USCG VESSEL RENEWAL (CG-1280) - MARITIME DOCUMENTATION

[Woody]

So, I've never dealt with a USCG documented boat and the PO had documented using BoatUS only to avoid having to put the registration #'s on the hull. Monday, I'm going to see if I can talk to someone at USCG and try and find out what I need to do. I have no problems sticking "MC #'s" on the hull. I'm not that vain.... I'm hoping I can just let the documentation expire with non-renewal

When you bought the boat the USCG Documentation was transferred to you, right? This should get you started, click on Deletion from Documentation.

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organi...-Documentation-Center-Instructions-and-Forms/

 

[hughespat57]

So, I've never dealt with a USCG documented boat and the PO had documented using BoatUS only to avoid having to put the registration #'s on the hull. Monday, I'm going to see if I can talk to someone at USCG and try and find out what I need to do. I have no problems sticking "MC #'s" on the hull. I'm not that vain.... I'm hoping I can just let the documentation expire with non-renewal

@Woody has provided good guidance on this for your situation.

But a some of what you are saying has different meanings and different solutions. So in one single replay let's recap.

You bought the boat and currently have it Titled and Registered in your state. And this is your preferred method of documenting ownership. That's fine that's your choice.
Registration is annual numbers taxes and fees, like the license plate on your car.
Title is proof of ownership.

The vessel was previously "documented" with the USCG. USCG documentation is a Federal method of proof of ownership of a vessel.

So you cant have more than one proof of ownership legally.

See the document that @Woody referenced, pay close attention to these paragraphs:

5. If a letter evidencing removal from documentation is required, include that
information in the letter request with fee of $15.
6. If the request for deletion is accompanied by a complete, original or copy of a bill
of sale and $8 per page filing fee, it may be recorded to evidence transfer of
ownership.

If the current document is still in the previous owners name you can do #6 with good evidence of transfer.
I would strongly recommend you do #5 also, get PROOF that the documentation has been cancelled.

You don't want to end up in an awkward situation in 5-10 years when you decide to sell and it comes back documented in the previous owners name still.

Do NOT simply let it "expire". That will show it still as owned but expired under the previous owners name.
And theoretically the previous owner could renew the documentation and cause problems later about who "owns" it.
Transfer it to your name now or cancel it formally with the USCG.

Final tidbit BoatUS does NOT provide vessel documentation or registration services.
What they do provide is VHF Radio registration for the radio (MMSI) Maritime Mobile Service Identity number.
The database contains description about the boat, owner, normal location, etc that should also be changed accordingly to your name and details. This number is programmed into the VHF radio and used if you transmit the red "Emergency" button. Google Marine VHF DSC (Digital Selective Service) for more detail about this feature.

USCG retired

 

[Jus Cruisin]

Thanks @Woody and @hughespat57. Your efforts and advice are appreciated. I'll get on it tomorrow. I do have his current Certificate of Documentation that was signed and notarized.