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Conference unifix::sailing

Title:SAILING
Notice:Please read Note 2.* before participating in this conference
Moderator:UNIFIX::BERENS
Created:Wed Jul 01 1992
Last Modified:Mon Jun 02 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2299
Total number of notes:20724

793.0. "Documentation - Self-Inflicted" by TUNER::THUET () Wed Apr 13 1988 17:54

    For those of you who are about to document your vessel or at least
    your considering the option...my recent voyage down the dark hall-
    ways of the United States Coast Guard Documentation Office may be
    of some interest.
    
    The first rumor I can shoot down is that you need professional help.
    If you are patient, capable of filing out a few forms, and you've
    got 50 bucks in your pocket, the job is a cinch.
    
    You'll need to contact the USCG Documentation Office at 447 Commercial
    St. Boston and requests your forms.  They mail them out promptly
    and most have instructions regarding the required responses.  You'll
    need a bill of sale, marking certificate, certificate of citizenship,
    and application for documentation.  
    
    Once you've completed the forms and your bill of sale is properly
    notarized, I strongly recommend that you hand carry your paperwork
    into the CG office.  If there are any mistakes of omissions, you
    can save yourself considerable grief by reviewing your papers with
    one of the clerks.
    
    And now for the bad news....the Documentation Office is currently
    working on December 87's submissions....sooo, get in line and expect
    to wait 2-3months for the return of your official numbers.  The
    USCG will no longer issue any temporary numbers so you'll have to
    do the bureacratic shuffle down to the USCG office on Northern Ave.
    and spend $6 for your MA or NH numbers to tide you over until you
    hear from the Documentation Office.  When your "doc" numbers come
    in, you'll have to complete a blue form (Can You Believe It!!!!)
    and surrender your state numbers.
    
    It's really not as bad as it sounds, I got through it in time to
    make the lunch time call at Jimbo's and you can probably use a drink
    after you see how their spending your money!
    
    One last note...if your documenting a previously owned vessel, do
    get a lawyer to research the title for you.  If it's not clean,
    you might never come back from Boston !!!
    
    Bob Thuet
    
    

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793.1why document with USCGSRFSUP::PAPAThu Apr 14 1988 11:338
                       -> One from the Pacific <-
    
    Could someone please explain the advantages of vessel documentation
    through the United States Coast Gaurd.       
    
                                           thanks,
                                                    John

793.2some advantagesLAVXC2::BERENSAlan BerensThu Apr 14 1988 11:4316
Well, documentation:

Avoids state registration -- no ugly numbers on your bow -- and annual 
renewal is (currently) free. I have no desire to contribute any more 
of my wealth than necessary to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

Supposedly establishes clear title (ownership) to the boat. Some states 
(Massachusetts may be one of them) do not title boats, so that legal 
ownership of an undocumented boat may be questionable.

Means that you are an United States vessel, which may make 
entering/leaving foreign countries easier, and the foreign government is 
less likely to question your ownership of the vessel. The documentation 
paper is a somewhat impressive document. 


793.3Must be Registered in ConnecticutMERIDN::PASCUCCIThu Apr 14 1988 12:1617
    Documentation does not avoid registration in the state of Connecticut.
    Ct removed the "property" tax on boats several years ago but aranged
    new and much more expensive boat registrations.  To regain the lost
    revenue from taxes the ruling is if in Connecticut waters for 30
    or 60 days (I forgot which) you must have a Connecticut Registration
    (currently $150.00  for a 32 foot boat.  If the vessel is documented
    you will not receive or have to display the state number on the
    bow but you must have the registration (date) sticker on the bow.
     The date sticker is a different color for a documented boat vs
    a CT. numbered boat.

    Being that Ct. does not Title boats most banks, if your financing,
    require Federal Documentation.  Beside not having to display a number
    on the bow the only advantage in this state for documentation is
    you might be able to get your loan. 
     

793.4Besides, lenders sometimes require it...BMT::SAPIENZAKnowledge applied is wisdom gained.Thu Apr 14 1988 12:172
    

793.5Self documentation not allowed by BankMERIDN::PASCUCCIThu Apr 14 1988 12:268
    Sorry, I forgot to add this in the last reply, but my bank, Maryland
    National, would not allow me to process my own documentation.  By
    using a Documetation service, at the closing, I was required to
    pay the documentation service company to complete the document which
    proved to the bank that it would be completed.  I guess they don't
    trust individuals will continue the effort if something goes wrong once 
    the financing is completed.