Sorry to bring this up again but...Title transfer for USCG doc

[nematon785]

Boring subject, I know. I have read so many threads on so many forums about the subject of registration I think I might go blind. I am confused about one part of the process. I am hoping for a simple answer.

First background for me specifically:

-I am a U.S. Citizen
-I will very likely purchase a boat in California
-The boat is very likely to be registered in the state of California OR USCG documented by the previous owner
-I intend to operate the vessel under USCG documentation
-I am not concerned with avoiding fees or taxes



When I have the vessel USCG documented, do I receive title in my name during that process along with the national registration, or is titling handled in some other way?

Is an abstract of title necessary to convert to USCG document from state registration in a used vessel transfer?

Is there title insurance for boats? has anyone used this?

Thank you for your help!

[CSY Man]

The Document is your title.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by CSY Man

The Document is your title.

Yes, what he said. If the boat is currently state titled the USCG documentation will replace that.

The USCG is very helpful in the process so if you have questions you can call them. Be aware there is a web site by a private company that very closely resembles the real USCG website but charges about five times what the actual fee is if you deal direct.

Regarding title insurance, I believe you would have to use a company to do the documentation for you that would include title insurance in their fees.

[zeehag]

title no--that is for dmv. you are not doing dmv.
national reg is called documentation.
it is your certificate of ownership of said vessel.
read the rules that uscg nvdc provides for clarity.

[Capt Gary]

You just need to show ownership (e.g. bill of sale) and the USCG is more than happy to transfer Documentation in your name. They are very helpful.

[michaeld]

We live in Florida and purchased a documented vessel here. I recommend
Debbie Rich. She handled all of the paperwork at a reasonable price.

Creative Yacht Solutions
813 677 6885
813 677-5305 Fax
P.O.Box 808
Riverview, Fl. 33568
infor@creativeyacht.com

[michaelratinter]

USCG also has a Bill of Sale form that you should fill out. Include it with your request for doc change. Worked for me. PO will have to have sig notarized.

[phydeaux]

https://vesseldocumentation.com/

Talk to one of the folks at Mary Conlin in Newport Beach. They've been handling documentation, etc., for many years, and can readily answer any questions you have.

[nematon785]

Wow! thank you!

[jmschmidt]

No abstract of title need be submitted with the USCG Form CG-1258, only a bill of sale, preferably on Form CG-1340. You will receive a Cert. of Documentation (COD) in your name or the name of your company, corporation, LLC depending on how you applied for in about four months.

The CG already has access to the Abstract of Title information but if you want a copy they will email you one for $75. Not required but you should pull one anyway since it will show any existing liens on the boat that have been recorded with the USCG. An Abstract may not show state or other liens which may be problematic. Any liens recorded with the USCG on Preferred Ship Mortgages take precedence over all other liens.

If the current title is clean and you title the boat in a company name you, as an individual, may record a Note and Preferred Ship Mortgage against your company owned boat which can protect it from many future liens.

If, after you receive your COD, you request an Abstract of Title it will show the owner to be you or your company.

An existing state registration is irrelevant for USCG documentation. Keep it or dump it if you are not a resident of whatever state it is currently registered in. This may not absolve you of state taxes however and you may be required to register in some states even if USCG documentated.

[bobmcd625]

Good discussion but I still am not clear about the benefits of USCG documentation. If one plans to sail to foreign ports, then it is necessary, but if one stays within the USA (as is my case) what are the advantages? I bought my DE38 last year. It was built in CA, registered in CA, taxed in CA and never been outside of CA. The CF numbers are clearly marked on the bows. After purchase I went to the DMV and transferred title as one does with a car and paid the fee. Late last year I got a renewal notice so paid the fee and got the sticker for 2017.
I can feel that it is somehow "nice" to have one's vessel "documented" by the USCG, but until I plan to sail into a foreign port I don't really see the point. Comments?

[nematon785]

While I am waiting for my documentation, what do I present to show current registration and clear ownership of my vessel? my copy of the bill of sale?

Will that Bill of Sale be acceptable for my local Marina? How about when clearing customs in Ensenada or vancouver? I can only assume the Coast Guard would accept a bill of sale while I am waiting for USCG doc in the mail...

If I hire a Doc specialist, will the process speed up? can I have my Docs sooner?


Benefit or advantage discussion for USCG Doc vs other international or state is not a concern for me.



Tax concerns or registration cost are not the issue for me in this thread.

Thank you everyone!

[bobmcd625]

Originally Posted by nematon785

While I am waiting for my documentation, what do I present to show current registration and clear ownership of my vessel? my copy of the bill of sale?

Will that Bill of Sale be acceptable for my local Marina? How about when clearing customs in Ensenada or vancouver? I can only assume the Coast Guard would accept a bill of sale while I am waiting for USCG doc in the mail...
Thank you everyone!

If the boat you purchase is currently registered in CA you should get the "pink slip" signed by the seller and that is your proof of ownership. A signed bill of sale should be obtained in any case to legally document your commercial transaction.
If you then have it documented by the USCG I do not know how you "unregister" it with the state. If you keep the boat in CA I would think that you have to maintain the state registration, but I am not sure about that. Someone?

[nematon785]

After reviewing the USCG and CF DMV instructions (again) I have come to the following conclusions about "De Registering" from state when becoming USCG documented:

California does not require registration of a vessel that is USCG documented. When the transaction and resulting bill of sale occurs, the vessel is now "de registered" and would require registration and title transfer

So state registration is something that must be compliant and maintained, to end it, don't comply or maintain it...

I could be wrong, in fact I probably am. I am not finding any provision on either site for "de registering"

That does not mean sales tax or use tax responsibility goes away.

So steps to de register with the state would go something like this:

-Purchase boat, aquire pinkslip/title transfer and bill of sale
-aply for USCG documentation
-go down to DMV and pay appropriate taxes for use in the state you will be using the vessel primarily. Aquire tax stamp, affix to vessel. DO NOT REGISTER WITH THE STATE JUST PAY THE USE TAX
-Keep bill of sale and pinkslip/title transfer and copy of application for USCG doc with vessel for proof of ownership until USCG documentation arrives.


People who know better should correct me here please!

[sailpower]

Originally Posted by jmschmidt

The CG already has access to the Abstract of Title information but if you want a copy they will email you one for $75.

$25 not $75.