Can I Document the R-25

[tugpup]

Does the R-25 qualify for USCG Documentation as opposed to State registration?
What would be the advantage of Documenting a vessel other than not having to display State Registration #s and a sticker on each side of the bow? (tugpup)

 

[Capt. Chris]

Hi Tugpup,

I'am sure it differs slightly from state to state, but this is basically how it works in NY and CT.
NY and CT don't have tittles on boats the way they do on cars and trucks. If you borrow money to purchase a vehicle,
the lender is listed as a lien holder on the tittle. Since a boat does not have a tittle, the lender usually requires that the boat be documented. The lender is then listed on the Documentation as the lien holder.
If the boat is Documented, only the decal is required on the hull. In CT, they use different coloured decals for Doc vs Reg.
There are federal requirements for Documented Vessels.

Chris

 

[sportner]

I think the vessel must weigh at least five tons in order to be documented, which often means a length of close to 30'.

 

[wynn 'n anniedear]

We documented ADear1 last year mainly so we wouldn't have to display the numbers. In Oregon it was a fairly painless process. We only have to display the sticker.

 

[JamesTXSD]

The boat does not have to weigh 5 tons, it has to have a formula-ized measurement for tonneage (and be more than 5 gross tons, not the weight). Our C-Dory 25 qualifies, so I would imagine the R-25 would also. Some people think that documentation will get them out of paying state registration/use/sales tax. We have found this is NOT the case in Texas and South Dakota (having had a documented boat in the past). As stated above, you don't have to display state registration numbers and some lenders require documentation on boats that qualify. Also, entry into some countries is less hassle because their officials understand US documentation, but not state registration. The countries we are most likely to visit are Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas, and they HAVE familiarity with state registration.

There are requirements for name and home port, including size of the print.

Hope that helps.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

 

[TUG-A-LUG]

We have recently purchased an R25 in MA and have had it documented. It will be berthed in RI. We had a marine documentation company research it and the R25 qualified, so we proceeded to do it. We will have some savings, but mostly, there will be no numbers on the outside of the hull. There is a letter size requirement-4" and the hailing port must be directly under the name and of the same letter size. There must be an afixed registration of the documentation on the inside of the hull. Our R25 is TUGETHER. Be safe and enjoy the cruise. Kit and Ginny Sears

 

[denny]

Yes you can. I documented my R-25 and later my R-29 myself and the cost was a $133 fee each time. That it a total cost of $133! I no longer have the R-25.

It is not rocket science! Contact the USCG/National Vessel Documentation Center, 792 T J Jackson Drive, Falling Waters, WV 25419 on line or by phone (800-799-8362). They have the forms and I found them very willing to help.

Denny

 

[Larry H]

In California, a documented vessel is exempt from state registration.

This does not affect property taxes on the boat, which are levied by the counties.

 

[Commander Ed]

Pup,
I am in San Diego, and I documented my 25 foot Tug. No big thing. I used a service that did all the legwork - all I had to do was get the numbers on the board and write the check..... Good Luck

 

[Jeff Messmer]

Great information! The R25 is absolutely documentable. Denny documented his R25 and R29 himself. Not a big deal. the information is in this thread. You can also pay a marine titling company to do it for you. You will need a builders certificate. If you do not have a builders cert then you can contact Lady Di at dianagilbert@rangertugs.com Diana will create one for you.

Thank you,

Ranger Jeff

 

[baz]

You can absolutely document the R25. I did mine through the factory and a Marine title company. Ranger office arranged most of it for me. Mine was for WA. You are responsible for annual renewing it.

 

[wynn 'n anniedear]

Renewal is free unless allowed to lapse.

 

[tugpup]

Just want to say "thanks" to all for your responses regarding documentation of the R-25. I am now planning to doc my R-25 when I have it delivered from the factory. 😀 😀 😀
Best of luck to all from: (tugpup) in San Diego, CA

 

[Starry_Night_Joe]

"by wynn 'n anniedear on Fri Apr 30, 2010 8:05 pm
Renewal is free unless allowed to lapse."

And you get a reminder from the USCG to do just that. We used a service to document "Starry Night".

Joe