WARNING - $375 vs $26 for USCG renewal

Yeah. There's a number of those floating around. They actually do provide the service, but they count on official looking letters and buyer ignorance that they can go direct to USCG.

 

I fell for one of those a few years ago when I wasn't paying attention and paid $75 instead of $26. I disputed the charge to Visa, and they refunded me $49! I pay more attention tio the mail now!!

 

I did the same thing…I learned my lesson

 

I don't feel so bad now, thank you!

 

And you probably don't get the option for 5 year renewal

 

Thank you for posting this hynespa - it's a great reminder so we don't get tricked. I was lucky in my first year of ownership that the previous owner had warned me about this misleading service, but I'm sure many are not as lucky. Thank you again.

 

My wife was going to surprise me and pay the bill, she almost did it just last week

 

I got my "FINAL NOTICE - COAST GUARD DOCUMENTATION EXPIRING" letter today from the "National Documentation Portal". Made me laugh.

 

When buying my last boat I did all the paperwork to transfer the documented boat to my name. There were services offering to do it for 500-1000 I think ... cost a hundred or two (can't remember).

I will say the USCG site and paperwork instructions do not make it simple.