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Vessel Documentation

  • Thread starter Thread starter JLR
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JLR

JLR

Legendary Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2005
Messages
3,237
Hatteras Model
74' COCKPIT MY (1995 - 1999)
It looks like the documentation for my 43 expired two months ago. I never received the renewal but know that it is my responsibility to renew. Now the Coast Guard wants $450 for a re-authorization. It occurs to me that my vessel is not used in trade and will not leave the US. Also, it is fully registered in NY. Is there any reason I need to keep it documented or is that only a concern of the next buyer. Of course, all I get from the Coast Guard renewal service is voicemail.
 
I don't know of any reason to keep documented, unless there is a financing or insurance issue.
 
No financing on the boat and no requirement by insurance company.
 
Maintaining documentation can be a good thing for resale as the Coast Guard is ensuring there is a clear title to the boat with no liens on file.

I would write the USCG explaining no notice of expiration was received and throw yourself on their mercy. A stamp is a lot cheaper than the fine! Good luck!
 
Make sure you are positive you are communicating directly with the coast guard. There are lots of "documentation service companies" out there that specifically make their website and phone numbers seem close to the USCG.

I do not think expired documentation costs that much, even when expired. Also, every time I've called the maritime center for coast guard in WVA, I never got a voice mail, just helpful ladies.
 
Looks like you've been had: Instructions here: https://www.uscg.mil/nvdc/instr/inst replace.pdf

2)
EXPIRED CERTIFICATE OF DOCUMENTATION:
If the Certificate of Documentation has expired, owners
may return the vessel to an active status. Complete Form CG-1258 Application for Initial, Exchange or Replacement of Certificate of
Documentation; Redocumentation, andsubmit form with fee of $84.00,PLUS additional applicable
fees for any trade endorsement(s) other than Recreation and/or Registry.
Endorsement fees are: Coastwise............$29.00
Fishery ..............$12.00
NOTE: When more than one endorsement is requested, only the single highest
endorsement rate applies
-
$29.00 MAXIMUM.
Click to expand...
 
Checking into this now. If you are right (and it looks like you are) I sure owe you one. I was surprised not to get any human on the numbers I called. I will post again when I find the answer. Thanks
 
Had the same issue a few years ago with missing the deadline, can't remember what the extra fee was but it was very nominal. I've always found the staff at the Documentation Center to very helpful.
 
I just finished my online research. A complete scam. Thanks once again to the HOF family for some great advice.
 
The $84.00 fee is correct. We had to redocument one of our boats due to incorrect tonnage and that is what it cost. John
 
JLR said:
Checking into this now. If you are right (and it looks like you are) I sure owe you one. I was surprised not to get any human on the numbers I called. I will post again when I find the answer. Thanks
Click to expand...

The USCG has less personnel than NYPD, and larger area of responsibility. I'm not surprised they don't answer the phone.
 
$84 for a simple re-doc and 10 weeks to receive the new certificate. Make sure that you tick all the appropriate boxes....All of them.
 
Ditto the $84. You do not have to ask how I know this...:o
 
Just drop the documentation (yet another form) and be done with it. If you don't need it for financing or entry to a foreign port, why bother? The boat will never be worth enough when you sell it for anyone to care about the documentation anyway. I bought my 1985 in 2004 and instead of transferring the documentation, I dropped it. I have no loan and entry into Canada does not require documentation. I don't have to worry about renewal or fees or seizure by the government in time of war.

I can see where some of you may need it, but I sure don't.
 
Fanfare said:
Maintaining documentation can be a good thing for resale as the Coast Guard is ensuring there is a clear title to the boat with no liens on file.
Click to expand...



Thats what most people think to bad its doesn't always work.

When I bought my boat it was documented but I was giving a name of a company Specialize yachts here on the Island to make sure every thing was good. Audrey was the owner and she did the seacrh and found that there was still a lien on the boat. The PO bought it from a bank that took it back on a foreclosure they sold it to him but never removed the lien but yet he was able to document it :confused: .
I asked her if I should document it she asked If I was leaving the country I said no she said save your money. It sure does make it easy to find out who owns a boat that is documented though :cool:
 
34Hatt said:
Thats what most people think to bad its doesn't always work.

When I bought my boat it was documented but I was giving a name of a company Specialize yachts here on the Island to make sure every thing was good. Audrey was the owner and she did the seacrh and found that there was still a lien on the boat.
Click to expand...

The "search" she did was probably just pull an abstract ($25) from the USCG (done via the website). If this is the case, then this proves that documentation proved there was a mortgage on the vessel.

It also depends on the STATE. If the state allows a documented vessel to have a state title, then a lien can be put on the title, but it may not have a mortgage on the documentation. In VA, a documented vessel can NOT have a state title.
 
And this completely subjective, but my experience has led me to believe that local DNR types tend to leave documented vessels alone. Maybe it's just a size thing. Besides, those state registration numbers and annual stickers are just a bad look on a bigger boat.
 
I like documentation. I have not had a problem with the USCG doc center, other than the backlog, which is endemic to US gov't agencies. But when I got them on the phone, they were helpful. Ironic that the USCG doc center is located in a landlocked state, but I suspect Sen. Byrd had something to do with that.
 
Turn-around on recreation doc changes is fairly long. It's updated weekly on their website. It took mine about 3-4 months. However, if you NEED IT, you can call or write and ask for priority service and you'll get it in a day or two (you have to NEED it, like leaving country, etc).
 
"I like having it documented" really isn't a reason. Ask yourself "why" you need it. If you don't go to foreign ports or you don't have a bank that insists on it, then you don't "need" it.

Up here, even documented vessels have to purchase the state sticker and display it, so you don't get out of that expense.
 
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