Section 2252. Exemption from registration

1.  The  provisions of section
  twenty-two hundred fifty-one of this article  shall  not  apply  to  the
  following vessels:
    (a) Vessels having a valid marine document issued by the United States
  or a foreign government, while being used for commercial purposes.
    (b)  Vessels  displaying a valid identification or registration number
  issued by another state under a numbering system which has been approved
  in accordance with the provisions of federal law, provided  such  vessel
  shall  not  have been within this state for a period in excess of ninety
  consecutive days.
    (c) Vessels owned by residents of foreign countries temporarily  using
  the waters of the state.
    (d)  Vessels  owned  by  the  United States, a state, or a subdivision
  thereof.
    (e) Boats which are "lifeboats." No vessel which  is  used  for  other
  than  lifesaving  purposes  shall be deemed a "lifeboat" for purposes of
  this subdivision.
    (f) Vessels used exclusively for racing.
    (g) Any vessel which is not equipped with a motor by which it  may  be
  mechanically propelled.
    2.  Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision one of this section,
  the owner of a vessel which is exempt from  the  provisions  of  section
  twenty-two  hundred  fifty-one  of  this  article may apply for, and the
  commissioner may issue, a  registration  for  such  vessel.  If  such  a
  registration  is  issued,  and while such registration is in effect, the
  provisions of this article relating  to  certificates  of  registration,
  registration numbers and validating stickers shall apply to such vessel.
  Upon  the  expiration  of  the  registration  of  any  such  vessel, the
  registration number assigned to it shall  be  effectively  removed  from
  such vessel.