Newby question about official documents

[McZube]

Just bought our first boat and will be using it on the Chesapeake Bay. What documents are required to be kept on board? Do any of them have to be originals, or will copies suffice?

Thanks.

I should mention that this is not a documented vessel.

 

[BJSSailing]

Check your state's regulation, probably just the current registration.

 

[whatfiero]

official documents

Just federally document the boat it's an easy process and not having those ugly numbers on the front of the boat sure are nice http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/ http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/

 

[Alex Dare]

If the boat is not documented and just MD titled, the boat numbers need to be displayed along with current MD registration stickers.
When you receive your MD stickers there will be included instructions on placement. If in doubt check the MD DNR web site.

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/registration/

Keep the registration card from DNR on-board. I'm pretty sure the title can stay safe at home.

 

[McZube]

That's easy enough. What about proof of insurance?

 

[Dan Johnson]

McZ...

Don't think in Maryland that insurance proof is required like a car, but wouldn't hurt to have a copy aboard. Except for the registration card, any boat document I keep aboard is a copy, not the original (manuals excluded).

 

[Benny17441]

Current registration, insurance card and USCG placards. Personal ID would not hurt.

 

[Sailm8]

Credit card, towing insurance and a lot of cash. As a new boat owner you will soon find out. LOL

 

[Alex Dare]

As far as I know, MD has never required any proof of insurance for recreational boats.