Vessel Documentation

The Peregrine is a documented vessel.

A documented vessel is one that is registered by the Federal Government through the U. S. Coast Guard, rather than titled and numbered by a state. I pay $26 per year for this privilege.

This changed in 2022 when we now have an option to renew between 1 - 5 years.

Never pay more than $26! There are multiple companies that want to charge you 3x the amount. They may be legit and get the job done, but it's still a scam. Here’s what you need to know to avoid overpaying when renewing your boat’s U.S. Coast Guard documentation.

Some benefits of federal documentation are:

• TITLE ASSURANCE You have better assurance of title because the U.S. Coast Guard has more stringent chain of title requirements than do most states. Once a vessel is documented, the complete history of the vessel is available on the Abstract of Title.
• FOREIGN TRAVEL If you sail in foreign waters, your Certificate of Documentation facilitates clearance with foreign governments and gives you the status and protection of a U.S. flag vessel.
• FINANCING Most lenders require documentation so that their interest may be secured by a Preferred Ship’s Mortgage recorded by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• OTHER REASONS Many boat owners like the prestige of having their boats documented. Others object to state registration because they do not want to display the numbers on the hull. A major advantage becomes evident when you sell your boat, as ownership and encumbrances are easy to check.

Documented vessels do not display their official numbers on the outside of the hull, but are identified by the name and hailing port.

Documented vessels still need to pay the annual state registration fee. For Washington State, you can do this in person or online here.

Additional Information:

• Renew your documentation at the official National Vessel Documentation Center website
• USCG Documentation FAQ
• Warning on vessel documentation "services"