USCG Documentation/ State Registration

[alpeckenpa]

I've been refitting an Alberg 37 for years and now have her in the water. At one time she had USCG documentation (I found some expired papers). I have registered her in my home state, NY and taken her to MD on a seasonal meandor south, expecting to leave US waters at some point. What's the common wisdom on how to go about re-documenting, or should I bother?

[skipmac]

Traveling to other countries documentation will not be questioned. State registration may not be accepted in some countries, especially as you get farther from the US.

Go to the USCG website and download the forms. Any questions there's a phone number to call. Due to budget cuts they are way behind in processing applications so allow plenty of time.

[Toadmanor]

I think if your boat is 16 net tons USCG documentation is required. The number stays with the boat forever. So if you have the number you can transfer it.

The number is supposed to be permanently marked on the inside of the hull in a way that would show if removal occured.

In my state MN no state registration is required for a boat of this type.

Toad

[belizesailor]

Search threads here for this subject. Lots of past discussion. Documenting a vessel is no big deal. And, if you plan to leave US waters, it could make crossing international boundaries easier.

[Nicholson58]

Office of Science and Technology

Office of Science and Technology

Here are two search engines to identify the USCG records. Search by number or search by name.

Here is the USCG documentation center. Unlike many government agencies, these people answer phones and can help. USCG National Vessel Documentation Center, Home Page The site is a bit cumbersome but you can find what you need here. If you plan to leave US waters the documentation is really necessary and not particularly expensive. Do it yourself. Do not let a "service" talk you into doing it for you. $$$$$.

[markpierce]

Regardless of any backlog concerning paper work, the USCG documentation center is quick to respond to a query. Contact them and don't twiddle your thumbs waiting for advice here.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by markpierce

Regardless of any backlog concerning paper work, the USCG documentation center is quick to respond to a query. ....

+1. I've always had great experience with the NVDC. Responsive and helpful.

[jeremiason]

My last boat was originally documented, but then sold to a non-us citizen, so he registered it with the California DMV.

When I purchased it I re-documented it with the USCG, which was a simple process once I had the documentation number.

As far as the US Documentation number... Theoretically, somewhere in the boat you should find a 2" numbers permanently affixed to the boat. They should start with "No." and then a string of numbers.

That is you boat's Documentation Number.

I also agree that if you plan on leaving the US, you should document the boat. It makes life much easier with Port Officials.

[alpeckenpa]

Thanks folks, I'm on it.