FWIW, I noticed a sign posted by New York State department of Parks and Recreation at the marina where I park my boat in Tarrytown. It says that you must register any boat with mechanical propulsion (not me!) and that you must obtain a HIN in order to register your boat if it was manufactured before 1972, or if you built it yourself. No clue as to how to get a HIN . . . but the sign suggests that you only need the HIN if you are going to register.

The Coast Guard may think differently, but they dont really patrol much around here, and I doubt that they would ticket someone as long as they have the required safety equipment, etc.

If my boat is ever stolen, I think that, with all the pictures I took while building it, I can prove it is mine even without a HIN -- assuming that I ever found it. (I made my grab loop out of stainless steel rigging wire, covered in plastic, so I can lock my boat up with a bike lock).

Had another great paddle across the River this morning -- a northerly breeze of about 12 knots made the waves just interesting enough to keep me occupied, with a couple of easy surfing rides. Bright sun reflecting off the shiny deck of a wooden kayak, warm water splashing around you -- couldnt be better.