Has anyone ever successfully documented a Hunter 25? By my understanding the '5-ton' requirement is achievable in that the USCG always considers a vessel as able to be loaded to within a fraction of an inch of being swamped, in calm weather (it's a theoretical thing). The H25 displaces between 3800 and 4400 to the waterline; but it'd be a whole lot more if it were totally immersed. Someone in this boards did say once he had done the paperwork and found it would do; but I tried sweeping the archives and didn't find any posts to that effect.
Many say that documentation isn't worth the bother, even if your boat meets the requirements. Given that Florida and other places will attach a fee/fine for 'out-of-state' boats 'visiting' their waters, it makes sense to have non-state registration to circumvent this (a state may not 'tax' or 'fine' a federally-registered vessel. Not saying they won't tell you otherwise). Also many places in the Caribbean, the Bahamas as well, will treat you differently with state registration (which they don't have easy means to check up on) and with USCG documentation (which they tend to trust from the start, because it represents US responsibility for the boat's legality).
I'll be eager to hear from anyone with authoritative info on this. Thanks.
Many say that documentation isn't worth the bother, even if your boat meets the requirements. Given that Florida and other places will attach a fee/fine for 'out-of-state' boats 'visiting' their waters, it makes sense to have non-state registration to circumvent this (a state may not 'tax' or 'fine' a federally-registered vessel. Not saying they won't tell you otherwise). Also many places in the Caribbean, the Bahamas as well, will treat you differently with state registration (which they don't have easy means to check up on) and with USCG documentation (which they tend to trust from the start, because it represents US responsibility for the boat's legality).
I'll be eager to hear from anyone with authoritative info on this. Thanks.