2026 Small Vessel/Kayak Lottery
Contact: j.welborn [at] beaufortnc.org
REMINDER: ALL VESSELS REGISTERED TO SPACES IN 2025 MUST BE REMOVED BY 1 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026.
NOTICE: The lottery is open to all Town residents. Please do not attempt to turn the odds in your favor by having your neighbors and friends sign up for you as additional chances. Those found to be in violation will be removed from the lottery and will forfeit the opportunity to be selected for a space.
The rental rate for the 2026 lottery is $100. Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 lottery. Please read the rules and regulations carefully for both eligibility and vessel requirements.
Application: https://www.cognitoforms.com/TownOfBeaufort/_2026SmallVesselLotteryApplicationForm.
The Town of Beaufort will have a lottery for small vessel storage permits at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The lottery will be live-streamed on the Town's Facebook page. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. Monday, March 2, 2025 to be entered into the lottery. Applications must be submitted electronically. If you need assistance, please email j.welborn [at] beaufortnc.org (j[dot]welborn[at]beaufortnc[dot]org) or call (252) 728-2141 ext. 241.
Spaces will be assigned in the order selected during the lottery. Town Staff will assign a space as close to your listed preference as is available that meets the needs of your vessel.
- Fisherman’s Park (Gordon/Front St): 3 dinghy, 4 canoe and 37 kayak spaces
- Grayden Paul Park (Pollock/Front): 12 kayak spaces
- Curtis Perry Park (Front St near boat ramp): 12 kayak spaces
The Town of Beaufort must receive payment and valid proof of residency within 15 business days of the lottery for your space to remain reserved. After 15 days, any spaces that have not been paid in full and/or residency verified will be assigned to the names on the waiting list as selected in the lottery.
Payment information will be emailed to those selected in the lottery. All payments are non-transferable and non-refundable. The 2026 fee is $100.
Each space will be assigned an identification decal that must be attached to the stored vessel at all times. The decal will identify the designated spot and help Town staff identify the owner should we need to make contact. Due to the high cost of reprinting, replacement decals are $35.
Permitting Eligibility:
• Permits are issued annually
• Full-time & Part-time town residents are eligible for a permit. A town water bill, utility bill, tax bill, or Driver’s License with the Beaufort address must be presented at the time of permitting as evidence of residency. Residence must be inside the Town limits.
• Only non-motorized, self-propelled vessels are eligible for permits. No vessel of any type may be longer than 15 feet; sailboats and other non-motorized boats, with the exception of kayaks and canoes, must be under 12 feet. Vessels that do not meet these regulations will be removed, and the spot will be forfeited.
• A maximum of 2 permits will be issued annually per household (one per person). An application must be submitted for each permit. Applications will be entered into the lottery separately.
• Only one spot per application/person/vessel.
• No boats used for commercial purposes will be permitted.
• Renters must provide their own locks.
• All boats must be removed when a hurricane watch is issued by the National Weather Service and/or if tropical weather is forecast. Non-compliance will result in a fee and forfeiture of the right to enter the following year’s lottery.
• Only the permitted vessel can be stored on Town property.
• No items may be stored underneath the rack.
• Vessels removed by the Town of Beaufort will become Town property if not retrieved within a period of 45 days.
• Replacement decals are $35.
• Spaces are non-transferable. If the lessee must forfeit their spot, it reverts to the Town to be assigned to the next person on the waiting list.
Disclosure: Please note that only non-motorized, self-propelled kayaks, canoes, and single-hulled boats may be stored on Town-owned storage racks. Kayaks and canoes must not exceed 15 feet; no sailboats or boats of any type longer than 12 feet. No items may be stored under the racks. Vessels that do not meet these specifications and items left under racks will be removed.
In the event of inclement weather not limited to but including tropical storms and hurricanes, it is the boat owner’s responsibility to remove the boat from the racks at least 72 hours in advance of the approaching inclement weather. If the boat is not removed within the allotted time frame, then it will be removed by the Public Works Department – fees will apply, and the applicant forfeits the right to apply for storage the following year. Removal Notifications will be issued via email.
The Town of Beaufort will not be responsible for any damage or theft of stored vessels. Permits are valid for 364 days from the date issued or until the first Wednesday of March 2026, whichever comes first. All vessels must be removed within 24 hours of the permit's expiration.
Non-permitted vessels left overnight after the 24-hour period shall be subject to removal by the Town, and fees will apply.
I have read and understand the rules and regulations governing Town-Owned Non-Motorized Small Vessel Storage, and I agree to adhere to all rules and regulations.
Please read and agree to follow the above outlined guidelines by typing your name on the application form in the allotted space.
Apply Here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/TownOfBeaufort/_2026SmallVesselLotteryApplicationForm