Documentation

[Reel Therapy]

Is it important to document your boat with the CG? Isn't state registration enough?

[Sea-Ya]

If it's documented by the CG,I thought you don't need to do the state registration.
If you register it with the state you don't need the CG documentation.

[smithbros]

I think the fed documentation is the way to go, avoids some sales taxes and better international protection

[Nutz]

Dont do the state registration. Pay the one time fee for CG registration ($80) then renew for no cost each year. Make sure you have the forms and get the required info from previous owner if he had it documented. You will use the same number.

[Hroonk]

How does sales tax work if you register with the CG? I assume that Md will still expect you to pay the sales tax.

[TerpHeels]

In MD u still have 2 pay for the MD documentation sticker even if u're documented and not state registered so it's wash AND u still have 2 pay sales tax. U'll have 2 see what VA does. Some lenders require it which is why my 34 was documented. Personally I'd go w/the state registration as it would be simpler and quicker.

[sandyharry]

DE doesnt require you register your boat if Doc'd and they have no sales tax. MD doesn't require you to "register" your boat if Doc'd but make not mistake if you are a md resident it requires you need to display a "use tax" decal showing you paid sales tax. No decal expect to get boarded and hosed!!! If you have another property out of state you need to prove principle use of the boat was out of md (no more than 90 days consequtively used in MD or 180 days a year) this INCLUDES time on the trailer. So if you store in back of house in md for more than 90 days you can be charged. BTW MD scans USCG database for boats that are doc'd with md address with no registration or tax reciept. They will send you a bill, trust me.

Outside of trying to save on state rego and sales tax (you are not....) many insurance companies wont insure larger boats unless they are Doc'd, that the main reason for doing it.

[Nutz]

As far as I know there is no sales tax paid on a documented boat in VA.

[Small Boat Junkie]

Not in Va If documented.

[Reel Therapy]

Sounds like documentation is the way to go. Any one know of a site to go to? If not I can start with Google.

[Reel Therapy]

Found all the forms on the CG site.

[longfin2]

Documentation is the way to go. Just remember that in time of war the CG reserves the right to arm your boat to the teeth and kill those Commie Bastages:eek:

[cirwin]

How long does documentation take? I am waiting on the paperwork to go through.

[Rock On]

You do have to pay sales tax when documented in VA I sell boats that normally go documentation and you still pay the sales tax. I have to have proof for everyboat that is sold I either right the check and send it to the DGIF or the documentation company that handles the closing will collect the tax money and give me a copy of te check for when I'm audited.

[Nutz]

The boat is sold and purchased, in FL, not VA.

[feelingroovey]

go to USCG documentation site. look for form CG-1258. The site will guide you through the rates and forms, also has a page you can download to pay with a credit card. Once sent in to the West Virgina Doc. center it can take 4-6 weeks.

[sunshineva]

You can do the CG Documentation in 1 day if you drive to WV. Really 1 hour.

VA will fine you for not paying Sales tax on a boat documentated. When I documented my boat, I looked at all the rules.

Scott (ROCKON) is correct!
Va 100K max value for the tax will also be lost!

I would keep my head down, maybe delete your post!

GL Nick

[surfperch1]

I thought to be CG documented you had to be a certain tonage and length?

[gary49]

You have to displace 5 tons, and it is weird, it is based on the interior volume of the boat. I think my 24' Cuddy is big enough to document (it isn't documented). I don't think there is anything about length in the regs. It certainly doesn't have anything to do with the actual weight of the boat, my 34' Mainship supposedly weighs 14,000#, and if I remember correctly, it displaces 14 tons on it's documentation papers.

[Reel Therapy]

Well it certainly is not worth the possible hassle, if tax is due to be paid I pay it. Sales tax is one thing and personal property is another.