USCG Registration process

[tbirdvet]

I recently purchased a new 330 DA and was required (as part of the loan process) to title search and register with the USCG. I understand that I will be issued a permanent boat number to be applied inside the hull. Does anyone know how long it takes before I receive this number from the Coast guard? Thanks

 

[rondds]

The process is called documentation and I was told it depends on their backlog. I'm guessing there aren't many boats changing hands right now so it likely won't take too long. When I bought this boat I transferred the existing documentation to my name from the PO (a much simpler process than initial documentation) and it went through in about 2 weeks. BUT all the paperwork was filled out correctly. One missed dot on an I or cross on a T and it'll be delayed.

Plenty of good info here...
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/nvdcfaq.asp

 

[fwebster]

The process can be daunting if you have never been thru the formulae and calculations. Most people choose to use a Documentation Service which costs a little money but is painless and trouble free. I wasn't required to document, but chose to for title, security, registration and identification reasons. I documented my first boat thru a service offered by the dealer. The cost was $600 and it took 18 months; the documentation on my current boat was handled by Boat/US for 1/3 the cost and the documentation took only 4 weeks.

 

[rondds]

Just seems to be a bunch of forms. The measuring process is extremely simplified (see this form: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/msc/docs/CG-5397_Rev_6-04_v1_0b.pdf)

You've got to make application:
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/forms/cg1258.pdf

Oh, hell - it's all right here...
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/nvdcinstr.asp

The dealer that sold me my boat referred me to an outfit that does the transfer for about $500. I did it myself and it cost me a one time fee of around $90. I guess it depends on how much time you want to spend with it. It's no more tricky than that trip to the DMV to register a car you bought. AND NO LINES!. I'll add that when I had a question and called the NVDC, they were courteous and helpful. You will no doubt find something else to spend that extra $500 on - something you CAN'T do yourself. Remember, it's a boat!

 

[JMY]

I purchased a boat earlier this year that required USCG documention. I used a service to process the paperwork for a cost of $500 and received the final documentation and number in about 6 weeks.

 

[Henry Boyd]

Our initial documentation took about six weeks because we had the complication that the PO had to get their title (boat had been registered in another state) back from the bank. Our dealer did the first round of paperwork for us as part of the sale. If you do use a service, you do not have to use it for the FREE annual renewals. USCG will send you a form, or you can download it from the National Vessel Documentation Center. If there are no changes, you sign and date the renewal form, then fax, mail, or email (as PDF) to them. A few weeks later a new cert arrives.

While you are waiting for this process to take place look into your local regulations regarding boat registration. Some states require nothing more on Documented vessels, others also require a state registration although not necessarily with posted registration numbers. Also some states like Mass will allow you to operate your boat while you are waiting for the Document cert to arrive, others like Maine do not. While the risk of being 'pulled over' might be low, operating in an unregistered state could have negative impact on your insurance.

Henry