Which of these vessels must have a Texas Certificate of Number to operate legally on public waters?

A sailboat that is 14 feet in length must have a Texas Certificate of Number to operate legally on public waters because it meets the state's criteria for registration. In Texas, any powered vessel or any vessel that is longer than 14 feet must be registered and display the appropriate identifying number. This requirement ensures that boats are identified and accounted for on the water, enhancing safety and law enforcement capabilities.

On the other hand, vessels such as kayaks, inflatable rafts, and fishing float tubes do not require a Texas Certificate of Number unless they are motorized or over a certain length. These types of watercraft are typically used in a manner that does not necessitate registration, as they can be lightweight, predominantly human-powered, and often used in relatively sheltered waters where navigational registration is less critical. Thus, the need for a Certificate of Number applies specifically to the sailboat in this scenario.