May I register my R25 SC

[tkaustin]

I bought an R25 SC a year ago. It's presently state registered. The plan is to get it federally registered, but suddenly it seems that may not be possible.

Google showed this definition:
A documented vessel is one that is registered by the Federal Government through the U. S. Coast Guard, rather than titled and numbered by a state. Pleasure vessels of 5 net tons and over (26 feet in length and up) may be documented, and commercial vessels 5 net tons and over must be documented.

BoatUS http://www.boatus.com/boatloans/uscg-registration.asp said this:
Boats more than five net tons, measuring the boat’s volume not weight, are able to be documented. Most boats over 27’ feet in length meet the five net ton requirement.

Based on the above, one can conclude that registering my R25 SC is not possible.
When it says 5 net tons is based on boat's volume, what does that mean for this craft?

Thanks, of course.

 

[Captain Steve]

My 2009 25 Classic is documented

 

[Brian B]

My 2010 25SC is documented. Check with your state as most require a state registration also, you just don't have to display state registration numbers, just the validation sticker.

 

[sleepyboat]

Don’t forget, much like marinas who charge fees that are based on the “length over all”, your 25 with swim platform is just over 27 ½ feet. I think you are good on length.

 

[S. Todd]

Our 2015 R25SC is federally documented because the purchase money lender (a Bank) wanted it that way. Now I get to pay annual State Registration fees and the annual US Coast Guard fees. The only advantage I have found is now I only have to display my state registration sticker and no number on the bow, so the boat's name looks better up there - not much of an advantage for the hundreds of dollars it costs.
Todd

 

[snydzy]

Todd,
I don't understand..... Why are you registering the boat in Indiana? I, too, live in Indiana, my 25SC is documented, but I register the boat in Michigan. That's where I use it. Saves a lot of money, and Indiana only charges me $12 to store it at home.
David

 

[S. Todd]

Boat is registered in Indiana because that is where it and I live, except when it gets towed to a lake. It gets towed to lakes all over the mid-west, including Canada, so there is no other place to register it.

 

[snydzy]

Todd,
Some food for thought:
I, too live in Indiana and so does my boat.
Most states require you register the boat in the waters you primarily operate....not their location
Indiana's registration fees are based on value, not length. ( I can't imagine why a more expensive boat has a bigger environmental impact than an inexpensive boat of the same size).
Indiana also charges a lake enhancement fee (based on value), and a DNR fee.
Your Class 14 boat is charged $500, ( 1st year), $450, (2nd year), $400, (3rd year) for a total of $1350 plus the lake enhancement and DNR fees... for the same 3 yr period a Michigan State registration fee would cost $115.
Do you use the boat in Indiana primarily?
Just sayin' you can be saving "hundreds of dollars"
Respectfully,
David