Registered boat name/hailing port

[Jack Long]

My boat is registered (as opposed to documented) and I can't find any information with requirements for the boat name and hailing port. anybody know anything about this? I'd like to do a boat naming ceremony at some point and was also thinking of using a... philosophically inspired hailing port.

[SilentOption]

A registered boat has no name or hailing port requirements.

The state registration ie: CAxxxxXX identifies your boat as being from the state of California. Thats it. The state does suggest the proper location for CF numbers and that would be on the bow.

You can choose any hailing port you like and mark your boat in any manner you like.

When documenting there are specific requirements regarding hailing port including size and location of lettering.

Have fun at the naming ceremony!

[Pblais]

My boat is registered (as opposed to documented) and I can't find any information with requirements for the boat name and hailing port.

There are none. Anything you put there is of no importance officially. Actually the hailing port can be any "place name" you choose for documented vessels.

[Soft Air]

The above information applies to US vessels. I registered my boat in the BVI and they did determined in written what exactly needed to be in the transom, in my case it is:

Softair
Road Town, BVI

Best

[Knucklehead]

JC of S/V Soft Air,
or others with ideas and thoughts to reduce costs of cruising
I anticipate the purchase of a 47' Vagabond from either the State of Florida or South Carolina.
I have noticed that several Caribbean Island's cruising fees have increased considerably over the past few years. This has brought me to consider flagging (documenting) the boat from one of the islands. Possibly BVI, Bahamas or one of the other islands.
I would do this in an effort to not pay or greatly reduce the cruisng fees.
Might you have any suggestions?
Knucklehead
karlsplace at charter dot net

[Vasco]

Just to mention the Bahamas, if you want to register a vessel there to avoid their $300 cruising permit then you would have to pay thousands in duty to import the vessel to the Bahamas. In addition whichever Caribbean nation you register your vessel in, you'll still have to pay the fees when you visit another island nation.

[Soft Air]

Keeping the boat registered in the US would be the best way to go. If you opt to register in the BVI you will need to either be a UK citizen or to incorporate there and that is very expensive.

Even if you register on the islands you will still have to pay when visiting another islands as Vasco stated.

[migot1]

Hi, 20 years ago when we bought our 37 ft boat in UK, we registered the boat in the ISLE OF MAN. it was called A1 Reg. we payed about 150 Dollars, and we received a CARVING BOARD- made out of wood, with an official Registration NO ! 4 years ago we applied for a MMSI no and we received a 7 deg no from OFCOM in UK. must be very different then what is going on in US....?

[Knucklehead]

Guys,

I was not thinking with my head only my wallet. I suspect I will document the boat in the US.
My profile says Beneteau and I now considering a Vagabond specifically for it's liveaboard amenities and comfort. At least that is what Google searches have indicated. Any comments out there???

2002 Beneteau 473 vs 1981 47' Vagabond Ketch

knuckehead
(learning quickly)

[Pblais]

2002 Beneteau 473 vs 1981 47' Vagabond Ketch

Are you thinlking with your head or your wallet again?

A 1981 boat is more about what shape it's in now than what it was like brand new. Brand new the Vagabond was a far better boat. 27 years later it might be a wreck and over priced.

I would be more inclined to look at a list of boats in your prioce range and actually see them. Goggle searches for finding boats is a pretty poor approach.

[Shu]

If I might chime in here;
Google saved me a lot of time and gas running around to find what's out there. I spent hours on line "eleminating" potential boats. I could quickly discern whether or not it had any merit for me. I quickly eliminated dozens and once down to just a few I started making phone calls. Finally down to just two boats I jumped in the truck and drove 300+ miles to actually view the boat. However the viewing and survey are definately important and a boat should never be bought strictly on line.