I haven't decided wheither to document my new boat - can't get my arms around the advantage Vs. any disadvantage. But if I do document, is there some mysterious reason not to just do it myself? BoatUS wil do it for about $375 - I think the Coast Guard only charges about $125 and I have read that that fee is going to be reduced. So, there must be a reason BoatUS and others can charge what they do - how hard is it to do? Thanks for input. Ed
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Doc
We have done two ourselves by downloading the doc forms from the CG doc site at Falling Waters. No problems just paperwork.
We have done two ourselves by downloading the doc forms from the CG doc site at Falling Waters. No problems just paperwork.
Not hard
I just did it and the total cost was around $300 but I can't recall if that included the registration tax here in RI which documentation does not replace. Most people do it as a matter of necessity in order to finance a loan, however, if you want to venture outside the good-old USA, it is essential. Now, if I can only get my state to refund the 2 year registration fee after we head south (read - fat chance...) in 6 month. Don Illusion
I just did it and the total cost was around $300 but I can't recall if that included the registration tax here in RI which documentation does not replace. Most people do it as a matter of necessity in order to finance a loan, however, if you want to venture outside the good-old USA, it is essential. Now, if I can only get my state to refund the 2 year registration fee after we head south (read - fat chance...) in 6 month. Don Illusion
documentation
We documented ours last year. The boat was previously documented. Unfortunately they had a mortgage on it (one of the primary reasons to document). Anyway it took a while before we finally got a clear title to it from there mortgage co etc.. etc.... To make a long story short.. make sure you read all the instructions and have your paper/forms right. Keep records of who you talk to at Falling Waters in case you have to call back (they will give you a status of your application). They were very helpful whenever I called. I would do it again. Another disadvantage is if you want to change the name of the vessel.. this cost additional. There are quite a few forms on the website... so get the right ones. Good luck it's not difficult
We documented ours last year. The boat was previously documented. Unfortunately they had a mortgage on it (one of the primary reasons to document). Anyway it took a while before we finally got a clear title to it from there mortgage co etc.. etc.... To make a long story short.. make sure you read all the instructions and have your paper/forms right. Keep records of who you talk to at Falling Waters in case you have to call back (they will give you a status of your application). They were very helpful whenever I called. I would do it again. Another disadvantage is if you want to change the name of the vessel.. this cost additional. There are quite a few forms on the website... so get the right ones. Good luck it's not difficult
Documention 1-2-3
I used Boat/US and my contact was Judy Grovener who can still be reached through her Michigan number even tho she's in Virginia now. Her number is 703.941.3136. My cost was $410 including a name change and it took 6 weeks and was done right the first time. If you make the smallest mistake on your USCG forms or leave something blank by accident, the USCG will send the paperwork back for you to make the corrections and the approval process starts all over again. I think letting someone do it who does it all the time and knows the in's and out's is the best way. It was worth it to me.
I used Boat/US and my contact was Judy Grovener who can still be reached through her Michigan number even tho she's in Virginia now. Her number is 703.941.3136. My cost was $410 including a name change and it took 6 weeks and was done right the first time. If you make the smallest mistake on your USCG forms or leave something blank by accident, the USCG will send the paperwork back for you to make the corrections and the approval process starts all over again. I think letting someone do it who does it all the time and knows the in's and out's is the best way. It was worth it to me.
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