Vessel Documentation

[Jeff Lavallee]

The 27 aft cabin that I just bought was previously a documented vessel. I think that I am not required to register it if it is documented. Does anyone know the process of vessel documentation? Will I have to " re- document" it because I am the new owner?? Any tips would be helpful
Jeff
Newbury, Ma

[chiefrcd]

Yes, you will have to re-document your vessel, if you want to keep it listed as a documented vessel, some folks chose not to. Also check your State laws. Some States require that you still register the vessel. Some will accept documentation in lieu of State registration. In the event your State requires it, you will probably still have to display your State registration numbers. I re-documented my Albin and used a service provided by my lender. Once documentated, I receive a letter from the Coast Guard each year and send them 35.00 to stay current.

Check out this link for more info.
http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/

[jcollins]

I recall 85.00 to re-document. It did take a few months to receive the paperwork. I ran my boat for a month without a sticker. Not a good idea so I would recommend applying now. Although it's documented I still have to pay for a Maryland sticker. I just don't have to put numbers on the boat.
Chief - you pay 35.00 a year to Homeland Security? They have never asked me for any money. I receive a form that asks if there are any changes. I return it and receive updated documentation. Hmmm...

[Pitou]

I recall 85.00 to re-document. It did take a few months to receive the paperwork. I ran my boat for a month without a sticker. Not a good idea so I would recommend applying now. Although it's documented I still have to pay for a Maryland sticker. I just don't have to put numbers on the boat.
Chief - you pay 35.00 a year to Homeland Security? They have never asked me for any money. I receive a form that asks if there are any changes. I return it and receive updated documentation. Hmmm...

I as well am documented and receive an annual renewal from the Coast Guard/Homeland Security. I return with no changes and receive my updated Certificate of Documentation without any fee. In Mass. if you're documented no need to register with the state though you are still responible to go to the state sales tax office and cough up your 5%. I think you have 90 days to do so or the penalties and interest begin.

[Jeff Lavallee]

Yes, I still have to get my butt down to Causeway Street to pay the 5% tax. It sounds like alot of you guys have decided to document even if you are required to register in your State. What is the benifit. It sounds like if you travel to foriegn ports it has its advantages, I don't think I'll be doing that, but you never know.

Jeff
Newbury, Ma

[Pitou]

Yes, I still have to get my butt down to Causeway Street to pay the 5% tax. It sounds like alot of you guys have decided to document even if you are required to register in your State. What is the benifit. It sounds like if you travel to foriegn ports it has its advantages, I don't think I'll be doing that, but you never know.

Jeff
Newbury, Ma

I believe you want to go to the DOR Sales Tax Office in the Saltonstall Building to pay the tax.

The Doc gives you the best clear chain of Title and is required by most lenders as well.

[chiefrcd]

My lending institution required mine to be documented as well. Also I sold a UTB 41 Coast Guard Boat that I had purchased at auction and since it was never titled, nor were there any hull ID numbers, it was quite a ordeal to establish a line of ownership. Documentation was part of that process. I used the CG ID numbers and they were accepted along with a bill of sale from the agency I purchased it from.

I might be wrong on the annual fee. I know in July I have to send in the form but I could have sworn that there was a fee attached....maybe not.
Another plus for documentation is that if your boat is ever stolen, the numbers should be permanently affixed to the hull, mine are fiberglassed into the hull near the water tank. Stick on numbers would be pretty easy to remove.

[Mariner]

We are also documented. In Washington, you still have to pay the annual state registration fee, but you are not issured a "WN" number, and you do not have to display anything other than the state sticker, and the name of the boat as required under documentation. To me, the main advantage of documenting a vessel is avoiding the unsightly numbers. Also, if you're documented, the Coast Guard has your vessels information on hand in the event that you ever need to call for help. I don't know if they access that information or not, but I'd imagine they do.

[RobS]

My boat was bought from RI and was not a documented vessel. I had it documented at time of purchase and used these folks - the service was excellent.

http://www.boatdoc.com/home.htm

[jcollins]

My boat was bought from RI and was not a documented vessel. I had it documented at time of purchase and used these folks - the service was excellent.

http://www.boatdoc.com/home.htm

Rob,
Just curious. What did the service cost? Do you remember?

[RobS]

Rob,
Just curious. What did the service cost? Do you remember?

It was about $80,000, but they threw in the boat for free

[jcollins]

Rob,
Just curious. What did the service cost? Do you remember?

It was about $80,000, but they threw in the boat for free

Good Deal!

[RobS]

I have the paperwork in the office, I'll check it in the morning.

[Russell]

I paid for a service in the past but the new forms on the documentation web site are so easy I did my last two boats myself. If you are transferring an already documented boat it is very simple.

[RobS]

I paid $250 to New England Marine Documentation, which was the charge for a Boat never before documented. I also paid $157 to the USCG which included $133 for a First Application and $24 for Bill of Sale.