All powered boats on Windermere, whether in use, moored, for private use or business must have a current Windermere Registration. This includes any boat with an outboard or electric motor or any other mechanical means of propulsion.
All powered vessels must be registered and display numbers and annual marks as prescribed to be compliant with the Windermere Registration byelaws. Failure to do so is a breach of the byelaws and results in the master of the vessel being liable to prosecution.
All registrations are valid from 1 January to 31 December.
New Windermere boat registrations can be made online
You will be asked to upload proof of identity and address documents. These can either be scans of a driving license or passport and utility bill. This is in accordance with Windermere Byelaw 5.2.
New registrations and renewals can no longer be undertaken at Ferry Nab.
Please allow 10 days for your boat numbers and annual marks to be sent to you, your registration is only complete once the mark and numbers are on your boat.
Renew your Windermere boat registration online
You will be asked to enter your customer number which will be on the email or letter we send you asking for renewal. This is in accordance with Windermere Byelaw 5.2.
Registration numbers and annual marks must be displayed in accordance with the Windermere Lake Byelaws. Failure to do so may result in enforcement action.
Please read our guide to design and display of numbers and annual marks.
The exemption for vessels registered on the Small Ships Register ended in April 2011. All powered vessels must now be registered with the Windermere Registration Scheme.
Registered owners have a legal obligation, under the Windermere Lake Byelaws 2008 to notify us in writing within 14 days of the sale or disposal of the vessel.
Please send us the date of transfer and the name and address of the new owner (plus phone numbers and an email address if you have them).
windermere.registration @lakedistrict.gov.uk
Windermere Registration
LDNPA
Murley Moss
Oxenholme Road
Kendal
LA9 7RL
It's important to stay safe when heading out onto the water. Take a look at our boat safety page for tips on installing carbon monoxide detectors and how to use a kill cord and life jacket.
Map of Windermere lake which shows you jetties, where to park, where to catch ferries and hire boats, footpaths and cycle routes to explore and lake shore towns with facilities like toilets and cafes.
