WARNING - $375 vs $26 for USCG renewal

hynespa

Well-Known Member
Jun 7, 2010
314
Marina Del Rey, CA
Boat Info
2005 420 Sundancer
Engines
T-VD-8.1 S HO MerCruiser (T-420 hp)
PLEASE BE AWARE - If you receive a letter like the one I pasted below!

The "National Documentation Portal" is *NOT* affiliated with the US Coast Guard - but a company that uses misleading logo's etc to make boat owners think they are part of the USCG National Vessel Documentation Center. The USCG only charges $26 for annual documentation renewal for your recreational vessel ... this other place charges $375!

The official USCG renewal link is: https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/1175233

Here is a scan of the misleading letter:

upload_2023-2-26_18-19-24.png
 
Yeah. There's a number of those floating around. They actually do provide the service, but they count on official looking letters and buyer ignorance that they can go direct to USCG.
 
I fell for one of those a few years ago when I wasn't paying attention and paid $75 instead of $26. I disputed the charge to Visa, and they refunded me $49! I pay more attention tio the mail now!!
 
I fell for one of those a few years ago when I wasn't paying attention and paid $75 instead of $26. I disputed the charge to Visa, and they refunded me $49! I pay more attention tio the mail now!!
I did the same thing…I learned my lesson
 
PLEASE BE AWARE - If you receive a letter like the one I pasted below!

The "National Documentation Portal" is *NOT* affiliated with the US Coast Guard - but a company that uses misleading logo's etc to make boat owners think they are part of the USCG National Vessel Documentation Center. The USCG only charges $26 for annual documentation renewal for your recreational vessel ... this other place charges $375!

The official USCG renewal link is: https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/1175233

Here is a scan of the misleading letter:

View attachment 140682
Thank you for posting this hynespa - it's a great reminder so we don't get tricked. I was lucky in my first year of ownership that the previous owner had warned me about this misleading service, but I'm sure many are not as lucky. Thank you again.
 
When buying my last boat I did all the paperwork to transfer the documented boat to my name. There were services offering to do it for 500-1000 I think ... cost a hundred or two (can't remember).

I will say the USCG site and paperwork instructions do not make it simple.
 

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