[chorn24]

Ed, let us know about performance numbers, speed, milage and stuff.

[Capt. Dan]

I don't understand why your boat has to be documented. Are you a charter captain?

[Ed in FL]

Trust me, I don't understand, my dealer doesn't understand, CH doesn't understand, only the finance company. Dealer thinks that the CG will reject the documentation because the boat really doesn't meet the documentatin requirements. I'm not a Charter Captain either. Maybe another case where people don't actually "think" anymore.

I don't want to be the only small boat out there without state registration numbers on the hull. It will be a marine patrol magnet. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img]

[Bruce W]

I, too, do NOT understand why the bank says it needs to be documented - usually it's the OWNER'S preference???

My Dad had a 29ft. yard-built boat (1950's or 60's vintage) - was "documented" when he bought it (used) and he left it that way. Didn't use it for charters. Had the name "PLAYMATE" on the bow and on the stern.

Let us know WHY?

As to the name, "ABACO DABRA" is still not taken! "In house" joke there!

Regards,
Bruce W

[RickR]

The reason the lender wants it documented is that federal law gives them the right to file for a special type of mortgage lean, called a "preferred mortgage" -- on federally documented boats. This is from the Coast Guard's FAQ page:

"WHAT IS A PREFERRED MORTGAGE?

A preferred mortgage is a mortgage which is given status as a maritime lien. As such it enjoys a certain priority in the event of default. In addition, the Coast Guard is prohibited from making certain changes in documentation including, but not limited to, change of vessel ownership, name, and hailing port without consent of the mortgagee. For this reason many financial institutions require vessels which are eligible for documentation to be documented and to have preferred mortgages recorded against them."

To figure out whether your boat qualifies (and the only requirements are that it be owned solely by American citizens and be at least 5 net tons in volume) try the form at this link:

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/msc/T3/cg5397/cg5397.form.htm

Have fun,

Rick

[Ed in FL]

The 24 Cape Horn measures out at 7 net tons, guess that's why the finance company documenting the boat with the CG.

Thanks for that link, everything I ever wanted to know about documenting a boat.

Now, I've got to figure out how I'm going to display the 4" high boat # on an interior portion of the hull that is cleary visible and affixed in such a way as it cannot be removed without signs of scarring.

Any suggestions on a center console with a T-top?