Have you grown weary of always having to go from one site to the next to find all of the vessel documentation forms that you need? Does it feel like sometimes you spend more time searching for and completing documentation than you do actually being on your vessel? These are common, understandable concerns. At Vessel…
There’s an old saying: “the two best days in boat ownership are the day you buy the boat and the day you sell it.” That might be a bit harsh, but the logic is sound. The idea is that those are the two days that you have the most to look forward to, the most…
As the owner of a vessel, you need to understand why ship documentation is different than registration. These small differences can make a big impact in your experience. Recreational vessel owners are required to register their boats with the respective state governments in the USA. Each state has different requirements and agencies to manage these…
Often, we’ll get some version of the question: “what’s so important about vessel documentation anyway?” Sure, when you want to go out and spend time on your boat, it may seem like one more hassle. But, it’s actually important and can even provide peace of mind. Sure, it won’t make your vessel larger, help you…
The Maritime Administration of the United States (Marad) grants waivers of the existing regulations only when your intended purpose doesn’t cause “undue adverse effect” on other operators or shipbuilders. A Marad waiver exempts provisions that may occur under one particular set of circumstances. Primarily, it depends on the use to which you intend to use…
Interested in acquiring a new boat? The design, color, model, and many other details can be tempting, but what may hide beneath them? An abstract of title can help to unveil and disclose potential deal-breaker issues within the boat. It’s important to do a little background research on the ship you want to buy. While…
Have you been trying to get a certificate of documentation yet find that it’s a more complex process than you might have thought? When it comes to asking a National Vessel Documentation Center Certificate of Documentation-related questions, does it seem like they ask more questions than they answer? A Certificate of Documentation can be crucially…
When you have a boat for sale, eventually you’re going to need a bill of sale. In fact, you may want the bill of sale even if you never end up selling the boat. It gives you the capability to transfer any liens or fines to the new owner along with ownership. Of course, as…
Are you looking into a vessel (or vessels) that you’re interested in purchasing? Has it felt like there’s no real way to trust the information that you find online about a vessel? With so many different vessel owners online, it can be hard to know what to trust. Obviously, anything that’s “too good to be…
Has a potential ship caught your eye lately? Do you intend to buy a vessel for recreational use? Maybe you just found a boat that might make you company for a long time. If this is the case, there are some important things to consider before any transaction. Making a background check on the vessel’s…