Name change on new to me documented vessel

[Blue Claw]

So, I filed the paperwork to transfer the new to me documented vessel into my name. My question is, when do I change the name on the boat? Do I change it right away or wait till I receive the official paperwork saying it is officially in my name? I need to leave Brunswick Georgia next week to head for the Chesapeake Bay. I don't want any problems with the coasties on the way. The paperwork was filed about 6 weeks ago, but with the covid excuse lord knows when I will receive it.

[GreenWave]

Did you buy this through a broker? If so they should have given you "running papers" to keep with the boat until you get the official docs. If not, you should keep a copy of the bill of sale and your application.


As for the name, if it has a name on it now that is all that you need for time being.

[Enfant Du Vent]

Ahoy Blue Claw:

My "swag" --scientific wild ass guess -- is that the name wouldn't be an issue with the USCG. But I wouldn't depart without something-from-someone proving you actually own the boat.

Perhaps you should call the closest Coast Guard office and ask them.


"When to change the name" = NOT until you pour a libation over the bow and ask Neptune's permission! <grin>

[dfelsent]

If I recall correctly when documenting a vessel there USED TO BE a special form for a name change that had to be filed separately from the application for documentation. There was also a form for certifying that the name and hailing port were properly marked.
This is no longer the case, the name change and marking and documentation application are all together on the same form.
Email the NVDC or use their online chat.
They will give you the correct answer, better than my memory.

[psk125]

We changed the name of our boat, submitted the paperwork (kept copies) and had to move the boat. The Documentation regulations require the name and hailing port of the vessel to show, so we used blue masking tape to write them on the transom in the required size. Sailed like that for several weeks. Then the vinyl lettering arrived, and the CG paperwork. No problems.

[George_SD]

Ours is document, we switched it when sending paperwork to the USCG to reflect the change of ownership. Same doc. and hull number, but new name. It took us 2.5 month to get paperwork back and we sailed with the old name because i was too lazy to order new vinyl.

You can put new name on it now, no biggie.

[marlin driver]

Typically you would do the name change on the same paperwork as the ownership change. Since that didn’t happen, file a new form to change the name. The info is on the coast guard website and you can find it (with instructions) with a google search.

I’ve always been told you can change the name on the boat once the paperwork is filed. Not sure that is official policy, but seems to be commonly done with no issues. If you have a pro do the application, they provide a “travelling letter” than explains that the application has been filed and you are awaiting your documentation. I haven’t had to use it so I can’t confirm its effectiveness.

[GWilly]

I used a broker when I bought my documented 30’ boat five years ago. The broker put my boat’s new name in on the forms she filed for me with the change in ownership. All done in one action. Broker earned their commission.

[sail sfbay]

Originally Posted by Blue Claw

...........when do I change the name on the boat? Do I change it right away or wait till I receive the official paperwork saying it is officially in my name?...........

You can change it as soon as convenient after you have the notorized sale agreement in hand and your "traveling letter" from from the marine title company OR copy of form CG-1258 application for name change.

That said, I recently purchased a boat, removed its old boat's name and hailing port and installed its new name and hailing port immediately two weeks after purchase BUT prior to moving the boat to its new home 75 miles away.

[pjShap]

You can find current processing backlog and your application status on the USCG documentation website.
https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organiz...tation-Center/

[sail sfbay]

You do not have to wait until you receive the USCG "Certificate of Documentation" before you change the boat name because that will take months. Once you own the boat it you can do whatever you want, including replacing boat name. If you have any concerns with thios process either call the USCG OR pay a marine title company to submit application and provide you a traveling letter......only takes a day after they receive the notorized bill of sale. I just did that.

[jmschmidt]

Confusing. Are you talking about a name change for the boat or the owner's name on the documentation certificate?

A owner's name different from yours on the certificate is not a problem, just have copies of all your filings with USCG to show the transfer is in progress. The Coasties won't care if the owner's name is Joe Blow but don't change the name on the back of the boat until you have all official documents in hand.

I've operated dozens of boat that I didn't own, but was only boarded on one of them.