documentation??

[Captain Steve]

My wife and I made an offer on a 2009 Ranger Tug 25 today. It is documented rather than registered in our state, Cal. The broker wanted to know if I wanted to keep it that way. What is the benefit of documentation? and is it something I should continue. Should know in 3 days if we are owners !!!!!!

 

[sdubnoff]

The principle benefit, which is why banks like documented boats, is that it establishes clear title. A secondary benefit is that you do not need to put (ugly) state registration numbers on your bow. If your boat is already documented, there is no reason to change that.

I had my new Cutwater documented, it cost a little, but I think it is worthwhile.

Best,

Steve

 

[Brian B]

The reasons previously stated for documentation were the same I received a year ago when I went through the process on my 25. Banks and insurance companies like documented boats. A boat broker also told me that a documented vessel is more attractive to a future buyer.
Expect the initial USCG documentation process to take 3-4 months. In the meantime keep copies of all your paperwork onboard.
Some states also require the boat to be state registered, if that is the case you only have to display the registration decal.
In RI I could not register it with the state until I had the USCG documentation certificate. So for a few months I was technically operating an unregistered vessel. That is why it's necessary to have all paperwork onboard.
Hope the purchase works out for you, they are great boats.

 

[HRowland]

Good luck on your offer! Like Brian, our R27 is also documented due to lender requirements. I also like not having the ugly state registration numbers on the bow. All I need to do is put a small Rhode Island registration sticker on the side windows.

After the initial documentation fee there is no charge for the annual renewals, although this could change. The annual renewals are simple and can be done via email.

Howard

 

[Longbranch Louie]

Unless California is different than Washington State, you will still be licensing your boat with the state even if you choose to document it. You wont need to display the state reg/tab numbers, but you will put the state yearly license decals on each side. The states want their yearly tax income just like car tabs. Except a lot more money!
Concerning new documentation, the Coast Guard is currently way behind. Ive heard they are processing Septembers requests now. We have asked our title company to request the number from the CG so we will at least have that while we wait for paperwork. We needed our number to apply for a radio distress number.

 

[Captain Steve]

Offer accepted this morning!! Thanks for the info on documentation, will read up on this.

 

[JamesTXSD]

In the past, some folks have used documentation, thinking it gets them out of paying state sales tax and registration fees. You will have to check with your state, but you still have to pay in our home state. We had a sailboat that was documented, and got stopped repeatedly when in inland states where documentation is rare. Game, Fish & Wildlife (or whatever it is called in your state) were a PIA, stopping us because of "no numbers."

If financing, a lender may require documentation. Checking in at ports outside the USA, they will be more familiar with documented vessels rather than state registrations. Other than that, no state registration numbers on the bow is the reason most do it.

 

[Boont Boater]

I was told that if your boat was stolen or missing that the Coast Guard would have all your information if you were documented. Which wouldn't be true if you just had a state registration.