Yep, CG documentation #.Apologies if this has been asked before, but I tried searching to no avail. Our E26-2 has a giant number engraved right next to the door to the head. This doesn't match anything in the HIN. Any idea what this number might be? Do others have this on their boats?
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It's cheap to renew with the USCG each year - don't get sucked into ads from 'services' offering to renew via them ... for several hundred $$. You can do it yourself via the CG website. You will first have to transfer the documentation number to be in your name: you'll need proof of purchase/ownership (e.g., State boat registration document?). As I recall, it cost a little more to do the initial name change than the annual renewal fee. It's a separate process (and small fee) to get the CG to record a vessel name change. To avoid confusion, I recommend renewing (re-starting) the annual documentation process first, and then do a name change later (if you want), after the CG has that number registered in your name. Good Luck!Ah-ha. Thanks! I'm brand new to the boating world and didn't think about that. I confirmed by looking it up on CG website. Apparently this boat was named "My Molimo" at one time. Hmmm.
Glad they chose a subtle place to engrave it.
Interesting. My CG number is in the lazarette, barely visible. I've been boarded a couple of times, and it hasn't been a problem. They just want to see the life jackets and fire extinguishers. Never even asked about my elaborate pumpout locking system. Of course, around this area, the Coast Guard, police, etc. are pretty mellow. The people you don't want to mess with are the customs and immigration guys, especially in Canada. They can't take a joke.It may be a coast guard vessel registration number.
I believe there is a requirement for a permanent record of the Vessel # in the interior of the cabin. Mine has a similar one.
My number is deeply engraved in a piece of wood that's epoxied to the hull liner in the aft lazarette.Interesting. My CG number is in the lazarette, barely visible. I've been boarded a couple of times, and it hasn't been a problem. They just want to see the life jackets and fire extinguishers. Never even asked about my elaborate pumpout locking system. Of course, around this area, the Coast Guard, police, etc. are pretty mellow. The people you don't want to mess with are the customs and immigration guys, especially in Canada. They can't take a joke.
One small cautionary note: states probably differ in what proof must be displayed for state vessel registration, and this applies to USCG documented vessels also.It does get state registration numbers and stickers off your bow, proving you are high class . Expired stickers were a cause of tickets, back when harbor authorities had full staff and nothing better to do.
I always thought it was "Badgers"....We don't need no stinkin' stickers!
The format for this is set, pretty rigidly, by the USCG. Also the interior placement and sizing and "attachment". It does not go on the outside of the hull/transom like a state registration number, for instance.Is it necessary to include a US prefix when displaying the documentation number, say on the transom?
A note about state titles vs USCG documentation. .. they are not the same. There are positives and some cautions about either type of ownership document.I saw that. I'm curious what you do if you can't trace back to the last documented owner? How can you have it notarized? Can you do an affidavit of a fact or something? Our state doesn't require notarized bills of sale for watercraft.
From what I can find, the only reasons to maintain USCG documentation are traveling in international waters, don't want to display state registration numbers, or financing a boat. None of those apply to me. I'll keep my reg numbers and my Kansas sticker and be happy on my little lake.A note about state titles vs USCG documentation. .. they are not the same. There are positives and some cautions about either type of ownership document.
I called and spoke with someone regarding that very situation. The last owner can sign a Bill of Sale in front of a notary as an authorized agent. You do not need to have the documentation but if you know the number they can pull it up.A note about state titles vs USCG documentation. .. they are not the same. There are positives and some cautions about either type of ownership document.
I wouldn't bother either if I wasn't Coastal.From what I can find, the only reasons to maintain USCG documentation are traveling in international waters, don't want to display state registration numbers, or financing a boat. None of those apply to me. I'll keep my reg numbers and my Kansas sticker and be happy on my little lake.
Thanks everyone for input on this.