Our Dealer page contains Coast Guard vessel documentation information,
state level boat registration guidelines, dealer related articles, and
other items of special interest for boat dealers. It also serves as a gateway
to our complete selection of dealer services, vessel forms, boating
databases, and ownership guides.
Please
contact us for
additional information on how you can benefit from this exclusive
gathering of vessel documentation and boat registration resources. You
may also wish to
bookmark
this page to stay current on frequent updates and revisions.
●
Free Advisory Service
- A free online service for dealers seeking information about Coast Guard
vessel documentation or state level boat registration.
● Dealer Services
- Check out our complete array of low cost self-service packages for
Coast Guard vessel documentation, preferred mortgages, and state level
boat titling or registration.
● Vessel Forms - An
extensive gathering of Coast Guard vessel documentation, state level
boat registration, and boat trailer forms designed especially for
dealers.
● Abstract of Title Kit -
Everything you need to order, interpret, and summarize a U.S. Coast Guard
abstract of title. Includes a decoding list, summary worksheet, and a free
subscription to our Vessel Abstracting Handbook.
● Vessel Database
- Our Database page contains an extensive listing of searchable
databases which will be particularly useful for dealers.
● Dealer FAQs -
Visit our database of answers to frequently asked questions we receive
from boat dealers about vessel documentation, boat titling, and vessel
transactions.
● Boat
Registration Summary - Our boat registration summary provides a quick
overview of state-by-state boat registration, titling, loan perfection,
taxation, and operational requirements.
●
Boat Lettering Vendors - Links to vendors that can
provide lettering services, state registration numbers, and Coast Guard official number plaques for new boats.
● Web Link Program
- Link to our web site and your buyers can take full advantage of all we
have to offer. You may also place your site information in the Boat
Dealer section of our Directory page.
● Dealer Guides - A
listing of Coast Guard documentation and boat registration guides and
handbooks. Includes a complete glossary of terms related to vessel titling
and boat transactions.
● Coast Guard Documentation
- Visit our federal page for information, guidelines, and
resources pertaining to U.S. Coast Guard vessel documentation and
preferred vessel mortgages.
● MSO vs.
Builders Certificate - Comparison of the first ownership
documents issued by a manufacturer and their respective usages.
●
State
Titling vs. Coast Guard Documentation - Things to consider when
deciding on whether you should document your vessel with the U.S. Coast
guard or title it on the state level.
● Vessel Markings
- A short primer on the appropriate exterior markings such as the
vessel's name, hailing port, and registration numbers. Applies to Coast Guard documented vessels
and state registered boats.
● Vessel
Research Guide - Guidelines for researching Coast Guard
vessel documentation records, state level boat records, and ownership
records.
The
Manufacturer's Statement of Origin and Builders Certification both serve
as initial ownership documents for any given vessel. Although
either of these items can be used for state titling and registration
purposes, only the Builder's Certification will satisfy Coast Guard
requirements regarding "evidence of build". On small to mid-size vessels,
many builders will accordingly issue both certificates in order to
cover all the bases.
When both items are
provided, there is a likelihood that one will remain in circulation once
the vessel has been formally titled or documented. This means that
effectively there are now two outstanding ownership documents which could
be used for adverse purposes. Such scenario is of particular concern to
marine lenders who need protection against any conflicting security
arrangements.
Caution should be
exercised in taking the MSO and Builder's Certification at face value.
It is not uncommon to encounter situations
where the stated hull identification number does not match that which is
actually on the vessel. The builder may have also incorrectly listed the
name of the "party for whom built". For instance, a fictitious business name
(d/b/a) is not acceptable for Coast Guard documentation purposes unless it
is preceded by the party's true legal name.
The differences in vessel documentation, state titling and registration methods create a lot of
confusion regarding the requirements for display of vessel names, official numbers,
registration numbers, and decals. An improperly marked vessel can invite
enforcement penalties and create problems when transferring ownership.
A key factor in
determining vessel marking requirements is whether the vessel is
currently documented with the U.S. Coast Guard. In this case, there are
some very specific rules regarding where and how the official number,
vessel name, and hailing port must be displayed. In addition,
federal law prohibits a documented vessel from bearing any state
registration numbers. However, this does not preclude the display of
decals or tabs as required in those states that
issue yearly registration certificates on documented vessels.
If the vessel is not
documented there are no provisions that either require or prohibit the
display of a vessel name and hailing port. These can be marked upon the
vessel in any
fashion whatsoever. However, non-documented vessels must display the state
registration numbers and current decals.
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It is our mission to provide the absolute best in professional maritime
services and we are constantly striving
to improve our awareness of your vessel documentation, vessel titling,
and vessel transaction needs.
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