USCG Certificate of Documentation question

[baz]

I've just received my USCG Certificate of Documentation (COD). The instructions say

"...the official number shown on the COD, preceded by the abbreviation NO. must be marked in block-type Arabic numerals at least 3" high on some clearly visible interior structural part of the hull. The number must be permanently affixed so that alteration, removal, or replacement would be obvious and cause some scarring or damage to the surrounding hull area."

What have others who have COD done to comply with this? I'm curious to know what part of the hull was used for placing COD number in such a way as to be permanent.

Thanks.... 🙂

 

[tor2ga2]

On the only documented vessel I've owned I put the numbers on vinyl backing, found logical mounting point on a fiber glass strut below deck and stuck it on. Then I brushed on several coats of 2 part epoxy and it seemed to satisfy the only inspection I ever had. The epoxy was clear enough that the numbers were clearly visible thru several layers and it would have been very evident it anyone had tried to break through the epoxy coating.

Terry
TORTUGATOO
'04 R21

 

[rt11002003]

On my Albin it was fastened to the hull in the engine compartment with layers of resin. Looked like it was almost part of the hull.

Gene

 

[Stella Maris]

Barry,
What was the reason that you documented? It is my understanding that in the state of Washington, documented vessels still have to be registered. In order to register your vessel you have to prove you paid sales tax. If this is incorrect, please advise.

 

[baz]

Barry,
What was the reason that you documented? It is my understanding that in the state of Washington, documented vessels still have to be registered. In order to register your vessel you have to prove you paid sales tax. If this is incorrect, please advise.

WA State annual taxes have to be paid regardless of owner having USCG Documentation.

I applied for USCG Documentation to avoid having to place a WA registration number on the hull (still have to place the sticker on the boat mind you) and to provide myself with some assurance the boat would be retrieved by the USCG if ever the boat was stolen and taken out of the country. Having the boat Documented is tantamount to the boat being owned by the US Govt.

The security guard at my Marina was all over me the other day because he did not see the WA registration number on the hull. When I explained things he just pulled a face as if he was surprised and didn't know what I was talking about.

The USCG Documentation is just something that gives me peace of mind and it does lower the Ins. premium some. 🙂

I hope that explains things....

 

[Doug in Williamsburg]

Baz,

Several of us have put the documentation numbers on the fiberglass in one of the forward lazarettes below the bunks and epoxied them in with several layers. All passed inspection.

Best wishes,
--Doug in Williamsburg
Ranger Rug 25 "Carol B"

 

[tor2ga2]

An amusing aside to buying the Western 38 trawler that I documented was I negotiated with two banks to get the best interest rate in '78 and bank #1 wouldn't do the deal unless I documented the boat. Bank #2 wouldn't do the deal unless I did a Wa. state registration. Both had the same reason for their requirement. They said it would be easier to repossess the boat if it was documented or registered depending who was talking. The documenting bank got the business.

Terry
TORTUGATOO
'04 R21

 

[rt11002003]

Usually, USCG documentation is closer to a title of ownership than a state registration is. Some state registrations do create a title of ownership.

One of the advantages (when buying a used vessel) of USCG documentation is that there is a clear path of all previous owners. In some states a vessel registration can be made with proof of ownership from the first/last prior owner only.

Gene

 

[baz]

The USCG Document has to be renewed each year for a nominal fee (about $25 if I recall correctly). The USCG Dept are supposed to send a reminder about this each year. Regardless of being notified about annual renewal it up to you to renew.

Thanks for the feedback on my OP.

I have placed the "NO. ----------" in several places and will now cover them with resin/epoxy to ensure their removal will be most apparent.

The other thing to remember with USCG Documentation is that the actual document MUST be onboard the boat it applies to. 🙂

 

[evilskier]

tor2ga2...so did you doc your 21? i thought the vessel had to be 5 net tons? curious as I would like to doc to have fewer "stickers"

 

[tor2ga2]

You're right. 5 Tons is the minimum tonnage so I registered it. I just purchased the boat this summer while I was in Michigan so it has a Michigan registration. I'm towing south this week so I suppose I'll end up with dual registration Fl/Mi. If such a thing exists. I'll fish/cruise Fl. this winter then I'll head out west next summer to monitor the Tugnut conduct at the 2010 Rendezvous.

 

[Stella Maris]

Terry,
By law if you have the boat in Florida for a certain number of days, you are suppose to register it there. However if you are cruising and not home porting in one marina, you will not need to worry about this. The way people get "caught" is by having permanent moorage somewhere. When we lived in Florida, we kept our Catalina Sailboat on Lake Lanier in Georgia. It was there for two years before we got the notification from the state that we needed to register it in Georgia. What was really funny though, the boat had California registration numbers on it with a Florida tag. I never placed the Florida registration numbers on it. It was like this for ten years! When we moved to Colorado, I registered it there and used it in Utah. Again, Colorado sticker, California numbers. And then the same in Nevada. It seems that the only thing important is that you give that state your money!

I have added you to the list of possible attendees for the 2010 Rendezvous.