Buying a documented vessel

[JonnyBoats]

When one is buying a used sailboat that is documented, does one need to use a lawer? If not, what is the proper way to transfer the document?

[Tim]

No. Documentation transfer is easy. It requires one simple form and the fee of $84. This assumes that the documentation is current and in the name of the present owner.

When you close on the boat, request two notarized, original copies of the bill of sale (I suggest the standard USCG form CG-1340). You need two original copies because you want to keep one, of course, but the second original, notarized copy must be included with your documentation transfer request form (CG-1258). Unhelpfully, they also charge an $8.00 fee for each bill of sale submitted, so I guess that remains on official file and could be requested later.

The instructions with the CG-1258 form do not clearly indicate this need, although there is mention of the bill of sale, but when I submitted my transfer for Pixie a couple months ago it was returned to me requesting this information; this is to ensure that you have proof of clear title to the boat. Maybe it's not that unclear, but in any event I missed the need to submit this form.

Since I only had one copy of my bill of sale, and could not simply xerox another (since they require an original), I am currently trying to get a notarized copy of the original that I can use instead (like getting an official copy of your original birth certificate). I want to take this precaution even though I will submit the original bill of sale (since they say that they generate a copy and return it), since I want to ensure that I have a legitimate copy on hand myself.

In any event, none of this is an issue if you have two identical, notarized, signed-by-the-seller copies of the bill of sale on hand.

The problem with governmental and bureaucratic form instructions is that they always assume the user knows what they are doing (which, of course, we do not). Looking over the forms and instructions in detail as I prepared this response made it seem much more clear than I recall, but that may be because now I actually know what the require.

Here are some links to the required forms and the main USCG documentation website.

CG-1340 Form

CG-1258 Form

Vessel Documentation Website

[JonnyBoats]

If one is going to change the vessel's name and hailing port, is this best done at the time the boat is purchased or after the new owner gets his first document after the purchase?

[Tim]

Every time you change your information, you are required to file the form and pay a fee, so it's best to change the name when you transfer the ownership on the documentation.

[RobA]

I'm with you, that instructions are there, but not very easy for the first time user.

I'm sure its spread out in that mess of instructions somewhere:


I have the sellers Original Certificate of Documentation. He signed the back (sale or transfer of vessel) and had it notarized. It has my name and address as the buyer. Can I just use this as the bill of sale, exluding the USCG form for bill of sale?


I'd assume so, but I'd rather not spend 2 months waiting to find out it was not acceptable.

Rob A

[Tim]

I don't know if that will work or not, but I would call NVDC before simply submitting your notarized document.

The letter I received indicated that you need to show chain of ownership as far back as required. In the case of a currently documented vessel, the chain of ownership is already on file (or else the documentation would not be issued), so all you need is to show clear transfer of ownership between the last registered owner of the documented vessel and you.

Normally, this is easily accomplished with a notarized bill of sale. This will be filed ($8.00 fee) along with the documentation, furthering the chain of ownership.

If you can obtain a notarized bill of sale (use the standard CG-1340 form) from the person from whom you bought the boat, I would do so.