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Coast Guard registration for lake boat

6K views 16 replies 12 participants last post by  KAP 
#1 ·
I would like to know what the pro's and cons are for registering a lake use boat with Coast Guard? I have been told that there is a one time fee of approx. $436 versus a yearly fee for registration in AZ $292. There are no numbers or decals on your boat with Cost Guard but you need to have a name painted on the back.

I am sure there are specific reasons why this is not good for lake use boats but would like to know what they are and get input.......thanks
 
#8 ·
Comment:

This is the best reason not to get your boat documented. We get pulled over all the time and it can be a hassle. Especially, when the majority of Marine enforcement personnel are part time and/or newbies with a senior officer somewhere nearby to reply to all the questions they have.

It sucks! Now if you boat in the ocean by all means have at it. Lakes you might as well have your fenders out all the time your gonna get pulled over.

Do what you want... you have your get out of any jam.... credentials to flash and it's sorry! have a nice day. Ha ha. it's true! Whereas, Kappy and the rest of the PB crowd has to conduct boating 101, safety check and refuse FST's before I can get back to the festivities....laughing....just kidding you...payback sucks huh!:popcorn::D.

KAP

P.S. Get it done when you buy your offshore boat:D.
 
#4 ·
If it seems much more cost effective (one time fee and thats it) then why aren't all us boaters already doing this? AZ policy does not require any other registration if you are U.S. Coast Guard registered. I understand that chance of getting stopped for no numbers/decals but there has to be some negative to doing this or we all would have this time of permanent registration and save the cash on the yearly registration fee's.
 
#5 · (Edited)
If you get hijacked by pirates and have State registration. You will not be under Federal military protection, as you would be sailing under the the UNITED STATES FEDERAL Colors. Seems like a win-win to me. I think to register with the cost guard you have to have a gross tonage over 5 tons. The 5 tons is by volume. Typically a 25' boat minimun. They federal Govt. can also taek your boat in time of emergency.

http://www.marinetitle.com/vessel_documentation.htm
 
#6 ·
What you are speaking of is a "Documented Vessel" It is based on tonage, and that is not weight. Look at the USCG website for detailed info on this under documnented vessel. You will notice most of the large boats in Desert Storm do not display state reg number since they are "Documented".
 
#10 ·
I have it on my boat (29' Shockwave) and have only been pulled over for it once. Show the Reg Certificate, life vests, flotation device, extinguishers and was on my way.... Paid a one time fee and the renewal is pretty much automatic every year, just have to confirm no changes and such.
 
#12 ·
My boat is Coat Guard Doc as well. I have ran it on Havasu, Powell, lots of lakes in Utah and Wyoming and in the Chesapeak Bay. Never been hasseled for it. My home port is in Utah and I boat in MD most of the year. Never been questioned by DNR or the Coast Guard here. My reg numbers are on the inside of my enclosed head.
 
#13 ·
So if the only possible draw back to doing this is possibly getting stopped on the water for not displaying numbers (and your gang moniker is Kap) then why aren't we all doing this and saving money? Seems like a no brainer. I pay $292 a year for 28' boat registration to AZ. Coast Guard Document vessel is a one time fee for only $436. No numbers or stickers to display. Just a name and home port ont the transom. I think I am going to make the switch when my registration is due....any other thoughts?
 
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