Documenting a Ranger R-25SC

[knotflying]

Yes, That company is rather clever. You have to really look at the literature to realize it is actually a service.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Two other items to add. When you document for the first time the process takes a bit longer and therefore your certificate takes, in my case 3 1/2 months already, however the US Coast Guard issues the number a lot sooner. If you're wanting to find your number so you can prepare your boat with proper identification, check the link below and follow the simple instructions. You should also copy your screen info and print out and carry on your boat until the official certificate arrives.

https://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/CoastGuard/VesselByName.html

Lastly for those that dislike having state numbers adhered to each side of the boat bow, documentation provides an avenue for this. Most states don't require there state registration numbers to be adhered to the boat when it is documented.

Jim F

 

[BB marine]

Baz,

The website is designed and made to fool people,... no ifs, ands, or buts... I have seen postings here by others that have fallen into their trap. This outfit even sends renewal statements out before the USCG, clearly trying to confuse people into buying a service they do not need. Unfortunately, it’s legal and they have the necessary disclaimers and wording that most of us don’t read. Bottom line...USCG documentation costs $26 and any amount higher is a “service fee”.

NVDCINST 16713/1-2

Don't get fooled by these online agencies. Last year I received a renewal letter in the mail. It looked official it looked really good almost to good for something the Government would have. The AGLCA had many post about scam USCG documentation companies. I looked into it. They were going to charge me $84.00 to renew. I thought that was high. I did a search for the government agency and found the correct amount $26.00 renewal fee.http://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organizatio ... on-Center/

Documentation is appropriately $300.00 initially $26.00 a year. We documented our boat for sales tax savings at purchase. We live in a high sales tax area in the Chicago area. When documenting the boat a designated Port is assigned to the vessel. That Port( County/City) tax is where the Sales tax is paid. In our case the cost of Documentation and renewal is a small fraction of the savings we had in sales tax at purchase. Our trailer plates and boat registration are also registered in our home port state. All legal and our home Port of Documentation is our ligament Home Port.That is where the boat is moored and where we boat.

 

[TexasEye]

Another Point...If the Vessel is USCG Documented it cannot be titled in a State.

 

[baz]

TexasEye: That is very true.

 

[South lake]

Hi Al,

Welcome to Tugnuts. We documented our 2010 R25 and used the services of Great Lakes Documentation.

The contact is:
Jodi Dierksen
Great Lakes Documentation
4094 N. Barclay Dr. Port Clinton, OH 43452
p: 419-797 6035 e: greatlakesdoc@cros.net

Jodi is great to work with. We've actually documented 3 boats through them over the years.

My understanding is that the cost is $400 if she's handling the transfer of a boat from one owner to another. Not sure if it's less to do the documentation on a boat you already own.

Also, to add to the comments previously made, Renewals are easy and $26. The Coast Guard sends a notice in plenty of time and services your renewal quickly. In Ohio, you still register the boat but no OH numbers are required on the hull.

Enjoy the new boat!

 

[shellbacksailor]

We documented our 25sc Sequoia when we purchased her used from the factory in Kent. We have found it very helpful for our trips to Mexico. When at the border crossing, obtaining our temporary import permit, buying the required Mexican liability insurance and dealing with the marinas and Port Captains. As California residents the state was informed by the CG of our purchase even though the boat was out of state for over a year. Dealing with that is a whole new thread! We haven't so far been stopped on a western lake for lack of a registration sticker.

 

[baz]

Bugger.... I'm a person that pays bills promptly and I fell for this Maritime Documentation Center's renewal request today. It was only after I had paid the $75 via their online process that I realized my stupid error. Drat....

No matter, as I used my AMEX I immediately called their Fraudulent Center and had my AMEX card cancelled and for the $75 disputed as fraudulent. I will not be charged as if and when the Maritime Documentation Center attempts to collect/authorize the payment it will fail.

A nuisance for me as I will have to deal with having a new AMEX issued to me.

As I have Apple Pay setup on my iPhone and Watch the AMEX person said not to worry as that method for paying will not have to wait for the new card to be received because they update the Apple Pay on the iPhone & Watch within a few hours. 🙂

For others.... be very careful about the misleading USCG COD annual renewal payment request from this Maritime Documentation Center. It's very cleverly done to fool you into paying $75 vs. the official USCG annual renewal fee of $26.