Registration in Delaware USA

[hellosailor]

Nope, not sure at all. Of course, one might question whether anything owned by a corporation or other business entity....isn't automatically in commercial use anyhow.

For a business entity, even "morale building" and "entertainment" are, after all, just part of the business, and that's all commercial use in the end run.

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

Nope, not sure at all. Of course, one might question whether anything owned by a corporation or other business entity....isn't automatically in commercial use anyhow.

For a business entity, even "morale building" and "entertainment" are, after all, just part of the business, and that's all commercial use in the end run.

The pertinent point to the OP's question is what the USCG deems as recreational. And yes, a foreign entity can own 100% of a US Corp/LLC that is managed by a US citizen and document a vessel under USCG rules.

[ski69sail]

So the next question is ???

Will my EPIRB be resisted with the US coast guard ??
What is the story with my radio licence ??

All sounds to be good to be true

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by ski69sail

So the next question is ???

Will my EPIRB be resisted with the US coast guard ??
What is the story with my radio licence ??

All sounds to be good to be true

I just read a discussion about EPIRBs. US has different requirements than most countries (all other countries?), mandating dual frequency 406 and 121.5 MHz EPIRBs vs other countries that only allow 406. As you would guess, a dual frequency model more expensive but if I understand the 121.5 signal allows SAR to home in directly on the signal to your location. Problem is US only registers dual frequency certified for US EPIRBs and other countries will only register single channel models.

So you might have to register the EPIRB elsewhere unless you buy a US certified model.

Regarding other radio licenses, the US FCC forms do have boxes for foreign citizens to register so again my assumption will be it is allowed.

[denverd0n]

Originally Posted by ski69sail

All sounds to be good to be true

I think you are going to change your mind when you actually get into all of the paperwork and expenses involved. Clearly it works out to be a worthwhile proposition for a lot of people, but "too good to be true?" I don't think so.

[ski69sail]

The cost to register a yacht in New Zealand is approximately $1000 for 5 years.

But the compliance costs for CAT 1 which is the certification to clear customs is very expensive. A friend paid $5000 to comply with the regulations. And it is a cost that is a regular compliance issue every time you want to leave the country.

Australia is even cheaper at $1500 for the life of the vessel if you are an Australian citizen. And no CAT 1 compliance required to sail off to Fiji. The only problem is Ill have to pay 10% GST (tax) on the value of the vessel as soon as it arrives in the country. No matter how short the visit.

And no it is not a cheap boat.

[On The Water]

US reg. Where?

Boat registration fees are standardized as $15 for one year and $40 for 3 years, irrespective of the size or type of the boat.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by ski69sail

But the compliance costs for CAT 1 which is the certification to clear customs is very expensive. A friend paid $5000 to comply with the regulations. And it is a cost that is a regular compliance issue every time you want to leave the country.

I would assume that it wouldn't cost $5000 every time you leave NZ. Aren't many of the costs a one time purchase of safety gear? For example, you buy harnesses and tethers, you only have to buy them once. Same with life jackets, life rafts, pumps, EPIRBs and more.

So the first time you have a big cost but following trips you have already made the big purchases and the cost is much less?

[denverd0n]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Aren't many of the costs a one time purchase of safety gear? For example, you buy harnesses and tethers, you only have to buy them once. Same with life jackets, life rafts, pumps, EPIRBs and more.

All things that you really OUGHT to be buying, even if the law DIDN'T require it!

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by denverd0n

All things that you really OUGHT to be buying, even if the law DIDN'T require it!

Well since you bring it up, yes I do think those items would be a good idea for going offshore.

[ski69sail]

My vessel has already had CAT 1 , I have all the required safety gear etc etc

The real issue is that once you have compliance there is a given period of time to depart the country.( two months ) If you need to return to New Zealand for some reason once you have cleared customs you will need to go through the whole process again. Or if you fail to depart for some reason you need to repeat the process

A friend spent about $5000 on compliance, It was very very time consuming and painful process.
Not something you want to go through every year or two.

Foreign registered vessels do not have any of these issues.