The Numbers Game

[Ralph Johnstone]

Just spent two weeks languishing in as well as looking for wind in Desolation Sound. We never do find any wind but the scenery and warm water more than make up for it.

While prowling one of several docks in marinas, it occurred to us that several boats from our neighbours to the south were not showing Washington state registration numbers on their bows (up here we call them vessel license numbers). Actually, the more we looked, the more boats we saw without numbers. This included old boats, new boats, big boats, small boats, pristeen boats, beater boats, rag hangers and stinkpots as well. All in all, we estimated that probably half of the boats we saw were not showing registration numbers.

According to the Washington State Department of Licensing, it would appear that our neighbour's requirements are the same as ours here in Canada for displaying identifying numbers. I would doubt that all these boats without numbers are documented vessels due to the cost, effort and the fact you may not get the name you want for your vessel.

Any thoughts as to what's behind this and do you see the same thing in your area ? Is it legit or otherwise ?

 

[kloudie1]

When a US boat is documented with the US Coast Guard, the state number should not be displayed. There should be a state sticker (in those states requiring it, not all do) showing the expiration date for the registration, but the rules of US documentation state that the state number is not to be displayed. Here in Louisiana, state registration of documented vessels was not required until 2008. MAny boats have not complied yet.