Buying a yacht, pleasure vessel, or commercial boat is a big step for you to take. You make a commitment of a lot of time and money when you do this, and you want to make sure everything about the transaction goes smoothly. Getting all your paperwork together to make sure you have everything you…
USCG News
What To Do If a Dealer Refuses to Give You a Bill of Sale form?
As the owner of a USGC vessel, you understand the significance of having a completed Bill of Sale form on hand. What if the boatyard you bought it from flat-out refuses to provide you with one? Have no fear; you can still do many things to safeguard yourself and your investment. As the proud owner…
Ship Owner Information: How a USCG Vessel Lookup Can Show You Who Owns a Boat
If you are the vessel owner registered with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), you must maintain accurate records of your boat’s registration and paperwork. But did you know that you can also look up who owns a USCG vessel? Using the official USCG Vessel Lookup website, you can see detailed information about any boat registered…
One Place for Your Boat Licensing and Documentation Needs
Finding the right boat licensing forms for your needs shouldn’t be a scavenger hunt. We don’t believe that any vessel owner should have to scour the internet for their vessel documentation. Initial documentation on one site, change of address on another – we think that wastes the time of vessel owners as well as, ultimately,…
Can You Buy a Vessel with Just a Boat Bill of Sale?
Have you found someone to purchase your vessel and want to “close the deal” the right way? Are you in the process of finding a buyer and want to have “all of your bases covered?” For centuries, boat owners have said some version of “the best days of boat ownership are the day you buy…
USCG Documentation Endorsements: How to Use Your Vessel How You Want
Do you find USCG documentation a bit confusing? When you look at the form to file for your initial documentation, do you think: “I just want to get out on the water and make some money with my vessel?” We understand how onerous the process can be. Indeed, that’s one of the biggest reasons we…
Federally Documented Vessel Search: What is the Easiest Way to Do It in 2024?
Are you looking for the easiest way to conduct a federally documented vessel search for whatever reason it may serve you? If you are, then you are in the right place. Our website offers this tool. It is one of the easiest ways to look for a documented vessel and get its details. This search…
Verify Your Vessel With Coast Guard Boat Registration Lookup
When you become the proud owner of a boat, one of the primary things on your mind is inevitably going to be ensuring its legal status and authenticity. Something that helps you to do this with very little effort is the Certificate of Documentation Lookup. This is a very powerful tool that can be used…
Vessel Documentation & Boat Safety in November
As of this writing, it is November. That means all across North America, the waterways are gorgeous. The leaves have just about all fallen off, leaving the bare, sparse, and beautiful trees. Snow may have begun to fall, and winter is soon to swell. Many families and friends take this time to go out on…
5 Red Flags to Avoid When Buying a Boat From a Private Seller
If you are looking to grab a good deal out on the water, then the best bargains can often be found on the private market rather than in the boat showrooms. Of course, when you are purchasing something that isn’t brand new from a manufacturer and is most probably preowned, there is always going to…
When Do You Need to Change a Vessel Name and Hailing Port?
If you are new to the boating world you may have realized by now that there are a few terms you might not be familiar with. Having your own vessel comes with a certain degree of responsibility as well, and that involves having to take care of your own paperwork. For that reason, it is…
Finding Boat Owners Who BUI Through a Vessel Documentation Search
Boating under the influence is a term used to describe the “act of operating a boat or watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.” It is similar to driving under the influence of motor vehicles. If you have been involved in a boating accident and you suspect that the owner is BUI, you…
What Is the Process of Obtaining a Bill of Sale of a Vessel
When it comes time to sell their vessel, most boat owners don’t give their title any thought until that point. Having a bill of sale, on the other hand, may provide boat owners security in a variety of different ways. When you first complete a bill of sale for your yacht, it will be a…
Why You Should Get an Abstract of Title Before You Buy a Vessel
Have you been checking a vessel out but aren’t sure if it’s the right one for you? Does your research tell you that everything is on the “up and up” when it comes to this vessel, but you want to be certain? That makes all the sense in the world. A vessel is an investment,…
What’s At Stake If You Fail to Renew Boat Registration?
When you own a boat, it is your responsibility to process the necessary registration and documentation. It is highly recommended to renew boat registration at least 90 days in advance of its expiration. This will ensure that there is no lapse in coverage. What if you forget to do it? What is at stake? Are…