Discovering a boat’s history can begin with just one piece of information: the Hull Identification Number, or HIN. With this unique number, it’s possible to uncover valuable data tied to a vessel’s status and background. At the National Documentation Portal, we offer a straightforward way to access a boat lookup by hull number. Our portal…
Many vessel owners in the Sunshine State begin their journey by learning about Florida boat registrations—and understandably so. Registering a boat with the state is a necessary step for many recreational vessels operating in Florida waters. You may need to document your vessel federally with the USCG if it meets certain size or usage criteria….
Selling or buying a boat can be a complex process, especially so (and perhaps surprisingly so), when the sale is “as is.” An “as is bill of sale for a boat” carries specific implications for both the buyer and the seller, and understanding how to draft one correctly is important. At the National Documentation Portal,…
Just as every car has a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to establish its unique identity, every vessel has its own identification markers that serve a similar role. For undocumented recreational vessels, this identifier is the Hull Identification Number (HIN). For documented vessels, it’s the USCG Official Number. At the National Documentation Portal, we offer resources…
When vessel owners begin researching US Coast Guard documentation info, one of the first questions they ask is whether their boat needs to be documented. The answer depends on the vessel’s size, purpose, and how it will be used. At the National Documentation Portal, we help clarify these requirements and provide a secure, easy-to-use online…
Are you selling a jet ski and want to make the purchase legally binding? A well-drafted bill of sale for a jet ski ensures a smooth transfer, reduces disputes, and may be required for registration or titling in many states. When buying or selling a jet ski or any personal watercraft, having a legally sound…
For vessel owners in Hawaii, understanding how to register and document a boat can feel complicated. Between state requirements and federal options, figuring out what applies to your vesseand what’s optional—can take time. At the National Documentation Portal, we help simplify the federal Hawaii boat registration process, especially when it comes to federally documenting eligible…
If you’re planning on selling a Coast Guard documented boat, there are certain rules and procedures that you’ll need to follow. Documented vessels fall under the jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard and are governed by federal maritime law. That means it requires the proper documentation, submitted correctly and in a timely manner. At…
Does it feel like you’re never quite sure when you have to renew your vessel’s documentation? Has it seemed as if it’s getting harder and harder to remember when your vessel has to be documented? We don’t believe this is the kind of thing that’s supposed to cause stress or concern. Here at the National…
Have you been trying to find out more about a certain vessel but it doesn’t seem like there are any sources of information you can trust? Does it seem like there’s just no way to find out what you need to know before purchasing a vessel? When it comes to researching a vessel for a…