I have a new 42 foot boat. Am about to document it as well as register it in RI as I sail in several states, but was a RI native as a youth. I do know tthe rules and don't stay in CT, NY or anywhere else for the time that requires me to register there. In fact the boat is only in the water less than three months a year. Live in GA now, just sail in the Northeast (I have no permenate dockage), I am about to document but want to understand if there is any reason not to do this? Any down sides? I don't have to document as the boat is paid for, but it seems that most do document so it must be the "right thing to do"? (or not?) Thanks for any input. Ed
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Lenders often require it
I believe that the reason most people document a boat is because most banks and mortgage companies require it. Since I am not a US citizen (which is required for documentation) I have had problems with this each time I bought a boat. As I understand it, RI is now a "title" state which gets around the problem if the boat is registered there. Did you know that there is no sales tax on a boat delivered to, kept, and registered in RI? Derek
I believe that the reason most people document a boat is because most banks and mortgage companies require it. Since I am not a US citizen (which is required for documentation) I have had problems with this each time I bought a boat. As I understand it, RI is now a "title" state which gets around the problem if the boat is registered there. Did you know that there is no sales tax on a boat delivered to, kept, and registered in RI? Derek
mostly the cost
I recently doumented as required by my lender, also registering in RI. I think it offers some security, and at least in title states, eliminates the need for a title. But you do have to mark the vessel in a permanent way (ie engraving), on an interior, readily seen structural part of the vessel, in 3" high numbers. I'm still trying to choose a place and tools to do this without harming the appearance!
I recently doumented as required by my lender, also registering in RI. I think it offers some security, and at least in title states, eliminates the need for a title. But you do have to mark the vessel in a permanent way (ie engraving), on an interior, readily seen structural part of the vessel, in 3" high numbers. I'm still trying to choose a place and tools to do this without harming the appearance!
Place to document
Don; I have a documented 30' Catalina (OUIJA) sailing out of Golden Isles St. Simons Isl Ga. I had the same problem early on i.e., were to place document numbers. Solved, at least to my satisfaction. Had numbers ingraved into wood, varnished and screwed into top of electrical panel frame. Easily seen, replaced, removed if needed. Coast Guard can see, read, etc as needed. Don't know if this is legal, but has been there 10 years and does not affect panel in any way, looks good as well. Happy sailing Jim Richardson, OUIJA
Don; I have a documented 30' Catalina (OUIJA) sailing out of Golden Isles St. Simons Isl Ga. I had the same problem early on i.e., were to place document numbers. Solved, at least to my satisfaction. Had numbers ingraved into wood, varnished and screwed into top of electrical panel frame. Easily seen, replaced, removed if needed. Coast Guard can see, read, etc as needed. Don't know if this is legal, but has been there 10 years and does not affect panel in any way, looks good as well. Happy sailing Jim Richardson, OUIJA
Removable = NOT Legal
Jim - your documentation letters are mounted on a screwed on panel which you note is "removable" ? Definitely NOT in compliance. (paraphrasing) The numbers must be PERMANENTLY mounted in such a manner so that their removal would be obvious and/or cause damage to the structure. Many people say that they use "stick on" numbers of the appropriate size, stuck to the inside of the hull somewhere, and then covered with clear epoxy. Removing numbers attached like this would most certainly leave visible scars on the hull surface. I wonder some about the requirement for them to be "visible" - I don't think they mean visible by sticking your head down the companionway. I think it is perfectly acceptable that they be visible by opening a hatch, etc. In fact, most boats have no "Primary structure" (actual hull) visibile from the normal "interior" of the boat anyway - thinks like liners get in the way. A boat broker recommended that they be place in two locations - one that met the requirement to be visibile (easily seen by opening a hatch) and at another location which might be a lot harder to see, but that could serve as an additional means of identification of the boat is stolen.
