WA state registered vs documented

[Cutwater28GG]

Hi,

are there any different requirements for visiting canadian waters if my boat is state registered and not USCG documented?

my reading suggests for shorter visits like less than 60 days its not big deal?

appreciate any wisdom on this.

determining whether I should switch my boat over to be a documented vessel.

 

[Phil Nersessian]

Before you spend too much time contemplating it, I would see if it's Documentable(if that's a word). My C30 was just barely big enough with a 10 ft beam and 30 ft hull.

 

[Scuba Too]

It's the weight that may be an issue. A documented boat must be at least 5 tons (10,000 lbs). Our R-29 CB is 10,800 lbs and it's documented. The C30 dry weight is 10,200 lbs. The dry weight for the C28 is 8,000 lbs so documentation probably isn't appropriate.

 

[baz]

Before you spend too much time contemplating it, I would see if it's Documentable(if that's a word). My C30 was just barely big enough with a 10 ft beam and 30 ft hull.

My previous R-25 (Classic) was Documented, and it was certainly smaller than the C30. 😱 Mind you the rules may have changed since 2009. 🙁 I believe most boats having hulls of 25 feet or more can be Documented.

In my Washington state the WA registration (which includes an annual fee) is not waived if the boat is Documented. Other states could be different.

When I had my R-25 (Classic) I did have it USCG Documented with HomeLand Security. The biggest benefit was that if the boat was stolen it could be tracked and hopefully retrieved. The initial document process/application will cost several hundred dollars and can be done online or through your Marine Title company. Each year there's a renewal fee which can be paid for 2/3/4/or 5 years in advance for some $75/$150/$225/$300.

If you sell your Documented boat you will need to cancel your Documentation in writing or online with the USCG - Homeland Security. The Certificate of Documentation is not transferrable.

IMO.... unless you own a 'commercial' boat it really is unnecessary to file for a Certificate of Documentation.

See for example.... http://www.yachtworld.com/boat-content/2014/10/yacht-registration-vs-documentation/

 

[Scuba Too]

Well never mind my explanation above. I was confusing weight with displacement tonnage. For smaller boats the USCG has a simplified tonnage calculator that can be used (it's an interactive PDF):

USCG Form for calculating tonnage:
https://www.uscg.mil/hq/msc/interactive_tonnage.asp

I put in the specs for the C28 (length 28' 4", beam 8' 6" and guessed at 4' for overall depth from bottom of keelto deck). The net tonnage came in at 5 tons so it looks like its a candidate. Note that 3' depth came in under 5 tons so it really depends on the depth. Anyway the form is easy to use and play with.

 

[SassyRed]

Right. Net tonnage is an approximate measure of vessel capacity as measured by volume of the boat. Our C28, Sassyred, was Coast Guard documented.

 

[Captain Steve]

My R25 is documented

 

[knotflying]

Our boats can be documented. Keep in mind that even though your boat is documented all states have laws requiring registration if you are in that state for a period of time and it varies by state. I actually have my boat registered in Florida and Rhode Island. Having your boat registered in a state usually mitigates being approached by a local authority regarding your registration. Michigan is the toughest. If they see no registration sticker they will attempt to get you to register and get sales tax. So if documented getting registered in a state is important.
Documentation is like having an ownership title issued through the US Government. Usually with documentation you relinquish a state issued title. Most lenders want boats documented to protect their interests. Going from Canada to the states or any other country with or without documentation does not matter. Canada is a good neighbor with fairly honorable people, going to other countries it may provide a layer of protection regarding theft etc. since there is a formal document of ownership by the US Government.