as the years went by it finally was reduced and got more "reasonable" until I sold it a few years ago. Recently I bought a 1989 Almar Sled which I'm in the process of redoing and making pretty which should turn out quite nice when I'm done. Went on-line last night after reading eyeFish's post and total cost to license boat.....................$20.00 plus some change. Sometimes old is better than new.