Boat Registration HELP
 

I am a California Resident and I bought my Cigarette in Florida. I had it transported to Ohio for refurb last April. It has been there ever since and is still there today. I have not attempted to register the boat and not sure how to go about it. The boat had CF numbers when it was in Florida but I removed those and want to Document it with the coast guard. Any give me some guidance on what I need to do?

Get in touch with the coast guard....

Go on web site National Vessel Documentation Center for detailed instruction. You will need to have a coast guard bill of sale and affix marking identification in main stringer of bilge if not previously documented during it's life. If so, doc number stays with boat for ever. Also need to permanently mark transom with name and hailing port in minimum 4" block numbers. You can send in the forms to Falling Waters, WV. with a fee of about $130 or have a documentation service do it for you for about $550. Not sure why you would want to document unless you plan to go offshore to Islands, etc. vs. state registration. Good luck!

Thanks for the info.
I want it documented because I don't want CF numbers or that stupid Green, Purple, or whatever color sticker the state decides to use each year on the nice paint job of my boat. I would rather just have it named with the port on my transom. All my boating is done offshore anyway. I don't visit lakes.

You better check into what is required in California. It may still need to be registered in California.

Most states don't recognize CG documentation. They want it registered so they get your $$.

That's how Texas is,.however you can still register with the Coast Guard if you choose to have both.

See ya,
Kelly

I think I figured it out. In CA you can document it with the Coast Guard so that you do not need CF numbers on the hull. The State Board of Equalization gets their money in way of what they call a "use" tax instead of a sales tax. So that way no matter where or when you bought the boat as soon as they find it in CA waters or docks they will send you the use tax bill. At least that is what my accountant told me.

If I am reading this right, you bought the boat and it has been getting worked on for 10 months and it isn't registered in your name yet? My state registers it when you send in the title transfer, so this seems odd.

In VA you can register or document. You're crazy not to document. It is so easy once you're done the first time. Plus, in my area they don't bother pulling over documented boats only registered boats (knock on wood)....

I suggest that you transfer title as soon as possible to avoid potential problems . In MD you have a fixed time period to complete your transaction or face a fine . Last seller I bought a boat from took almost 6 months to get paperwork straight with the Coast Guard . The form was sent back and forth 3 times to get it right , each time it was put back in the pile as if it was a new application delaying me from filing with the state for final registration . Plus investing monies into a boat I didn't have a title to in my name would make me uncomfortable . I wish you luck with the process and your new boat .

Yes I bought the boat last April from Tres Martin in FL. Sent it directly to Ohio for refurb. Its been there ever since. I haven't tried to register it or document it yet. I think CA charges a USE tax once it enters the state and it hasn't yet so I don't see how they can fine me for anything. As far the state is concerned I don't own a vessel that is operated in the state CA yet. once I bring it here I would assume the time frame starts to get it registered or documented?? I don't even plan on bringing it here until after the season is over anyway. Im planning to send to Galveston for some fun first.