Finding records on a formerly registered vessel

[Maren]

I suppose the title pretty much says it all...

I'm looking to find out about a formerly registered vessel but I only have the number. Does anyone know if the CG maintains a searchable online database where I might be able to find out a bit more?

Also, if you re-register a vessel, do you get the same number?

[Hud3]

Maren,

I'm pretty sure the number stays with the vessel, since it's required to be attached in a manner that makes it very hard to remove. Try this link for the database.

Office of Science and Technology

[Maren]

Originally Posted by Hud3

Maren,

I'm pretty sure the number stays with the vessel, since it's required to be attached in a manner that makes it very hard to remove. Try this link for the database.

Office of Science and Technology

Thanks, Hud

I had been to that site and there was no luck with either the names or number. But this time the number search worked.

So, thanks again!

[Chief Engineer]

Port State Information Exchange

Google PSIX

[Kanani]

I think this may be what you are looking for:
Office of Science and Technology

[Maren]

Thanks gents, but Hud beat you to it

[SelkirkWind]

Originally Posted by Hud3

Maren,

I'm pretty sure the number stays with the vessel, since it's required to be attached in a manner that makes it very hard to remove. Try this link for the database.

Office of Science and Technology

Interesting comment HUD. Can the marking be painted on? I have seen the plaques they sell, but paint would seem to be fine to me.

[Hud3]

SW,

Here's what the USCG says about marking a documented vessel...

The official number assigned to documented vessels, preceded of the abbreviation "NO." must be marked in block-type Arabic numerals at least three inches high on some clearly visible interior structural part of the hull. The number must be permanently affixed so that alteration, removal, or replacement would be obvious and cause some scarring or damage to the surrounding hull area.

On the advice of the dealer from whom I bought my boat, I used the 3" black vinyl numbers that West Marine sells for boat registration markers, and stuck them to the hull in the anchor locker with clear epoxy resin, adding a few coats over the numbers to protect them.

Hud

p.s. there's a bunch of info at USCG National Vessel Documentation Center