How to Document a Boat

[cantxsailor]

I would like to document my boat so I can one day maybe go sailing to........?

Because my boat is small, 25ft, I don't seem to be able to find the forms to do it. Is there some sort of work around for this? An excemption of some sort? I would hate to get to some far flung spot only to have some enterprizing person decide since my boat isn't US documented that I have to pay some sort of import tax.

Please point me to specific web sites if you can so I can get this small detail taken care of if possible. Thanks......m

[Hud3]

Your boat must be greater than 5 net tons to qualify for USCG documentation. "Net tons" is a measure of volume, not weight. You need to go through a measurement and calculation process to come up with the net tons for your specific boat. The instructions for doing this are on the USCG Documentation website.

[cantxsailor]

It seems my boat is a little to small using their calulations. I have heard of an exception to this rule of some sort that allows a smaller boat to be documented for proof of ownership offshore. If a Texas Title was acceptable I wouldn't even think of going through more paperwork.........m

[colo.sail]

debating the same issue - boat smaller than the 5 net tons required for documentation.
BUT, since it's owner-built, I can fudge one of the numbers on the calculation sheet and submit. Does USCG ever check your math? I too would prefer documentation vs. state registration for international travel plans.

And I haven't found the exception process anywhere online.

[zeehag]

i believe is under 30 ft and under 5 tons no documentation.

[tropicalescape]

Originally Posted by zeehag

i believe is under 30 ft and under 5 tons no documentation.

I agree with you..DVC...went back and read the requriments..I dont agree it is 25 ft or more...

[colo.sail]

Originally Posted by zeehag

i believe is under 30 ft and under 5 tons no documentation.

well, technically, that is not correct. If I added a simple inch to the true length, width and height of my 22+ foot boat, the calculations come out with an answer of 5 net tons and qualify for documentation. Which is why I was asking, do they ever really measure and check your math????

[Curmudgeon]

Yes, the net tons calculation is mystical and no one understands it, not even the Coast Guard. The short answer is Form CG-1258.