Vessel Documentation Requirements
 

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❓ Q ❓: What vessels may be documented?

✔️ A ✔️: Vessels measuring at least five net tons, expressed as volume, not to be confused with weight. Note, most vessels more than 25 feet in length will measure five net tons or more.

Not sure about your boat? We can help determine if your vessel is eligible. Call Marine Vessel Documentation Service LLC today at 573.342.3400!

Unfortunately, you are correct. The Coast Guard is way behind on processing submittals. But really, the only people this is effecting are the people who are continually buying and selling boats. For most people, they purchase a boat and own it longer than a couple months. The time delay may be almost helpful, or at the very least, less annoying.

What do I mean? Depending on the state you live in, Coast Guard Documentation is a way of saving on taxes. And, in those states that require registration, the sales tax is not paid until the Coast Guard Certificate is submitted with the registration application, thereby delaying the need to pay sales tax right away. Some of us like to hold on to our money as long as we can!

Reinstatement paperwork is also frustrating, I understand, but that is easily eliminated by not having the Certificate expire. For years it was free, but now it costs the price of a cocktail or two at many on-water restaurants. (See how I easily rationalized the cost!)

Finally, let me add a tiny bit of self promotion. Everything with the Coast Guard is paperwork, and as long as it is submitted correctly, you will go through the system as quickly as possible. One small mistake, and you get to start over, so your 4 months turns into 6 or possibly even 8 months. Having a company like ours help with documentation will expediate the process and hopefully eliminate the extra stress to the buyer...

Once you have a documented vessel it cost $26 to renew and the USCG will send the renewal notification one month prior. Payment is done online and easy to do. The other company (not your company) sends out notifications prior to USCG letter with hope folks can be duped into using them and paying more for the same thing

At the tune of about 400 bucks, seems like fraud to me ??, guys gals beware

Please expand on what you are saying? Because with such a bold statement, I am thinking you may be misunderstanding what Coast Guard Documenting is and how it relates to transferring ownership to a boat (tax implications/savings or a lender requirement). And, I certainly do not know what your cost number represents.

In many states, there is a distinct advantage to Coast Guard documenting. But, like everything, this may not apply to all people and situations. If you do document, proper paperwork must be submitted correctly to transfer ownership and to alleviate delays. Most people do not know how to do this, much like a mechanic who specializes in boats. You are paying for their expertise in helping you overcome an issue. Another example is a real estate title company. They help you through the paperwork when transferring title on real estate. There are a lot of similarities.

We are here to help answer questions, whether you choose to use our services or not. This thread is for those that are looking for advise at no charge. They can make a conscious decision if they want to take on the paperwork themselves.

I am thinking about moving to Cali from Colorado. Are there any advantages to documentation of my Cigarette 28' center console? Thanks. Bob.

I'm not referencing your company, I'm referring to the company that looks like USCG on there web site and charges people 400 + bucks to USCG register their boat, I know you're legit I've talked to you. My boat has been USCG documented for years..........Just to be clear I'm not referring to Barbs company

I am assuming you are posing the question because you already own the boat and it is currently titled. If that's the case, there would be no advantage for coast guard documentation. Commercial vessels are required to be documented, but recreational boats are not. However, if you are planning to boat in international waters, you may want to consider getting the boat documented as it would provide quick identification and proof of ownership with the U.S. Coast Guard. If you are planning on boating on inland waters, you will be fine with a title. I have attached a link for California boat registration for your reference. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/boatsinfo/boatreg

Thank you for your question. If you should have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to ask.