Vessel Documentation

rap55 · Post by **rap55** » Fri Mar 12, 2010 1:01 am

Went ahead and dove head first into 1978 / F-36 (Miss Kitty) last week! Norton Yacht Sales in Deltaville VA. is doing bottom paint and zincs as well as tying up lose ends getting her ready for a trip down the ICW. and across Florida.

Does the Coast Guard give any leeway reguarding the transfer of documentation. Will I be breaking the law by trying to get her to her new home befor the documentation is complete? Should I try to do the paper work (documentation) myself or have a document service handle it ? How long does it usually take ?

Thanks, Rick

Danny Bailey · Post by **Danny Bailey** » Fri Mar 12, 2010 4:17 am

Most pleasure boats are registered in the state of the owners residence, much like a car. Ownership transfer is quick and almost painless. If the boat you are buying IS a Coast Guard documented vessel, someone else will have to jump in with advice.

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Fri Mar 12, 2010 7:20 am

First, is the vessel now documented? If so what's the name and hailing port? You can look it up on the below link, using the vessel's name. If the vessel's documentation is still current, you should be fine motoring it until you get your papers in order. Either state registrationand/or documentation.

http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/CoastGu ... yName.html

As long as you have receipt of purchase to show and explain your voyage if asked, you should be fine. Just be sure your vessel is CG compliant is seaworthy and has all required equipment. Be sure to also let your insurance company know if you plan on cruising her to a destination which may be outside of your cruising grounds on your policy.

What port are you bringing her too?

rap55 · Post by **rap55** » Fri Mar 12, 2010 10:15 am

The documentation is not current. Miss Kitty / Richmond VA.

Have new bill of sale
Have title absrtact from Coast Guard
Filled out CG form 1258 application for exchange of documentation

Sending check for $84.00 fee for exchange certificate and $29.00 for coastwise endorsement.

New port will be Phenix City, Alabama / What have I overlooked ?
Other fees ????

Thanks, Rick

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Fri Mar 12, 2010 10:20 am

Make copies, and send in all of the proper documentation paperwork certified overnight mail, (and the delivery receipt ) on the boat, and you be OK if boarded.

Per a CG friend of my (we have a lrge CG unit in CHS), there are so many boats with out of date docs due to the economy, that the CG is happy that you're working on it, and they can confirm your actions with the doc trail you'll carry on board.

It usually takes 3-4 weeks to get the docs back ... but that depends on load at the CG office I'm sure.