As much as you would love to own a brand-new boat fresh out of the showroom, the truth is that an investment like this can be quite steep, especially if you are a first-time boat owner. For many first-timers, it makes more sense to look for a second-hand vessel. Plenty of owners are out there that are seeking to sell the boats they have, and you can browse the secondary market from private sellers and brokers online and in different forums. You can save a lot of money buying a boat this way, but before you spend your money or go out and get financing for a ship, you want to have as much information as you can possibly get on the boat. Making use of the Coast Guard boat documentation search capability can be a useful tool for you during the shopping process.
Why Search for Documentation?
You may wonder why you should take the time to look up a boat this way. Using the Coast Guard’s database will give you access to all the vessels that are documented so that you can get information about the boat you are interested in. Only recreational boats that measure over five metric tons are listed, and those listed are from owners that have chosen federal documentation so you may not find every boat you are interested in listed here. However, if you do find the boat you are considering, you can get some of the background information that may be helpful to you, like when the ship was built, when it was documented and if the documentation is active, where the hailing port of the ship is, and more.
After a Documentation Search
Once you have performed the Coast Guard boat documentation search and received some of the background information, you may want more detailed information before you agree to any deals. You can get an abstract of title from the Coast Guard as well, which will let you know if there are any active liens on the vessel that you need to know about. You do not want to agree to a purchase until all liens are satisfied so that you do not become responsible for what may be owed on the boat. Applying for an abstract can be done through the Coast Guard directly if you wish, and there is a cost involved for each abstract you request.
One Stop for Documentation Search and Services
If you want to have just one location you can turn to where you can perform a Coast Guard boat documentation search, apply for an abstract of title, or any other services involving vessel documentation with the Coast Guard, you can work with us at Maritime Documentation Center. We have the vessel search function on our website that can help you get started, and then offer the abstract application and other forms you need from the Coast Guard. You can do everything online with us and send your requests through our office, and we will, in turn, check it all over and pass it on to the Coast Guard for you so that you get what you need as fast as possible.