documentation vs registration

[frosh coach]

Just purchased a 94 300 sundancer. The boat was documented by the previous owner. I was considering registering the boat instead? Any pros or cons? What are the perks of documentation?

 

[Radioactive]

With documentation, getting a boat mortgage is easier and you do not have the "state numbers" on your bow. ( You WILL have the annual state registration sticker, in most states, however ). State registration is all about taxation, of course, and the states would not give up that privilege.

Documentation also, from what I understand, makes out of USA travel easier. ( I think. )

And from a long ago, far away memory, documentation also makes your boat available to the US govt in time of war. I think. Maybe. Perhaps. Maybe not. Not sure.

For more info, see:

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/nvdcfaq.asp#36

http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_01/46cfr67_01.html

 

[OLD HOUSEBOATER]

From a practical standpoint, on a small boat, it's not worth the hassle. It does help if you finance due to the fact the paper trail is more secure. Banks like that.

It does NOT get you out of any taxes. The idea of not having displayed numbers will get you stopped by LEOS that don't know what documentation is, and you will waste a half hour or more explaining.

It WILL make the boat easier to sell to a KNOWLEDGABLE buyer.

 

[MikeeH]

Banks don't just "like" documentation, they often demand it. Beyond the financing, the lack of the requirement to display state registration numbers and international travel issues there is little advantage to documentation.

 

[frosh coach]

thanks guys. I will just register the boat and put numbers on the front. I;m in CT, so I wont be traveling out of the country. I also paid cash, so i dont need to worry about the banks.

 

[Gregory S]

First, you should find out if CT. requires state registration of documented vessels. If they do not, one advantage is that you'll never pay a state registration fee. After the initial documentation fee of about $80, you will never pay a registration fee again. I've had 3 documented vessels and have yet to be boarded because I wasn't displaying hull #s. In fact, have neverbeen boarded.

 

[chriscraft67]

Connecticut does require registration of documented vessels. If fact, they give you a little tax sticker that goes up on the bow in place of the of the usual CT XXXX XX numbers. There's no tax saving at all, although if the boat is documented now, why not keep that chain of title in place?

There is no issue if you are boarded for an inspection, at least around here. Just show thew documentation certificate. The USCG and local law enforcement are all familiar with it.

Bill

 

[ply17410]

Advantage ... no title to have to worry about.

I ran into a snafu with my current boat purchase where the previous owner had lost the title. Resulted in a lot of hassle for our transaction which was being done long distance (MN to PA), and plans to pickup the boat.

Bob