Should I document

[Buddy Gold]

The boat I bought is documented as well as titled and registered with the state. They want $448.00 for me to document the boat in my name and I think $78.00 a year to renew.  Is there value there that I am just not seeing?

[Robert Mann]

Buddy, check out:
https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Deputy-for-Operations-Policy-and-Capabilities-DCO-D/National-Vessel-Documentation-Center/

This is  the direct web site for the Coast Guard documentation web site.  The charges are reasonable if you handle directly.  If you use an "agency" the rip-off opportunities are great.
Caveat: I haven't transferred documentation in 15 years, so my memory is erased, but I do re-register directly each year.

[rmjohns]

Yes, that seems a little high. I am in the process of registering now with the CG and so far it's been under $100. I will say they are pretty slow on an ownership transfer.

Also I'd check on the titled with the state. I was under the impression you either got it documented with the CG or titled with the state, not both.  You would have to register it with the state regardless.

Rob

[KWKloeber]

Buddy

Who is "they"? that is feeding you that info?  Which "the state"?
Most states do not title doc'd vessels, but I can't speak to yours (because I don't KNOW yours!)

[Jon W]

Buddy, Is the $448 to only document the vessel, or is other title work also being done?

When I purchased my 1987 MK1 it was registered with the state of California. The broker had a Documentation Service do a search and found that the boat had been previously documented. I was told you can be registered with the state or be a documented vessel with USCG, you can't be both. I chose to re-document the boat with USCG, and the old Documented Vessel Number was re-assigned to me. The Documentation Service Co charged ~$410 for everything involved with the sale (for this, lien searches, etc). I only annual renew directly with the USCG. Their yearly renewal fee is $26.

[Ron Hill]

Buddy : I'd get ahold of the USCG documentation people in (the deep water port) of Falling Waters WV. 
I don't believe that your $448 cost is valid!

A thought

[Stu Jackson]

The boat I bought is documented as well as titled and registered with the state. They want $448.00 for me to document the boat in my name and I think $78.00 a year to renew.  Is there value there that I am just not seeing?

The $448 is a SCAM and has been documented (pi!) on this site and most other boating forums.

https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,9383.0.html

[Buddy Gold]

Almost got me, the bastards.    https://usvesseldocumentation.center/.   private fee for service documentation company

Thanks to all, now I will find the proper place



Transfer/Exchange of Documentation
Price: $448.00
   I understand that my application will be processed in the order in which it is received by Vessel Documentation Online LLC,  private fee for service documentation company[ not owned or operated by any governmental agency. I understand that application and processing fees are non-refundable as per Vessel Documentation Online LLC's no refund policy and as per 46 CFR 67.500(e)

[Paulus]

Buddy,
I documented my boat when I bought it(about 20 years ago).  The cost was $80.00 and the renewal fee is $28.00 or $29.00 every year. The main reason for documenting the boat, I did not have to pay sales tax.  I do not know if this loop hole has been closed here in Michigan or not or even available in other states.  The Coast Guard makes the process easy and they are very friendly.

Paul