Coast Guard Documentation

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sjhantzis

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C Dory Year
2005
C Dory Model
25 Cruiser
Hull Identification Number
CDO 25085 I
Vessel Name
Catleen
Moved Catleen from Chesapeake to Maine and will need to reregister her. Has anyone USCG documented their 25'? I've got a USCG net tonnage worksheet but thought I'd ask around before I get out the tape measure. USCG needs five net tons to qualify and informs me that "Vessels of more than 25 feet are likely to measure five net tons or more."
 
Thanks, very helpful.

SJH
 
Not an absolute, but I think I recall that our 25 worked out to 5.5 net tons. Just as a discussion point, USCG documentation doesn't get you out of registering in the state where the boat will be used/kept. You may be able to get away without having the state numbers, but you will likely have to display the state registration sticker.

Also, the state will be looking for any sales/use tax, regardless of USCG documentation, if that applies in your case.

I kept track of sea time on our 25 for CG license, but didn't find a reason to document the boat.
 
I have documented a 22, a 25 and the 255. It is not difficult--but I have experience documenting boats in the past, including boats we built. You also have to have a chain of custody, or original builder's certificate.

The "tonnage" is an abstract measure of volume--not weight.

Not all states require state registration as well as documentation, and I believe that none can require state numbers on a documented vessel. However if you use the boat in places like Florida, you will have to either show that you have registered the boat in your state (paid tax) and have the sticker which is placed on the left side windshield. You may be stopped by Florida Marine patrol if you don't--and are in Florida for any length of time-you can either get a sojourner or temporary registration is issued to a non-resident vessel owner using their vessel in Florida waters for 90 days. The boat would have to be registered in another state the way the law has been interrupted currently. This link shows state registration decal requirements

The major advantage of documentation is if you take the boat into foreign countries. It makes clearance of customs/immigration/check in easier. The documentation used to be free--no longer.
 
FWIW- In the latest edition of BoatUS, vessel documentation has been extended to five years starting in 2017. How much it will cost is still an unknown.
 
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