Everyone in here can see past this post too.

Not everyone

I am far from an expert on this, but it is my understanding that having the boat documented makes a better outcome for you slightly more possible

with documentation there is a more complex and thorough chain of title that the boat goes through before the title changes hands

that does not mean it is not possible for one to still perpetrate a scam with fake documents, but I believe (could be wrong and do not want to get your hopes up) that documentation makes it easier for you to present proof of ownership and get the boat back VS just a state registered title

again I may be mistaken, but I believe the idea is that with a registered vessel it is much more incumbent upon any lender and any new owner to go through the transfer of title properly VS just a state issued title and if the new "owner" does not do so it is not as difficult to get the boat back IE you might not have to go through a civil procedure and have the back and forth about did you assign tim the right to sell the boat and thus tim had the right to transfer ownership even without the title in hand ect.you might just be able to present the fact that the CG documentation was never transferred or checked on and you hopefully get the boat back and then it is "possession is 9/10th of the law"

I read a little about this recently on another forum, but I have slept since then.....and not to get your hopes up, but who ever you talk to law enforcement or lawyer or state title office make sure to let them know over and over it was CG documented because I am pretty sure it matters and is in your favor even if only a slight favor