Documentation

[efishnsea]

I noticed that many Albins seem to be documented, at least the ones I looked at. Could somebody explain this? Thanks Bob

[jcollins]

I noticed that many Albins seem to be documented, at least the ones I looked at. Could somebody explain this? Thanks Bob

I found this with a Google search. It has also been discussed around here. Many folks do it so they don't have to put numbers on the hull.


Vessel documentation is the Federal registration of commercial and recreational vessels with the United States Coast Guard and it is only available to United States citizens.

Documentation establishes an Internationally recognized Maritime Title.
Acts as the vessel's passport in foreign waters and assists in customs clearance.
Allows you to operate your vessel on any waterway in the United States without going through each State's registration process.
Establishes an official basis for vessel identification.
The Coast Guard maintains a history of ownership, mortgages, claims and liens, thus an Abstract of Title can be furnished upon request. This is especially important at the time of purchase.
Most lenders require that the vessel be Federally Documented. This allows the lender to perfect a security interest, called a First Preferred Ship Mortgage, in the vessel that they are making a loan on.

[efishnsea]

Mostly what I was referring to was the fact that Albins seem to be documented more than other brands. I was wondering if it was pushed by dealers or is it just an Albin attitude.

[Pitou]

Mostly what I was referring to was the fact that Albins seem to be documented more than other brands. I was wondering if it was pushed by dealers or is it just an Albin attitude.

For me ... required by my lender at the time of purchase ... one side benefit to me is that my state does not require state registration if a vessel is documented. Documentation is a one time cost and I believe Mass. is $ 80 every 2 years which I get banged for on my tender. At that rate, so far, I've saved $ 320.00. not bad for living in an otherwise thieving taxing state.

[loubennett]

While it's not a reason to document or not, I would caution anyone who thinks it is a way to avoid state taxes. Laws vary from state to state, but here in Maryland you are still liable for the state excise tax of 5% on the purchase price of the boat. In addition to the federal documentation, you are required to display a state sticker that shows you have paid the tax. If you spend significant time cruising different states you may be subject to their tax regulations, depending on the length of time spent in the state.

[Pitou]

[

While it's not a reason to document or not, I would caution anyone who thinks it is a way to avoid state taxes. Laws vary from state to state, but here in Maryland you are still liable for the state excise tax of 5% on the purchase price of the boat. In addition to the federal documentation, you are required to display a state sticker that shows you have paid the tax. If you spend significant time cruising different states you may be subject to their tax regulations, depending on the length of time spent in the state.

As well, no avoidance of the 6.25% state sales tax here in Massachusetts for documented vessels and the penalties and interest charged are fierce if you get caught dodging. I got slapped on a previous boat purchase for not complying with state law of paying sales tax within 30 days of purchase. I purchased in November and went to register in May and learned this when I got hit with a $100.00 penalty and 14.25% interest on the unpaid tax ... bst'ds! If I had only known

[RobS]

I am documented. In NYS needed to pay sales tax upon initial registration and need to be registered just the same as if I were not documented. Just don't need to displays numbers or sticker. My main reason was - as cut/pasted from above -
The Coast Guard maintains a history of ownership, mortgages, claims and liens, thus an Abstract of Title can be furnished upon request. This is especially important at the time of purchase.

[DougSea]

I am documented. In NYS needed to pay sales tax upon initial registration and need to be registered just the same as if I were not documented. Just don't need to displays numbers or sticker. My main reason was - as cut/pasted from above -
The Coast Guard maintains a history of ownership, mortgages, claims and liens, thus an Abstract of Title can be furnished upon request. This is especially important at the time of purchase.

Same here in Connecticut, I still have to "register" and display an annual sticker.

As to the original question of "why do I see more Albin's documented" I'd say it may be driven by price. In the range of 28' boats I'm guessing Albin's are higher up the scale. Higher prices imply more are financed than bought for cash and with a documented vessel the lender is better protected.

My boat was financed and my bank required me to document her.