Documentation Question

[a6fan1127]

Got the documentation for my boat today and the cover letter gave me a number that is to be posted along with the home port, etc. Does this go in the place of my states' registration numbers on the bow? Hope it is not a stupid question - first time I've owned a boat big enough to require documentation :smt001

 

[mmcguire2002]

Documentation number needs to be permanently affixed in the bilge somewhere that is visible. Name and hailing port need to be painted on the stern of the vessel. No need for anything on the bow, where you would put the state registration numbers. There are size requirements for the lettering and numbers. I don't have them off hand.

 

[Bridog]

Here you go...http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/nvdcfaq.asp I'll add that while you don't need to put the states registration numbers on the bow, many states still require you to register the boat and have the state registration onboard and the registration "sticker" affixed.

 

[alnav]

I buy 3" vinyl letters and numbers from West Marine along with a small fiberglass repair kit. Stick the number to a convenient spot on the hull (I usually use one of the hull stringers in the engine room) then use the clear epoxy from the repair kit to make it permanent. Make sure you put "NO." in front of the number or you'll get dinged by an inspector.

 

[tbirdvet]

Got the documentation for my boat today and the cover letter gave me a number that is to be posted along with the home port, etc. Does this go in the place of my states' registration numbers on the bow? Hope it is not a stupid question - first time I've owned a boat big enough to require documentation :smt001

You can have your number etched on a plaque and then epoxy that in the engine bay which is what I did. Michigan requires the square registration sticker be on the bow area ( no registration numbers required). Your Boat's name and port on the stern. I believe USCG requires 4" high lettering. I had a custom decal made with these specs.

 

[Russ Calasant]

How do you know if your state requires registration if you are documented? is there a list? Also what are the requirements for home port and sales tax? Are not taxes the reason a lot of boats were home berthed in Dover DE? What's the deal on that, wasnt there a crackdown/change?

 

[fwebster]

Federal documentation has nothing to do with state registration. Your state either does or does not require registration on documented vessels so you need to ask your local taxing authority. However, I can't imagine a state not taxing whatever they can. I think the confusion on this comes from the fact that you do not need to display state registration numbers on a documented vessel, in most states. The state registration sticker can be placed on the forward-most glass panel facing the port side on the windshield or deck house for bridge boats when Federal documentation exempts you from displaying the registration number.

 

[The Bill Collector]

Here you go...http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/nvdcfaq.asp I'll add that while you don't need to put the states registration numbers on the bow, many states still require you to register the boat and have the state registration onboard and the registration "sticker" affixed.

another good search engine..... http://www.boatinfoworld.com/searchindex.asp

 

[a6fan1127]

Thanks for the info - I just accessed the USCG site referenced. :grin:

 

[Sea Gull]

Just to clarify: if your boat is documented you MAY NOT display state numbers on the bow. It's one or the other but not both. Your state may require you to display a registration sticker, but they cannot force you to display numbers on a documented boat.