Should we hire a documentation specialist??

[arroway]

Pending the upcoming survey, we are purchasing a federally documented boat. An acquaintance at our marina suggested hiring a documentation specialist to do title search, check for liens, etc..

However, when googling around the net, it appears I can do this myself by going out the coast guard site?

Is it possible a lien could be on this boat without it showing up in the coast guard database query?

Just wondering if I can manage this on my own or would it really be best to pay someone else ($800 I think?) to manage that...

Thanks!

[capt-couillon]

For a recreational vessel with no outstanding ships mortgages or other liens filed with the USCG doc center it is a simple procedure to transfer ownership. All the requirements and paperwork are on line. Check twice as processing fee is non refundable. No lien checks from sources other than ships mortgage. (eg: mooring or slip fees outstanding) but these are not gonna show up without a check of the local courthouse anyway.

If documentation is up to date, go for it and save the $800

Your mileage may vary...

[Sid at SailAway]

I would use the specialist, cheap insurance. If the boat is already US documented then the cost is about half of what is quoted here. PM me and I'll get you in touch with who I use personally and who all my clients have used as well with great satisfaction.

[smj]

Originally Posted by Sid at SailAway

I would use the specialist, cheap insurance. If the boat is already US documented then the cost is about half of what is quoted here. PM me and I'll get you in touch with who I use personally and who all my clients have used as well with great satisfaction.

I don't believe the documentation service will provide an insurance policy or title policy. I'm pretty sure they don't assume any responsibility at all.
You can do an abstract of title (title search) and document the boat for a little over $100. The paperwork is dead easy. Ive also heard that it is possible to get a title policy or insurance on the documentation papers on a boat. Something we have never pursued.

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