Whether you are looking to buy a brand-new boat from a manufacturer or you have turned to the secondary market so you can purchase a vessel from a private owner or broker, at some point you will find that you need to do work with the Coast Guard. It may be that you want more…
In the not so recent past, there was nothing particularly easy about documenting a vessel. In fact, it was basically the opposite: it could feel like the process was as onerous as possible. Instead of making it easy to get the documentation you needed, it could seem like the process was being made intentionally difficult….
Purchasing a new boat for your commercial business can be stressful for you. You need to find the proper vessel that has just what you need regarding the engine, deck size, amenities, and features. The boat itself needs to be at a price that fits into your chosen budget for the equipment, as well. Once…
The last time you and your family were driving out to the beach or down past the marina, you saw a boat that you fell in love with right away. Everything about it from the outside seemed perfect to you, and you could not help but notice the prominent ‘For Sale’ sign that was posted…
As you may have heard by now, if you are on the boat’s universe, the vessel’s certificate of documentation (COD) lasts longer now: if you sail on a recreational boat you can extend your certificate for 5 years every time it expires. If you want to know more about this new regimentation keep reading while…
Vessel documentation is, in a few words, a national form of registration. It is also one of the oldest functions of Government and it dates back to the 11th Act of the First Congress. This documentation provides conclusive evidence of nationality for international purposes as well as the habilitations for certain restricted trades. Since 1920,…
Would you be interested in selling your boat? If this is the case, having a boat bill of sale is the optimal option to guarantee that the transaction goes through without a hitch. When it comes time to sell your vessel, this paperwork may be required to ensure a smooth transaction, but it may also…
If you have a large vessel, it is important to understand USCG regulations regarding boating. These are the rules that you are obliged to follow when operating your vessel in US waters. If you do not comply with these rules, then you may be fined heavily, or worse. If you are just beginning ownership of…
Does it seem like all of the vessel documentation rules and regulations all seem to favor the authorities and not vessel owners? Have you researched Coast Guard NVDC sites but found them full of odd jargon? When we started our site, we wanted it to be a resource for vessel owners, a place where they…
If you are new to shopping for a yacht or other pleasure vessel, you likely want to familiarize yourself with the market a little bit before you make any decisions about buying a boat. Buying a new boat can be a great thing, but you know you will pay a lot more money for a…