Anyone do Coast Guard registration?

FREEDOM!!!

FREEDOM!!!

GreatGrady Captain
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Age
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Model
Freedom 235
I'm looking at a 285 Freedom and the dealerships wants to register it with the Coast Guard. It is worth doing? I'm never taking this into international waters, so I'm not sure what the benefit is other than it might be required for the loan, and you don't have to put any numbers on the bow. But you do need to display a number plaque that is quite sizeable. Just curious if anyone does this and if it's really beneficial. Thanks.
 
Assume you mean documented. It will probably be required with a boat that size if you get financing for it. My boat is documented but there is no real advantage other then not having to put registration numbers or stickers on it. However you will still need to pay tax on it depending on your state.
 
drbatts said:
Assume you mean documented. It will probably be required with a boat that size if you get financing for it. My boat is documented but there is no real advantage other then not having to put registration numbers or stickers on it. However you will still need to pay tax on it depending on your state.
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Yes. From what I have read the number placard goes somewhere on the inside. Is that correct? Also, how do the police know that the boat is CG documented and not just unregistered? I guess I have a concern about being "pulled over" because there aren't any registration numbers on the bow like most boats.
 
24 years ago I bought a boat that was documented so I just transferred the documentation to me. i was concerned about police pulling us over bc of no registration, howeverin24 years I have not been stopped for a registration check. The CG is also very efficient at processing renewals and you have the option of single year or multiple year renewals.
 
Don’t you have to display the boats name and hailing port?
(In lieu of state registration)
 
There needs to be a placard permanently mounted somewhere in the boat with the Doc. number. Mine is on a bulkhead. You need the vessel name and hailing port on the transom. I believe that commercial vessels also need the name on either side of the bow. I have never been stopped for not having reg. numbers on the bow. My boat is also state registered and I keep that reg. and documentation paperwork on the boat.
 
Hi,

Don't let the dealer make you do it. When I bought my bought, the lender wanted it, but I was able to get them to skip that. I would much rather deal with state BS than Federal BS.
 
Coastboater said:
Don’t you have to display the boats name and hailing port?
(In lieu of state registration)
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Yes, but I have done that on all of my boats anyway....just to be fancy. I'm surprised they don't give you a window decal or something so that LE can see that it's not unregistered when they notice the naked bow. Maybe it's not a concern at all.
 
drbatts said:
There needs to be a placard permanently mounted somewhere in the boat with the Doc. number. Mine is on a bulkhead. You need the vessel name and hailing port on the transom. I believe that commercial vessels also need the name on either side of the bow. I have never been stopped for not having reg. numbers on the bow. My boat is also state registered and I keep that reg. and documentation paperwork on the boat.
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I was watching a video and the placard they had was massive! Are they all that big?

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Not necessary unless you are not in international waters (like Bahamas). May not be needed even then. Fed numbers are etched inside boat and not displayed. State registration/tax required to be paid.

Bahamas trip was easy back in the 90's but not so anymore. Highly regulated/taxed/fee'ed now. Still an awesome destination - Do it if you can!
 
I have a Sailfish and honestly never thought about it. We've done the Great Loop, and so have travelled through many states with several CG safety checks and it has never come up. We took a side trip into Canada and I thought I had studied all the requirements and even met those I didn't have to, i.e. FCC ship station license for operating a VHF radio, additional safety equipment, etc. The Canadian 'Mounties' were more interested in a friendly chat than they were in looking over the boat. Just guessing here, but I thought maybe they were more well trained in detecting lies and less interested in counting flares.
 
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FREEDOM!!! said:
I was watching a video and the placard they had was massive! Are they all that big?

View attachment 39445
Click to expand...
The official number are basically at least the same as a state registration number.- they can be attached any where on the hull and do not have to be visible - mine are in the stern insternteriot where my batteries are - I used vinyl stick on numbers and then applied a few coats of polyurethane and they have been there for 20+ years .Several CG safety checks and they have never even asked to see them.
 
same here. mine are in the transom well by the batteries.
 
FREEDOM!!! said:
I was watching a video and the placard they had was massive! Are they all that big?
Click to expand...
I did the USCG documentation for my boat, to get a better interest rate from the lender. I'm glad I did.

There are regs to follow that are not crystal clear.

The "documentation number" has to start "NO." and the letters and numbers need to be 3 inches high. I got my placard from ComfortHouse.com (went with black letters on white background).

The number has to be "permanently attached" (screws; glue) to the interior structural part of the boat (so it would be apparent if removed). But that does not mean visible without opening a compartment. I have a storage box in the transom that can be lifted out to reach the batteries. There is a nice spot behind that removable box above the batteries where the placard fits well.

You still have to purchase your annual state registration and display your sticker. Since there are no numbers on the hull, I have my stickers low on the side windows. Easily seen from the water, but out of any sight line from the helm.

Finally, there are requirements for the size of the lettering for the boat's name and hailing port on the stern. Mine are in front of and partially blocked by twin outboards, but still visible from the right angles.

Police boats have passed me many times without incident. I even pulled up for gas next two two police boats. They can see the current registration stickers, and the boat's name and hailing port on the stern, and they either assume its documented or can look it up. Have never been questioned.
 
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