Jim - your documentation letters are mounted on a screwed on panel which you note is "removable" ? Definitely NOT in compliance. (paraphrasing) The numbers must be PERMANENTLY mounted in such a manner so that their removal would be obvious and/or cause damage to the structure. Many people say that they use "stick on" numbers of the appropriate size, stuck to the inside of the hull somewhere, and then covered with clear epoxy. Removing numbers attached like this would most certainly leave visible scars on the hull surface. I wonder some about the requirement for them to be "visible" - I don't think they mean visible by sticking your head down the companionway. I think it is perfectly acceptable that they be visible by opening a hatch, etc. In fact, most boats have no "Primary structure" (actual hull) visibile from the normal "interior" of the boat anyway - thinks like liners get in the way. A boat broker recommended that they be place in two locations - one that met the requirement to be visibile (easily seen by opening a hatch) and at another location which might be a lot harder to see, but that could serve as an additional means of identification of the boat is stolen.
Cost??? It's only about $80 if you do it yourself
If there's no mortgage on the boat, and you never leave US waters, there's no real reason to document. But if you cruise out the country, documenting isn't required, but highly recommended because its indisputable proof that the boat is owned by US citizen, which has been known to come in very handy for some owners. As for where to put the numbers...they don't have to be in plain view, only visable in an easily accessible location. Mine were in the chain locker, burned into the hull with a etching tool..easily visible just by opening the cabin access to the locker and looking in.
If there's no mortgage on the boat, and you never leave US waters, there's no real reason to document. But if you cruise out the country, documenting isn't required, but highly recommended because its indisputable proof that the boat is owned by US citizen, which has been known to come in very handy for some owners. As for where to put the numbers...they don't have to be in plain view, only visable in an easily accessible location. Mine were in the chain locker, burned into the hull with a etching tool..easily visible just by opening the cabin access to the locker and looking in.
Remember this about documentation
Remember this about documentation and adhering numbers. Once a boat is documented, that number stays with the boat for its life. So if you adhere the numbers somewhere, it MUST be permanent. So don't worry about marring the finish in the future. Make it permanent and clean and you will be OK. Mine atr stick numbers and poly/varnished over onto the outer hull and easily accessible. They are under the vanity in the forward berth compartment. A note about RI taxes (a clarification). Derek - I think you mentioned a boat delivered (as in brought) to RI is exempt from state sales tax. My understanding is that the boat must be purchased IN RI through a RI dealer/broker. This was done to spur the boating industry during the lean years of the so-called "luxury tax". Also RI requires a "documentation registration" for a boat that's documented. This is a biannual fee in order for the state to get "registration" fees for documented vessels. If you don't have a sticker, they will find you.
Remember this about documentation and adhering numbers. Once a boat is documented, that number stays with the boat for its life. So if you adhere the numbers somewhere, it MUST be permanent. So don't worry about marring the finish in the future. Make it permanent and clean and you will be OK. Mine atr stick numbers and poly/varnished over onto the outer hull and easily accessible. They are under the vanity in the forward berth compartment. A note about RI taxes (a clarification). Derek - I think you mentioned a boat delivered (as in brought) to RI is exempt from state sales tax. My understanding is that the boat must be purchased IN RI through a RI dealer/broker. This was done to spur the boating industry during the lean years of the so-called "luxury tax". Also RI requires a "documentation registration" for a boat that's documented. This is a biannual fee in order for the state to get "registration" fees for documented vessels. If you don't have a sticker, they will find you.
Information...
Fees: not $80., more like $133.00 for initial. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/vdoc/fees2.htm FAQ: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/vdoc/faq.htm#01
Fees: not $80., more like $133.00 for initial. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/vdoc/fees2.htm FAQ: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/vdoc/faq.htm#01
Hey Peggy
The link to your book is in every message you post - is this intentional? I keep clicking on it thinking its related to what you're writing.
The link to your book is in every message you post - is this intentional? I keep clicking on it thinking its related to what you're writing.
Of course it's intentional! 
What's more it is related to almost everything I write...anything that has to do with plumbing, anyway. Better keep checking it anyway...'cuz the next time it might be a link to something else. Btw...have you ordered your copy yet?
What's more it is related to almost everything I write...anything that has to do with plumbing, anyway. Better keep checking it anyway...'cuz the next time it might be a link to something else. Btw...have you ordered your copy yet?
