That would never ever work in Cali., the red tape alone would cost more than the fees could ever generate, all the govering officials would want their "cut" IMO.
Screw the local officials and the states. Most rivers and lake are dept of parks and rec controlled and all the rangers are federal officers so the goverment needs to set it up. The states can get a small cut based on the number of "state parks" they have or patrol and the amount of usage they get.
Lets say there are 10 million boats and PWC w/ the same number of operators - actively being used, (I think that would be a VERY conservative number) @ $35 a license per year = $350,000,000 a year program.
People who rent can purchase a 1 day usage license after passing a written safety course/test for $50 bucks. If they dont like it they dont rent, period!
I would say that a program that could conservatly generate $400 Million a year could benefit all of the boating community.