Buying a boat in the US

[Phil from Aus]

Currently looking at buying a boat in the US (Massachusetts) and shipping to Australia. Can anyone assist me in letting me know what boat ownership documentation exists and what I should be asking for to ensure the private seller does indeed own the boat. How then do you go about transferring ownership. Do all boats have a unique registration number and / or a Hull Identification Number.
Any advice on buying a boat privately in the US would be appreciated.
Many thanks, Phil

[Cotemar]

Most boats in the USA that are over 35 feet are Documented with the US Coast Guard and have a documentation number permanently attached to the boat.

US Coast Guard documentation is considered to be the same as a bill of sail.

The Manufacturing hull # is what a boat manufacturer permanently attaches to the hull.

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

Most boats in the USA that are over 35 feet are Documented with the US Coast Guard and have a documentation number permanently attached to the boat.

Originally Posted by Cotemar

I do not believe this is a correct estimate, but I also do not have a reliable source. I suspect it is only a small percentage of boats over 35 feet.


US Coast Guard documentation is considered to be the same as a bill of sail.

I think Cotemar means here that if you are able to transfer the USCG Documentation into your name, that it would function as a bill of sale would to show that you had purchased it. I'm not positive about this, but I do not think that someone who is not an American citizen can have USCG Documentation, in the same way that we can not have our vessel Australian registered because we are not Australian citizens.

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The Manufacturing hull # is what a boat manufacturer permanently attaches to the hull.

This part is correct, and is referred to as the Hull Identification Number (often abbreviated HIN). It is often not to be found in older boats, and is found in mass produced boats of recent vintage.

Adding to your difficulties is that regulations in the US vary by State, as well as there being the national registry of documented boats. If you go through a broker, they should be able to inform you about the State regulations; but you'll want to do a thorough internet search for the rest and how it applies to you. There will be a lot to research.

Good luck with it.

Ann

[SimonV]

http://www.boatus.com/buyer/guide/buyer/transfer.asp

The above is a starting point. If the boat is documented the owner on transfer needs to apply to have the boat undocumented. You will need a copy of this document stating the vessel has been undocumented for AMSA to compleat of your Australian ships registration takes about 3 to 6 weeks. Now you have an Aus registered ship you need to take all the paperwork to the nearest CBP office for shipping and get your cruising permit. You pay no US tax as you are an Australian ship and will be leaving the country.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Phil.

[Cotemar]

Maybe this cg 1340 bill of sale will help also.

http://www.uscg.mil/nvdc/forms/cg1340.pdf

http://www.uscg.mil/nvdc/nvdcfaq.asp

[Phil from Aus]

Thanks everybody. Have just completed a purchase. All seems to have gone smoothly.
Regards,
Phil