Documentation #

[PhilR]

Finally, after 5 months, my Coast Guard Documentation papers arrived. I now have to place the Doc # on the inside surface of the hull. I would appreciate some suggestions on where and how from thoses who have done this.
Phil

 

[Stella Maris]

I etched our into the fiberglass in the engine compartment using a dremel tool. I then took a black sharpie and filled it in. Right in front of the motors on the 29 is a pretty substantial stringer that I did this on.

I cannot believe it took five months to get your paperwork. We had ours within two weeks.

 

[Spirit of Gratitude]

I got the 3" black stick on numbers. Put them right on the hull under the stairs that fold up. then took fiberglass resign and applied several coats over them.
The coast guard guy loved it!

Stuart

 

[Wolf Pack]

Wolf Pack did the same as Spirit of Gratitude with the numerals and resin, except we did it on the stringer in front of the engine where Karma did his. Yes, looks nice under the clear resin.

 

[Rebel]

I am not familiar with "the Coast Guard Documentation Numbers". Can someone explain what they are and what they are for? Thank you in advance.
John Turner

 

[Wolf Pack]

Many boats in the US, including many Ranger Tugs, have applied to be documented by the US Coast Guard. For a one-time $50 fee, the Coast Guard lists the boat on their registry. Annual renewals are free, as long as the renewal is done on time each year. One advantage is to avoid needing to display ugly state registration numbers on the port and starboard bow. Documented boats are required to display the name of the boat on the stern, along with the port of call. Also can be displayed on the port and starboard bow. A second requirement of documentation is to display the assigned number on a "structural" area of the boat and in a manner where attempts to remove or change the number would absolutely be obvious. Although documented boats are still required to be registered in most states, there is no requirement to display the states' registration number on the boat (although most states still require that the issued registration decals still be displayed somewhere on the outside of the boat forward of midship).

There are also other advantages to being documented with the US Coast Guard, but I won't go into that here. This link does provide some of that info. http://www.excelcredit.com/coast_guard_ ... tation.htm

In the US, you should know that some banks (including US Bank which carries our loan) require that a vessel they lend on be documented as a stipulation of approving the loan.

I assume the same would be true for some boat insurance companies as well.

I am sure other Tugnutters will fill in any gaps I left out.

Hope this explanation helps.

Gene R
Wolf Pack

 

[PhilR]

Gene R, Excellent explanation! My lender, M&T Bank required documentation. I'll probably go with the stick on numbers and fiberglass resin....sounds like the easiest route to take.

 

[JerryE]

I have 3" sticky back numbers in the aft lazarette on the inside side of the transom and just lower than the bait well. They are covered over with a couple coats of clear resin. Upon opening the teak doors its pretty visible, but also hidden enough from the casual eye that a boat thief might miss them. In fact, after I had my boat dealer do the work I forgot to ask him where he put the numbers–took me a couple months to stumble on to them!

 

[HRowland]

Phil,

I have been waiting two months now, hopefully I will not have to wait 5! According to the Case Processing Dates at the Documentation Center (http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/nvdcprocessdate.asp) they are working on recreational applications from late May so we may see something soon.

Let me know where you put the number on your R27. I will start scouting locations on ours.

Howard

 

[PhilR]

Howard,
The only place I could find that worked was under the center, forward berth cushion, just forward of the air conditioner.

Phil

 

[HRowland]

I recieved the documentation paperwork today. It took a little over 3 months. I will take a look at the location Jerry used (under the cushion just forward of the AC). I will also check inside the transom behind the propane locker to see if there is enough room to make the number visible. Where have others applied the documentation number on their R27s?

Howard

 

[baz]

One thing to note is that if you apply for the USCG docmentation annual renewal registration too early the date will reflect the earlier registration than what you had in previous year. I found this out by accident, but as it now turns out this coincides with the annual WA state registration of June 30th. So my bonus is that when WA state Emails me the their renewal notice it also reminds me to renew my USCG documentation. 😎

The USCG folks to not remind you to renew AFAIK.

 

[Wolf Pack]

USCG actually DID send a renewal notice to Wolf Pack this year. All's we had to do was verify info was still correct, sign/date and mail the form back. New document arrived within two weeks after we mailed the renewal form.

Gene R
Wolf Pack

 

[baz]

USCG actually DID send a renewal notice to Wolf Pack this year. All's we had to do was verify info was still correct, sign/date and mail the form back. New document arrived within two weeks after we mailed the renewal form.

Gene R
Wolf Pack

Was that Email or USPS mail ? I changed physical addresses so that may explain things... 😱

 

[sparky]

We get a renewal notice every year by US Postal Service from the Coast Guard. Just sign and return, get the new fancy document in the mail a few weeks later.

 

[Wolf Pack]

USCG actually DID send a renewal notice to Wolf Pack this year. All's we had to do was verify info was still correct, sign/date and mail the form back. New document arrived within two weeks after we mailed the renewal form.

Gene R
Wolf Pack

Was that Email or USPS mail ? I changed physical addresses so that may explain things... 😱

Via US Postal Service mail, same as Sparky's notice.

 

[abcandjrc]

Baz: If you are talking about a single cycle perhaps your early registration flagged its having been done and they didn't need to send the renewal. We have not had a documented boat for about 8 years now, but with both previous documents we received renewal notices every year.

Another thing no one has mentioned is that you are supposed to surrender the document to the CG when you sell or otherwise dispose of a documented vessel. You do not turn it over to the purchaser. Something to keep in mind.