Registering a Boat with the CG

[unbusted67]

I feel like a dummy for asking this seeing that I have owned boats for a few years now and been the captain of an inspected boat but...

I just bought a boat that had been previously registered with the CG, ie it has a hull number on it and it has a record in the CG directory. What do I need to do to register this boat with the CG?

We have been bad boys and girls and already owned the boat for a month and a half and haven't done anything other than sign a bill of sale.

[MikeTurner]

There's a lot of good info at the Coast Guard Vessel Documentation Center site, I suggest you check their FAQs to find what you need to know about re-registering your boat. Their website is USCG National Vessel Documentation Center, Home Page . FWIW I have a request in to change our vessel name and the CG is running about 2.5 months behind in processing recreational vessel requests.

[Hud3]

The proper procedure is for the current owner to fill out notarized paperwork de-registering the boat. You fill out the paperwork to re-document it in your name. File both at the same time if you can.

[djmarchand]

The new owner sends in the documentation request which is available on the USCG website along with the bill of sale and the fee. 6 months later you will get your certificate of documentation. The current owner doesn't need to do anything other than sign the bill of sale.

If the certificate of documentation has expired then it will get a bit more complicated.

You can do it yourself or have one of several boat documentation services do it for you for about a $200 fee.

David

[CaptainDana]

Call the documentation center. The people there are unbelievably helpful. They will hold your hand and answer your questions. Seriously.

[capn_billl]

There are companies that will walk through the red tape for you. Thats what I did with mine.

[unbusted67]

The good news is that I live aboard about a block away from the CG documentation center in Boston.

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by unbusted67

The good news is that I live aboard about a block away from the CG documentation center in Boston.

A short walk is a lot cheaper then a postage stamp or phone call.

[Hud3]

Originally Posted by djmarchand

The new owner sends in the documentation request which is available on the USCG website along with the bill of sale and the fee. 6 months later you will get your certificate of documentation. The current owner doesn't need to do anything other than sign the bill of sale.

If the certificate of documentation has expired then it will get a bit more complicated.

You can do it yourself or have one of several boat documentation services do it for you for about a $200 fee.

David

Just to clarify, since we seem to be saying the same thing, the Bill of Sale has to be the proper form http://www.uscg.mil/forms/cg/CG_1340.pdf and it must be notarized.

[MikeTurner]

Originally Posted by unbusted67

The good news is that I live aboard about a block away from the CG documentation center in Boston.

According to their website, they're located in Falling Waters, West Virginia - obviously an example of a powerful Member of Congress getting a facility located in a land-locked state!

I'll second the earlier post, I've spoken with them in the past and they are very helpful.

I have not used a documentation service, the procedures and forms are pretty straight forward and the Center personnel are helpful on the phone.

If you belong to BoatUS, I think they provide assistance in documentation (for a fee).

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by Hud3

Just to clarify, since we seem to be saying the same thing, the Bill of Sale has to be the proper form http://www.uscg.mil/forms/cg/CG_1340.pdf and it must be notarized.

+1

Mine was a new documentation but still only took 3 weeks to get my papers.

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by capn_billl

There are companies that will walk through the red tape for you. Thats what I did with mine.

Do it yourself. The process is simple. Save your money.

[webejammin]

We bought our documented boat last fall and on the way to the boat's new home in Wa state from San Diago we mailed the change of name and new owner form and mailed it in and it took about 4 months to get our paper work back. It was not hard to fill out the forms.