Undocumented vessel on Registration.. what does this mean?

[frey7190]

Hey guys -

I just purchased an older stingray (1995) 586 and noticed when I got my new registration papers it reads "UNDOCUMENTED VESSEL" on the top. After doing a little google snooping, it states that with out coast guard documentation I cannot navigate US waters?

I tried to look for the registration forms on the coast guard website, but could not find them to save my life.

My biggest concern is that I plan on going out tomorrow to the lake and try it out for the first time, but want to make sure I won't get into trouble should the coast guard board my vessel.

thanks,
James

 

[garbageguy]

Re: Undocumented vessel on Registration.. what does this mean?

Off the top of my head, it has to do with larger commercial vessels and you need not be concerned. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong

some info here
What is a Documented Vessel?

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Undocumented vessel on Registration.. what does this mean?

Doesn't look like anything to worry about, just means that it is not documented at the federal level and needs to be state licenced - which it probably is.

http://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/workflow_staging/Publications/420.PDF

REGISTRATION (33 CFR 173) AND
DOCUMENTATION (46 CFR 67)
There are two methods of registration for U S recreational vessels
• Vessel Registration: state-issued Certificate of Number
• Vessel Documentation: federally documented with the
U S Coast Guard
Vessel Registration: All undocumented vessels equipped with propulsion
machinery must be registered in the state of principal use A
Certificate of Number will be issued upon registration and the number
must be displayed on your vessel The owner/operator of a vessel must
also carry the valid Certificate of Number whenever the vessel is in use
When a vessel is moved to a new state of principal use, the Certificate
remains valid for 60 days Check with your state boating authority for
registration requirements Some states require all vessels to be registered,
including vessels that are manually propelled and those that are
Coast Guard documented

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Undocumented vessel on Registration.. what does this mean?

Yep.... A documented vessel does not need to be registered in most states tho many still charge tax and make you buy a sticker.
As mentioned above you have nothing to be concerned about as long as you have your state numbers on the side and a valid sticker.

 

[frey7190]

Re: Undocumented vessel on Registration.. what does this mean?

Thanks guys! Just wanted to make sure I had all my i's dotted and t's crossed before going out and enjoying the waters.

 

[Ned L]

Re: Undocumented vessel on Registration.. what does this mean?

Also, there is a minimum size (gross tonnage -5 tons net, if I remember correctly) so your boat would not even qualify for documentation.
....... This typically translates into something a bit more than 30 feet in length.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Undocumented vessel on Registration.. what does this mean?

Unless its a Panamanian freighter out of Libera