Best reason to document ...
is that you don't have to stick those ugly state ID numbers on your bow. Florida and RI for sure ... but you still have to have a state sticker either on the bow or somewhere else. Peggy I think you have to pay to renew documentation ... When you don't do it on time ... Vic
is that you don't have to stick those ugly state ID numbers on your bow. Florida and RI for sure ... but you still have to have a state sticker either on the bow or somewhere else. Peggy I think you have to pay to renew documentation ... When you don't do it on time ... Vic
Ditto, Peggy...
I did my own docs. Cost me a whopping $80.00! And NO...the numbers do NOT have to be out in the open. Mine are in the cockpit locker. Vic...I couldn't agree with you more. Bow numbers are ugly. I have my state decal plainly visible at the base of the mast and no bow numbers. Cheers, Bob
I did my own docs. Cost me a whopping $80.00! And NO...the numbers do NOT have to be out in the open. Mine are in the cockpit locker. Vic...I couldn't agree with you more. Bow numbers are ugly. I have my state decal plainly visible at the base of the mast and no bow numbers. Cheers, Bob
Did mine today.
I just did mine today. The cost now is $133.00. We have owned the boat since it was new. We are sending a 'copy' of the "pink slip" (aka: certificate of ownership) along with two forms CG-1258 (application for inital issue...) and CG-5397 (application for simplified measurement). The application states that MOST vessels more than 25 feet in length will measure five net tons or more. You need the LOA, Bredth (beam) and Depth. You just key in the numbers that they system calcs your Gross and Net tonnage. You also must be a Citizen of the USA. There are other charges if you have a mortage on the boat and some other chargable options. The fellow on the phone said that the application usually take 6 weeks to process. If you want to look at the USCG site you can see it at http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/vdoc/nvdc.htm
I just did mine today. The cost now is $133.00. We have owned the boat since it was new. We are sending a 'copy' of the "pink slip" (aka: certificate of ownership) along with two forms CG-1258 (application for inital issue...) and CG-5397 (application for simplified measurement). The application states that MOST vessels more than 25 feet in length will measure five net tons or more. You need the LOA, Bredth (beam) and Depth. You just key in the numbers that they system calcs your Gross and Net tonnage. You also must be a Citizen of the USA. There are other charges if you have a mortage on the boat and some other chargable options. The fellow on the phone said that the application usually take 6 weeks to process. If you want to look at the USCG site you can see it at http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/vdoc/nvdc.htm
Documentation required for international travel
Plan to go to Bermuda or the Bahamas? You will need US not state documentation. The cost (90 or 100 dollars - one time fee) as compared to the price of the boat should not be an issue. There is a yearly cost if you want to put your boat in the charter trade, and I think you need to get it inspected yearly as well.
Plan to go to Bermuda or the Bahamas? You will need US not state documentation. The cost (90 or 100 dollars - one time fee) as compared to the price of the boat should not be an issue. There is a yearly cost if you want to put your boat in the charter trade, and I think you need to get it inspected yearly as well.
Isn't Mexico "International"?
Maybe for Bermuda, but our boat has been in Mexico for 5 years without documentation, just the CA state registration. Many west coast cruisers travel down Central America and through the Canal with state registration only (stopping, of course at other foreign ports). Another problem is net tonnage as indicated by previous writers: anchoring fees, port fees, etc. are based upon these figures. State registration lets you state tonnage (more reasonable). The best argument is that the registration decals on the bow are ugly, but I believe each country has their own policy and a cruiser should be informed about their own cruising grounds and relative requirements.
Maybe for Bermuda, but our boat has been in Mexico for 5 years without documentation, just the CA state registration. Many west coast cruisers travel down Central America and through the Canal with state registration only (stopping, of course at other foreign ports). Another problem is net tonnage as indicated by previous writers: anchoring fees, port fees, etc. are based upon these figures. State registration lets you state tonnage (more reasonable). The best argument is that the registration decals on the bow are ugly, but I believe each country has their own policy and a cruiser should be informed about their own cruising grounds and relative requirements.
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