Documenting an FP Bahia 46

[FourAtSea]

Hello,

We just purchased a Bahia 46 and want to Document it with the USCG. We have been instructed by the USCG to use the Simplified Method which requires us to fill out Form No. 5397 which is used for determining the vessel dimensions and tonnage.

In order to be consistent with what other Bahia owners have done, What are the 'B=' and 'D=' values used? L=46 ft. of course.

What is the Gross tonnage and the NET tonnage assigned by the USCG?

We are familiar with the vessel's empty displacement and maximum loading values, but these are different than Gross tons and Net tons.

Your input/help is appreciated. Thanks,

Jack

[Cotemar]

This may help a little bit.

[FourAtSea]

Thanks Marc,

I have the USCG diagram. What I need are the values for 'B1' and 'D' according to your diagram. More importantly what I am looking for is the result of the USCG calculation which determines the Gross tons and the Net tons of the vessel. If anybody has a USCG Documentation Certificate for a Bahia 46, it should be easy to find.

Happy to have joined the FP sailing group.

Jack

[Cotemar]

Those measurements would be listed on the original Builders Certification cg1261 form.

You can get measurement “B” which is the pontoon beam, if you are on the boat by measuring inside the hull at the ceiling level if you’re standing at the bottom of the stairs.

You can get measurement “D” if you are on the boat by measuring the freeboard from the toe rail to the water and then add the draft of 4’ 2” (1.3 m)

[FourAtSea]

FYI, I just got the info from another Bahia owner.

Gross tons = 34
Net tons = 31

Depth = D= 6.3

B = in this case= breath of one hull (widest point) = ?????? help!

[DotDun]

Looked for one for sale on Yachtworld that's US documented

Searched for it in the USCG db

Assuming your HIN is FPA11xxxxxx, this is what they registered.

[FourAtSea]

Marc,

Boy you are quick. While I was typing the above post you had already posted a second reply. Thanks for that. I am not at the boat but we should get there Sat.

[Vasco]

Gross and nett tons are not measurements of weight. They are measurements of volume with 100 cubic ft. = one ton. In most jurisdictions this must be done by a tonnage surveyor who is recognized by that jurisdiction.

[Sand crab]

I don't think the US Coast Guard cares about accuracy for little boats. Just do your best when filling out the form. Hiring a tonnage surveyor would be a waste of money.
Wasn't there a thread about what an expensive PIA it was to get this done for a Canadian boat?

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by Sand crab

I don't think the US Coast Guard cares about accuracy for little boats. Just do your best when filling out the form.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

Look at five Coast Guard forms side by side and you can see that they are off by a few inches here or there.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by Sand crab

I don't think the US Coast Guard cares about accuracy for little boats. Just do your best when filling out the form. Hiring a tonnage surveyor would be a waste of money.
Wasn't there a thread about what an expensive PIA it was to get this done for a Canadian boat?

When I registered my first two Canadian boats (30' &36') they required tonnage surveys which did take time and were not cheap for the work involved. There's a list of approved surveyors so they've got you. Then they changed the rules and 12 meters and under do not require tonnage surveys. If I remember right it's just some sort of formula. Much easier. Oh yes, they wanted photos too.

[Sand crab]

Sometimes I think the US has too many regs and then I realize that the canucks may have it worse.