Need help on Federal Documentation for JAVA/Jim Seamans

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Earlier this year we lost a good friend, Jim Seamans. His Hunter 36 went back into the water yesterday all spiffed up and ready to sail and is for sale. His wife asked me a few questions and this is where I need advice.
Federal Documentation is up to date but with both named on it. Should Joan send in a new application for documentation so that it is only in her name as I am not sure if it would create any issues when she tries to sell the boat.
In addition, it was first registered in Maryland with DNR and there was a title but missing. Although the boat is federal registered, would it be best that she obtain another title in her name only as the old registration is no good?
What would be the procedure or could you give me a name and phone number whom to call to find out. Many thanks and I salute all past and present Military on Memorial Day. God Bless you all.

Dave Condon

 

[Ken Cross]

I would think getting her name only in the documentation and a title with her only would make a sale much easier. When we purchased out boat the owners were in California and there was also a loan on the boat, We paid cash but we didn't actually get the title for over 8 months by the time the loan was cleared and all the federal and state hoops jumped through.
Ken

 

[woodster]

register it in her name only with a letter explaining the change in name and how that came to be..... along with a copy of the death certificate

 

[jssailem]

Not sure about your "title" reference. Titles are issued by states and applicable to the state of the owner. A documented boat is registered (titled) by the US Government (through the US Coast Guard). So a state title is not relevant. What states do is issue you a permit to use the boat in their waters - and collect a fee.
Yes. Send a letter indicating a change to the ownership, stating the death. You will need to name the spouse as the "Managing Owner" when requesting a new certificate.

• Ownership changes require that the Certificate be exchanged and accompanied by an Application (CG-1258), fees and other submissions to support the changes.

I have called the USCG National Vessel Documentation office a couple of times. They are helpful and responsive. Toll Free: (800) 799-8362

 

[Ken Cross]

Not sure about your "title" reference. Titles are issued by states and applicable to the state of the owner. A documented boat is registered (titled) by the US Government (through the US Coast Guard). So a state title is not relevant. What states do is issue you a permit to use the boat in their waters - and collect a fee.

Yep, but we removed the USCG documentation because it isn't really needed where we sail. The state wouldn't issue a title until the feds were out of it. We went through a marine title company and they abruptly went out of business (but kept the fees paid in advance) while we were in limbo. Then once documentation was cleared the state put a hold on our title because the request was made before the USCG was finished. This was also complicated by the loan company (Sellers had a loan) messing up the USCG paperwork. That's why I say get your ducks in line as early as you can. We have a title now.

Ken

 

[smokey73]

Just to let you know, I had to apply for a "redocumentation" due to missing my renew deadline. The USCG documentation center was very helpful, when there was a glitch in my Credit Card authorization, even called me to clear it up rather than return it and start all over again. They did tell me the have about a 6 week backlog on completing the documentation. That was 0 changes in the original documentation. I'm not sure how long it would be if its more complicated. Just don't count on it being very quick.

 

[Calif. Ted]

Dave, The documentation should list both Jim and his wife as owners with one designated as "Managing Partner" responsible for renewal etc., she should be able to change the doc so she is "managing partner". You'll get a machine when you call the Doc center but my calls have always been returned promptly (and by at least a Lt. jg). California is an "either/or state" so there would be no state title on a documented vessel even if one had existed prior, Some states require registration even on documented vessels.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I appreciate all your help and thank you very much from me. I will pass the information onto Joan Seamans. I know if Jim were around he too would thank you. God Bless

 

[Gunni]

Dave; I suggest you contact an experienced Maryland boat broker to get this right. Due to tax liabilities Miss Joan should keep this boat registered in Maryland even as it is Federally Documented. I believe the process will be to have Jim's executor process the Maryland paperwork to show him as deceased and the revised Maryland registration will be provided to the USCG to modify the ship's Documentation. Annapolis Yacht Documentation should also be able to explain the process: http://www.aydserv.com

 

[sailorskier]

We just sold our boat in Maryland and it was documented and had a Maryland title. We had to present both in the paperwork transaction.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Again thank you all. The boat is in Md although the mailing home address is VA. I am not sure if there are any annual personal property taxes but I think not as the boat was kept in Md. for that reason with sales tax oringally paid in MD>
I will instruct Joan to contact and the suggestion if not a managing partner and if required to go ahead and put that in her name only. Again thank you all and this week remember our Veterans. Now the PGA wants to go to Mexico??????