abstract of title

What Is A Vessel Abstract Of Title?

All documentation filed to the Coast Guard for a specific vessel is recorded in an abstract of title. However, it isn’t exactly accurate to say that it is the authoritative history of titles. If a boat has been registered in another country or state before, the abstract may not contain all relevant dates and events. 

As a long-term financial commitment and a long-term maintenance requirement, purchasing a vessel, boat, or even a yacht is an enormous task. When it comes to investing your money, it’s crucial to conduct your research before deciding. 

You’re probably already familiar with the title history report, which lists all recorded liens on a vessel. But did you know that the title history isn’t the only document the Coast Guard produces for marine vessels? Buying a vessel is a significant investment of both time and money, so it’s vital to be well-informed, especially since you won’t get all the information from just a title history. If this is your first time buying a boat, or even your second or third, here’s what you need to know about abstracts of title, what they contain, and how to use them.

abstract of title

What’s The Point Of Getting An Abstract? 

Although abstracts of title are straightforward to comprehend, you may be bewildered as to why you would want one. The abstract of title you get may include information on whether or not there are any liens against the boat you are considering purchasing. According to flsenate.gov, as the boat’s new owner, you may be held liable for any outstanding liens that may have been connected to its previous to your acquisition and which have not been satisfied. You may not want to spend a considerable amount of money in a boat with which you are aware that there may be financial or legal concerns in the future.

What Value Does The Abstract Of Title Provide? 

If you plan on purchasing a boat, it is vital to be aware of all the legal requirements for the purchase. Investing in illegal watercraft is a waste of time and money. You may use the Abstract of Title to learn more about the vessel’s history and paperwork. 

When dealing with liens, this abstract of title will also provide you with information on any liens on the boat that might hamper your purchase or cause you trouble. Once you acquire the yacht, you’ll have to deal with any liens that have been filed against it. To remove liens from a vessel, the owner may have to shell out thousands of dollars. So, be sure that you don’t acquire a boat that has a bad reputation.

What Does An Abstract Contain?

  • Boat’s Data 

It’s not common to see a boat description that includes the vessel’s type or weight, but rather the location and year of its construction, current and former vessel identifying titles, and the Coast Guard-issued identification number.

 

  • Information on Ownership 

 

All existing owners, including individuals, legal entities, and groups of people, such as corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships, will be included. The abstract also provides information on the prior transfers of ownership. As a result of this process, all previous owners and transfer data will be included in this entire chain of ownership.

  • Mortgages and Liens       

Coast Guard records do not include information on the vessel’s mortgage or debt status. A lien’s claims notifications and preferred mortgages are documented in the abstract of the lien data. The mortgages and liens are dismissed after all legal procedures are completed, or the abstract is issued.

 

  • Keeping a Record of Everything That Happens

 

There is an Abstract of Title that contains all the relevant information about the mortgages and liens and their respective dates, parties’ names, recording type, and other relevant details.

Liens on a Title Abstract

If the previous owner owed the lender money and wanted to sell the boat, the lender might place a lien on the yacht to impede the transfer of ownership. If there is a claim against the vessel that has not been paid, it is your responsibility to take care of it as the new owner. The abstract of title issued by the United States Coast Guard may be of considerable use to you in your legal endeavors.

What Is The Best Place To Receive An Abstract Of Title?

If you want an abstract title for a boat, you must go to the United States Coast Guard and submit a request for an abstract. In addition to the request, you will be required to provide certain information about the boat, such as its official paperwork number, and complete the form completely and accurately. The procedure may take many weeks, particularly in the case of antique vessels that have a lot of information on them. 

If you want to get an abstract of title from the Coast Guard, the quickest and most convenient method is to utilize our online system here at US Vessel Documentation Center. You may complete the application on our website and submit it electronically. We will handle the rest of the procedure to assist you in getting your abstract as quickly as possible.