Tonnage of Venture 26 for Coast Guard Registration

tomtom1941":hn6v8lm4 said:
Does anyone know official Tonnage of Venture 26 for Coast Guard Registration as computed on CG forms?
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Our 25 works out to 5.7. I would assume the V-26 would be close or perhaps a bit more.
 
Anna Leigh":29ygneyh said:
I would like to hear reasons why anyone would think the need to document a 5-6 ton vessel.
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Seems that some folks feel documentation gets them out of paying state taxes; that's not the case in South Dakota and Texas (can't say about other states). Our previous sailboat was documented, but we haven't found a need for that with our C-Dory.

Most of the time, documentation is done for...

* Some lenders require it, because it establishes a clear trail of ownership. There is no boat titling in some states (like Alaska).
* If the boat is being used for commercial activities.
* Ease in going in and out of other countries. Some countries have less understanding of state registration, but they are used to seeing US documented vessels. Not a real concern considering the range of our boats generally.
* Not required to have state registration numbers. That doesn't get you out of having to pay the state sales tax or registration fees (may vary by state), but you don't have to display the numbers.

Trailer a documented boat without registration numbers to some states, and you are going to be visited by their different game/fish/parks folks to find out why your boat isn't "registered."

So, for the most part, I don't see the need for documentation on our boats, but there isn't any real drawback.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
tomtom1941":dmoix0sz said:
Thanks guys. Has anyone documented their c-dory with the Coast Guard?
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The CG accepted my calculations for the Tomcat as a 7 GT vessel but not for the kind of documentation I think you are referring to.

In addition to what was said above, many boaters also found they were harassed by Harbormasters for not showing their state registration numbers on the side of their hull (not required with a documented vessel of course).
 
We documented our 36' sailboat because we were cruising in foreign waters. It was easy to do ourselves, both the application and labeling Our Journey, inside and out. Everyone, including harbourmasters understood what a documented boat was. You do have to renew it periodically.

As to the benefits, for a C-Dory making short (3 mos or less) to Canada or Mexico, I'm not sure what the benefits are. Both countries recognize US State registration, as long as you have it up to date. I found no difference in insurance or taxation. As a matter of fact the tax collectors don't care where your boat is registered or even if it's registered. They want their money. Los Angeles County sent us a tax bill when we were in the South Pacific, and then a collection notice. Judy fought that for a long time and eventually won.

If you're going to keep the boat semi-permanently in a foreign country, documentation would be the answer.

Boris
 
If the boat is registered in a state (e.g., Washington) and later documented, do I then take off the state registration and have no more interaction with Olympia? Doesn't sound likely that the state would give up that revenue. I am asking because I wondering if documentation would be an advantage in Mexico if/when we go -- maybe to Guaymas as soon as next winter.

Warren
 
Hi Warren,

According to the states I am familiar with (and WA may be different), having the boat documented does not excuse you from PAYING for the registration of the boat in that state. It does, however, excuse you from having to put the state registration number on the bow. No big whoop. And has been stated, you are more likely to be hassled by local marine LE who don't understand documentation and want to see your state registration numbers.

You won't have an issue with a state registration in MX - they see plenty of our boats. However, if you decide to keep going and wind up in French Polynesia, it may be a different story. :wink:

Best wishes,
Jim
 
JamesTXSD":1yt3eu4o said:
You won't have an issue with a state registration in MX - they see plenty of our boats. However, if you decide to keep going and wind up in French Polynesia, it may be a different story. :wink:
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That would be a first -- a trans-Pacific Tom Cat! :xlol

Warren
 
I have documented both a C Dory 22 and a C Dory 25. No problem with documenting either. Despite the speculation that F & G may visit more, I have not found that to be the case. It is slightly easier to clear into foreign countries.

Agree that the venture 26 would be close to the same as a C Dory25--probably come out at about 6 tons (This is NOT weight--but is a formula dervived from measurement and some what equivilant to the carrying capacity of the vessel in old times)

Yes there can be tax advantages, depending on what state, and how the purchase is done.
 
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