If you’re a boat owner, you know that you need an abstract of title. But what is it, and what do you use it for? An abstract of title is a document that provides details regarding the previous owners of a specific vessel. It contains details about the vessel’s first owner, any owners who came…
There’s a lot of lore surrounding the naming of a boat so if you want to change the name of a vessel, you may be wondering how to do so in a way that honors the boat in question and doesn’t bring you the bad luck you may have heard about from other seafaring individuals.…
Do you have an unregistered, foreign-built vessel that you want to use for small passenger operations? Is your vessel not on the Coast Guard boat registration database and you’re unsure about what you can and can’t use it for? So many vessel owners have been or are in that same position. The truth is that…
If you have recently purchased a new or used large recreational boat, you likely have been spending a great deal of time out on the water, enjoying each moment you experience at sea. There are many great adventures that can be ahead of you when you own a boat like this, and you can get…
If you are in the market for a new boat, it is essential to conduct a Coast Guard documented vessel search to ensure that the vessel is clear of any liens or encumbrances. This is crucial because a vessel’s title may be challenged if it is not free and clear of any claims. So, what…
The ongoing pandemic has turned the world upside down and we are still far from seeing the shoreline of this. US vessel documentation processing has drastically changed as well since there is hardly any personal attention anywhere until the next advice. The Internet made a lot of things easier for everyone during these times of…
Do you not know whether or not it’s a good idea for you to get your vessel registered with the Coast Guard? When you go online to do some research, does it feel like everyone is trying to sell you on the idea that you should register your vessel? The truth is that not every…
You must have a solid understanding of the procedure for the transfer of vessel ownership if you are currently the vessel owner. This paper details the procedures that must be carried out to successfully execute a transfer and offers some advice that may be useful along the route. You can secure a seamless transition for…
When you own a boat, it must be registered in some capacity for legal reasons. It’s important to know that this registration must be renewed from time to time. But how will you know it’s time? Typically you will be notified when Coast Guard registration renewal is getting close. However, there are also some things…
If you carry passengers on your boat, there are some regulations that you are required to adhere to ensure their safety while on board your vessel. This includes a fishing vessel, as well as any other watercraft. Whether your boat is inspected or uninspected depends on the number of passengers you take on board. Using…