putting on the necessary stickers.

But the wait cost the 31-year-old a $100 fine in Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Crockwell was fined after admitting failing to display a registration number, and the decal.

Prosecutor Sgt. Cyril Plant said Marine Police spoke to Crockwell on November 7 in Hamilton harbour.

Sgt. Plant said Crockwell claimed he had the stickers -- but was waiting until the paint on his boat dried.

Checks showed the boat was registered two days before Crockwell was approached.

Crockwell, who lives on the boat according to court papers, told Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis he had built the vessel himself.

He said he had the stickers in the boat when Marine Police arrived.