Have you been trying to figure out how to register a boat with Coast Guard the best way? Does it feel like registering a vessel shouldn’t be as difficult as it is? Before we started our site, we were just vessel owners, just like you, trying to find the best way to register their vessels and take care of their vessel documentation. We started our site, in part, so that vessel owners would have a resource that was entirely on their side, trying to make the process easier for folks who just want to be able to use their vessels how they want.
First Step of How to Register a Boat with Coast Guard
The first step is registration is to find out if you’re eligible and if you truly want or need to register your boat. You’re eligible as long as your vessel measures five net tons and is owned entirely by a US citizen (you). “Net tons” measures volume not weight, so no matter your vessel’s weight, if it’s at least 25 feet long, you should be good. You need to register your vessel if you’re going to use it for commercial fishing or coastwise trade/transportation (or you just want the Preferred Ship’s Mortgage). That’s the basics. If you have further questions, we’re always glad to help.
A Better Form for Registering a Boat
If you’ve read the above and determined that yes, you do want to register your vessel, we’ve made the forms for doing so easier than ever. Simply click on “Initial Vessel Documentation,” and fill out every form with a little star by it. It really is that easy. Moreover, our site is optimized for mobile, so you can do this from practically anywhere, so long as you have a connection to the internet. In a matter of minutes, you could have your documentation done and sent in.
Registering a Boat Isn’t the End: Renewal
It is a true accomplishment when you get your vessel registered. However, for so many vessel owners, that’s really the beginning of the documentation process. The next step is to, in a year’s time, renew. Of course, you have to remember to do so, as you don’t want to do it too early (and you certainly don’t want to do it too late). We can help here, as well. You can choose to, through our site, renew it for years in advance. That way, you’ll have one less thing to worry about.
Vessel Documentation Services Beyond Registration
Registration and renewal are two of the most popular uses of our site, sure, but they’re far from all that people use our site for. Indeed, you can find just about every form you’ll need throughout the course of owning your documented vessel at our site. Moreover, our staff will be here to help you every step of the way. In fact, you can call our experts and they can answer your questions or walk you through a form at (866) 981-8783.
If you’re unsure how to register a boat and keep that registration, you can reach us at (866) 981-8783.