USCG Documentation vs Title

Almightys

Almightys

Super Moderator
Staff member
Jun 15, 2015
666
Warren, MI
Boat Info
1995 500 DA with diesel loving Detroit’s
(SOLD)1992 Sundancer 330
Engines
6v92 Detroit Diesel
Please help educate me on this. Owner of boat I am in process to purchase has the USCG documentation. He is telling me that is the title? I am used to typical state of Michigan blue watercraft title. My credit union who doesn’t typically do bigger boats like this, is also in the dark. They are saying I still need a title.
When I read the USCG document it really doesn’t describe itself as a document of ownership. I am just confused here so I turn to me friends here for info.

thanks in advance
 
USCG documentation does serve as proof of ownership, however, individual states can (and do) heap on their own red tape, usually as a pretense to reach into your pocket. A broker should be familiar with the requirements in your jurisdiction.
 
Yes, the Document serves as the proof of ownership, as best i can tell. I bought my first one 18 months ago.

there is a process to "undocument" your boat and just get it titled through the state. It seems to me that it is easier to get a loan and possible insurance on a USCG Documented boat. Its $25/year extra (don't get suckered into $75/year).
 
No broker on this one. Trying to explain to my credit union who are land based this is tough
 
Almightys said:
No broker on this one. Trying to explain to my credit union who are land based this is tough
Click to expand...

What make/model/year? i saved money not using my credit union for the loan, which was unusual... hard to be CU rates
 
Almightys said:
No broker on this one. Trying to explain to my credit union who are land based this is tough
Click to expand...

Contact your Dept of Licensing for your state and ask...
We are documented, but also titled by the state of Washington.
 
Chris-380 said:
What make/model/year? i saved money not using my credit union for the loan, which was unusual... hard to be CU rates
Click to expand...
2.74% that was hard to beat around these parts but some hoops here now to jump through
 
You don't need a broker for this. I survived the process and lived to tell the tale :)

The current owner will need to request a release/termination of the documentation. That form is available on the USCG website. Once complete and received back from the Coast Guard they'll send you the release form. At that time you'll be able to title it in Michigan.

I did this two years ago and it took nearly 60 days for the USCG to release documentation. Your credit union will need to be okay with this delay in securing their interest on the title. It's a pain.

From my experience it seems far less likely to have a boat both titled and documented, but it does happen.
 
Almightys said:
2.74% that was hard to beat around these parts but some hoops here now to jump through
Click to expand...
yep, by the time i added the hurdles, the CU was no longer the cheapest... it was 1% higher, thats why i asked the year, specifically, because that is a trigger at mine
 
Where is the boat you are buying?
In NY, documented boats don't get a title but need to be registered. I think you need to start there and then work forward.
 
But I just want to keep the USCG documentation and transfer to me.
 
Almightys said:
But I just want to keep the USCG documentation and transfer to me.
Click to expand...

The documentation is your title. I bought a titled boat but had it documented when I purchased it. No issues when I sold it, but I had to explain the process to the buyer.

The USCG National Vessel Documentation Center has a very thorough website and I'm sure you can give them a call. It is a pain when dealing with a credit union on this. When I bought that boat, I switched to a lender more familiar with larger boats, thankfully still a great rate.
 
Chris-380 said:
yep, by the time i added the hurdles, the CU was no longer the cheapest... it was 1% higher, thats why i asked the year, specifically, because that is a trigger at mine
Click to expand...
Boat is a 1995 500DA
 
firecadet613 said:
The documentation is your title. I bought a titled boat but had it documented when I purchased it. No issues when I sold it, but I had to explain the process to the buyer.

The USCG National Vessel Documentation Center has a very thorough website and I'm sure you can give them a call. It is a pain when dealing with a credit union on this. When I bought that boat, I switched to a lender more familiar with larger boats, thankfully still a great rate.
Click to expand...
I hear you! I feel like they should knock another .25% off the rate for the education I have given their staff lol. I will continue to fight through it with them. Typically if I proved them the info they are ok.
 
How do you know if the vessel has a lien on it if it is documented? On a normal state title it shows that information
 
Last edited:
Here is some info found here: https://maritimedocumentation.us/frequently-asked-questions/

Vessel documentation is a national form of registration. It is one of the oldest functions of Government, dating back to the 11th Act of the First Congress. Documentation provides conclusive evidence of nationality for international purposes, provides for unhindered commerce between the states, and admits vessels to certain restricted trades, such as coastwise trade and the fisheries. Since 1920, vessel financing has been enhanced through the availability of preferred mortgages on documented vessels.

For more information, please call: 1-800-535-8570 or email: info@maritimedocumentation.us

A vessel that measures at least five net tons and, with the exception of certain oil spill response vessels, that is wholly owned by a citizen of the U.S.

When the sale is finalized, you may complete a Bill of Sale. The new owner will have to complete a Transfer application, which can be completed by navigating to the following link: Transfer/Exchange

You may obtain an Abstract of Title which will show all bills of sale, mortgages, and notices of claim of lien filed and recorded by the Coast Guard. You may request an Abstract by navigating to the following page: Abstract of Title

If you require assistance or have any inquiries, you may contact a documentation processors at 1-800-535-8570 or email info@maritimedocumentation.us

If there is an outstanding mortgage, the mortgagee (lender) should complete a Satisfaction of Mortgage. The vessel cannot be removed from documentation with an outstanding mortgage. You may complete a Satisfaction of Mortgage by navigation to the following link: Satisfaction/Release of Mortgage/Lien
 
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