Name and Port of Call Lettering Location

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Barbara

We are in the process of purchasing a new C350 and have a couple of questions about where to put the boat name and port of call. First, the boat is being documented and the official requirement is that the name and port of call be located "together". We've seen a lot of new (documented) boats put the name of the boat on the side of the hull and the port of call on the transom. Does anyone know if this meets the Coast Guard requirement? Or is that part of the requirement not strictly enforced? Second, where did you put your name and port of call? On the walk through transom boats, there's not much room on the transom for lettering. Has anyone had success with putting both the name and port of call on the transom without it looking too "busy"? Our boat name "Freedom" and port of call "Melbourne, FL" are not too long, but we're not sure if they would fit properly "together" on the transom. Thanks!
 
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RonD

Documenting

The attached web link is to the Catalina 320 Intl. Association photo gallery. The picture gives two examples of legal ways of marking the boat name and hailing port on recreational vessels. My boat has the name on the stern quarter, with the hail port on the transom (what there is of it!). The other boat has it all on the stern. For first-hand information the USCG Documentation weblink is: http://psix.uscg.mil/PSIX2/psixfaq.asp Note on that page there are links to documentation info, forms, and a handy vessel name search tool. In the US, there can be many vessels with the same name (& even name/hailing port combo), so if you want to be unique try out the various selections. I did all the paperwork to document my new C320. It was quite easy. About half the paperwork was writing the two checks. --Ron
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,078
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Documenting

What are the advantages of documenting vs. regular registration with a state Dept. of Motor Vehicles?
 
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RonD

A matter of choice

Federal documentation has some advantages regarding maintaining a clear title, and for foreign port clearances, though state registration will be adequate in most cases as well. The USCG maintains a history of "incidents" regarding documented vessels, so if you're buying one you can check and see if it's been used by drug runners or involved in an accident. Federal documentation is more portable if you move from one state to another. You do need to file an amendment if your principle home-port changes, however. Federal documentation will not relieve you of responsibility for payment of local & state sales/use taxes or fees. --Ron
 
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