Pros/Cons, Document or Register a New Boat?

[sigbear]

I just bought a new Catalina 309 (1st sailboat) and was asked if I wanted to register or document the boat with the CG, what are the pro's/cons of ea.

From what I understand when you document with the CG and move to another state it's easier, which is more expensive?, what's your take on this issue?

Thank you,

Sigbear

 

[novelman17130]

Sigbear,
When I purchased my new Catalina 30 in 1984 the lender required that it be documented. The only problems I had was that without CF numbers showing I was stoped by the Coast Guard to ask for my documentation. I understsnd that it is easier to take the boat out of the US if documented. Also I may have had to pay an annual fee verses a sticker fee.
novelman

 

[Steve Dion]

More expensive to document a boat to begin with. It will cost about $140 to do it yourself. YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY SOMEONE TO DO IT.

After the initial cost the year-to-year cost with the CG reg. is free. You may or may not need to pay for state tags/registration in your state (they are all different).

I would pay for the CG registration if it were me.

 

[rpwillia]

Document

The service out of the USCG service center is outstanding. Try to get someone in your state with questions on your boat registration. All of the documentation you need is there on the web and if you have a question they provide an answer via email or a phone call.

 

[higgs]

My present boat is documented, but I had to register it in WI. when I moved to NY state, I had to register it there, as well and prove I had paid sales tax in WI. My other boats were not documented. I don't really see an advantage either way.

 

[Roger Long]

I don't really see an advantage either way.

No ugly numbers on the bow. Some state laws say you have to put the state numbers on a documented vessel but it's a violation of the federal law and you can point them to it. You may have to put a decal on to show that tax has been paid but it's smaller.

Documentation is much more important if you go foreign. There are a few countries that won't let you in with just state registration.

It's just cool.

 

[RichH]

Documentation shows 'clear' title to a boat. It can mean that if the 'sequence' of ownership cannot be in doubt and that there are no encumbrances nor outstanding liens on the boat, which 'can' be a problem with state only registered boats.

Many foreign countries (typically 'french' possessions or former colonies, etc.) REQUIRE federal documentation to enter their ports, etc. and apply stiff fines if you dont have such.

If you only sail inland lakes, etc. federal documentation would probably be a BIG waste of money.