US1 Fountain

iTrader: (1)

In Indiana, if you buy a boat and USCG register it, you don't have to pay the 7% sales tax. You do the math on that one .
CG registering is something like $180.

Then you can also pay the standard registration fess for the state numbers at the local BMV in order to get the state registration numbers. Keeps the CO's from coming over and checking you out if they see the regular registration numbers.

northernoffshore

cost 15.00 to get a letter from the national vessel documentation center calll for details 800 799 8362. you must write or fax a letter that your the new owner. writing is easier because you can include a check takes about 10 days. you bring the title, a bill of sale and the letter to the state. Without reg . # you will get hassled more often.

C_Spray

iTrader: (2)

If you correctly letter your documented vessel with the name prominently displayed AND hailing port letters at least 4" high, you should have no issues. The Coasties that I've spoken with say that many documented vessels either leave the hailing port off, or use letters that are too small, which gets their attention. I agree with what's already been said: Keep it documented. It's free and it keeps you better-protected.

offthefront

iTrader: (1)

my 353 is documented and have never been stopped .....m

notda1

If your home port is in MD , I am pretty sure you will need local registration and stickers .

C_Spray

iTrader: (2)

Nope. 8 years on the Bay, documented only, and a fresh USCG courtesy examination every year; no problem. You just need to buy the Maryland Use sticker for $15 every 2 years.

notda1

I knew you needed a state sticker of some sort , do you still pay a state sales tax ?

Wildman_grafix

Not paying the state sales tax (7%) was the big one for me, varies by state.

Here you still have to register but not display. I did that for a few years then when I was getting it CG inspected and the guy didn't know it, I put numbers on just in case.

Never got stopped either way.

C_Spray

iTrader: (2)

Only if you paid less sales tax (out-of-state) than you would in MD, and you've owned the boat for less than 3 years. After 3 years, sales tax due to MD is based on the current fair market value. If your original sales tax is more than the fair market value tax, you're OK. If you bought your boat in a state that has a higher sales tax than MD, you're in free and clear right away.

This applies in MD whether or not you are documented. Documentation does save you the annual boat registration fees, but more importantly, it provides a more robust record of your boat's history, like a title search does for your house.

offthefront

iTrader: (1)

In Fla you have to pay the sales tax to register the Vessel ....umm... what the Bill of Sale states ...m