Things You Didn’t Know About Boat Documentation

It is crucial to protect your investment as a USCG vessel owner that you have a thorough awareness of the nuances involved in boat documentation. What if we told you there is more to it than just registering and titling your boat? How would you react to such information? Keeping track of all the details might be a daunting chore; thus, we have completed the laborious work on your behalf.

In this post, we’ll go over some of the finer points of boat documentation that may not have occurred to you before, giving you more control over the organization and upkeep of your boat’s records… Here are some startling facts concerning boat paperwork that may assist in making navigating these waters simpler, ranging from unexpected aspects of the requirements imposed by particular states to time-saving tips for completing applications submitted online.

Boats are required to Have a Certificate of Documentation.

When a boat is registered, it’s safe to anticipate that inquiries will be asked. It’s OK if you don’t know the solutions. We’re here to provide a hand. A Certificate of Documentation sometimes referred to as a “document,” is necessary to operate a boat legally. It’s a record that specifies every detail of your boat. What is it, then? When you register your boat with the United States Coast Guard, they’ll maintain track of it for you. 

Their job description includes ensuring all vessels operating under their jurisdiction are seaworthy and compliant with regulations. The boat’s length, weight, owner, and fuel type may be found in the documentation. Take it outside the nation; you’ll need one to bring your boat back in.

You Can Use it as Collateral for a Loan or in Case of an Emergency.

This yacht is every bit as nice as it seems in the movies. Exploring the vast seas on a boat or dinghy is priceless. Yet there is plenty to do before you go sail. Obtaining a captain’s license and having your boat registered with the government are two of these measures, which will protect you from legal responsibility should any violations occur while you are on the water. 

Many people don’t realize that registering a boat makes it accessible as collateral for a loan or in an emergency. Most lenders will want collateral before loaning money, which is particularly crucial if you want to upgrade to a larger boat. If your present boat has a valid registration and title, you may use it as collateral as long as the lender understands that it is more than simply an asset. 

This implies that if you don’t pay, they may repossess and sell your boat to recuperate their losses, but if everything works out, you get to keep the ship and owe nothing at the end of the loan.

You Can Also Register Your Boat Using a Statement of Facts Instead of a Boat Documentation

If you’re a boater, you already know that safety is one of the most important considerations. Regarding boat documentation, this is one of the reasons there are so many laws and regulations. However, were you aware that you would not be required to re-document even if any of these requirements change while your boat is registered? If you are already registered with the Coast Guard as a pleasure craft, and the weight limit for your boat is increased, this does not mean you are required to pay thousands of dollars to get new documentation for your existing vessel. 

For example, in this scenario, if the weight limit for your boat is increased. You can avoid this hassle by submitting a statement of facts to the Coast Guard, explaining that the weight has changed. Documentation requirements for boats differ from state to state; thus, before registering your boat, you should ensure you are familiar with the regulations in your state.

Documentation Fees Are Based on the Value of Your Boat, Not Its Length or Type

Sailors who don’t give much thought to the paperwork for their boat are probably living in blissful ignorance of the reality that the most critical factor is not the length of their vessel. The cost of documentation depends on the worth of your boat, which is determined by various criteria, including its age, condition, manufacture, and model, among other things. What should you do if you want to purchase a new sailboat but are concerned about the cost of the boat documentation since your last bark was relatively inexpensive? Relax! Simply because you are upgrading, there will be no more costs for you to bear.

Knowing the rules and regulations of your boat’s documentation can save money, time, and headaches. You might only know a few things about your boat’s documentation, but these tips will help. Contact the Commercial Fishing Permits Center for more information.