There are two methods of boat registration in the United States: state-issued Certificate of Number for Vessel Registration and U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Documentation….Your options are:
- Register your boat with the state.
- Register your boat with the USCG (in some states).
- Register your boat with the state and the USCG.
What is considered a documented vessel?
A documented vessel is one that is registered by the Federal Government through the U. S. Coast Guard, rather than titled and numbered by a state. Pleasure vessels of 5 net tons and over (26 feet in length and up) may be documented, and commercial vessels 5 net tons and over must be documented.
How do you find the net tonnage of a boat?
- The Simplified tonnage formula for net register tons for any vessel is: NRT = M x GRT.
- The machinery factor (M) is as follows: M = 1.0 for non-self-propelled vessels or propulsion machinery outside the hull.
- M = 0.9 for vessels designed for sailing with propulsion machinery inside the hull.
Should I Coast Guard document my boat?
If a boat will be used in international waters, the owner should absolutely obtain USCG Documentation for their vessel. Documentation offers a further protection from the United States to vessels as they move through international waters.
What are the benefits of having a documented vessel?
Documentation provides conclusive evidence of nationality for international purposes, provides for unhindered commerce between the states, and admits vessels to certain restricted trades, such as coastwise trade and the fisheries.
How do you transfer ownership of a documented vessel?
If your vessel is USCG documented, you would only need to submit a copy of the Certificate of Documentation. It has to include the signature of the owners, and the copy must be notarized. Then, state the new name and address of the new owners.
Do you have to pay taxes on a documented boat?
A documented vessel is not exempt from applicable state or federal taxes. A documented vessel may also be required to pay a registration fee and display a validation sticker from the state of principal use.
What should you document or state register your boat?
There are two methods of boat registration in the United States: state-issued Certificate of Number for Vessel Registration and U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Documentation. The federal government’s Code of Federal Regulations (known as CFR) contains the guidelines for both vessel registration (State) and vessel documentation (USCG). Your options are:
Why do I not need to document my Boat?
2) You do not want to display State Registration numbers. One of the most common reason Documentation is appealing to owners is that they do not need to display the state registration numbers on the vessel if the boat is Documented with the US Coast Guard.
How much does it cost to document a boat?
The initial documentation fee for a recreational vessel is $100.00. The numbering fee varies from State to State but averages about $25.00. In addition, documented vessels are not exempt from State or local taxes or other boating fees.
