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Old 30-11-2024, 22:56   #1
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US Boat Registration by Alien?

What are our options for foreigners (UK citizen) registering a boat in the US?


We are a retired UK couple wanting to buy a boat in the US (probably Florida) and spend a year or two doing the great American Loop. What are the pros and cons of the various options for registration?


1. USCG: I don't think we can do this as you must be a US citizen and/or US resident.
2. State registered: I'm not sure how this works with respect to travelling around lots of different states when we're Looping?... and how to insure... and if there are differences between states.

3. UK registered: I understand this means getting a cruising permit and UK insurance.


Are there other options? Any insight, fact or opinion will be much appreciated.
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Old 30-11-2024, 23:13   #2
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Re: US Boat Registration by Alien?

State registration will suffice. Should not be an issue moving between the states, provided you don't linger in any one state beyond their their time limit triggering the need to register there. Usually between 60 (90?) and 180 days, depending on a state.
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Old 01-12-2024, 00:03   #3
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Re: US Boat Registration by Alien?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Island Time O25 View Post
State registration will suffice. Should not be an issue moving between the states, provided you don't linger in any one state beyond their their time limit triggering the need to register there. Usually between 60 (90?) and 180 days, depending on a state.
Thanks. Is there a requirement for aliens to report somewhere at certain times? I've read somewhere that as a non-citizen I'd require a “Permit to Proceed” from U.S. Customs in order to move from port to port. What does this mean in practice? Is the CBP ROAM app relevant in this case?
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Old 01-12-2024, 05:55   #4
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Re: US Boat Registration by Alien?

It is a hodgepodge of regulations and enforcement.Seems like different districts have their own rules. One example is in Long Island Sound. On the New York side (Long Island) you check in. when you enter the district but not again until you leave the district at Cape May, NJ. On the north shore, Boston district, you are supposed to call in when you enter a port - so it does apply if you anchor. There is a 1-800 number for the country and they will connect you to the relevant local customs office, usually an airport. When you talk to them they ask why you are calling and you have to explain their regulations to them. Sounds like they right down your info and probably throw it out after you hang up.

We registered our Canadian boat in Rhode Island (no sales tax) when lived on it in NYC. The local customs office did not realize that they should have given us an open-ended cruising permit. since we had visas to live in the US. That was explained to us by a guy who did know their rules when we entered the following summer from Bermuda with both Canadian registry and RI license.
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