Hi All --
Should I put my home [Hollis NH -- 50 miles from the Atlantic] or where I'm keeping my new boat [Salem MA] on the transom. Is this just a personal preference, or is there any legal requirement on this?
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Peter Lundquist
s/v Rafael
1998 Catalina 36
Hull #1669
Salem, MA
There's a legal requirement for the vessel name, hailing port, and US flag to be displayed IF your's is a documented vessel. The USCG sets a minimum font size and location for both boat name and hailing port...if a documented vessel.
I have seen documented vessels with inland hailing ports, such as Bend, Oregon. USCG documentation website probably has a FAQ page with a proper answer.
If a state registered vessel the only requirement is to properly display the state registration numbers and annual sticker showing that you've paid your fee. No name, no hailing port, no flag required. Some states require a state annual sticker be displayed - and displayed at a specific location - even if a documented vessel. (Eg, in Oregon a state registered vessel must display the registration numbers on the bow with the state sticker abaft the numbers; and documented vessels do not show state registration numbers at all, but must have their Oregon sticker on the aft quarter near the transom.) If your's is a state registered vessel check with the state registration authorities for the display requirements.
Larry Brandt
S/V High Flight #2109
Pacific Northwest, PDX-based
2002 C-36 mkII SR/FK M35B
Thank you!
Peter Lundquist
s/v Rafael
1998 Catalina 36
Hull #1669
Salem, MA
Here is a link to FAQ for vessel documentation [URL="http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/nvdcfaq.asp#11(link is external)"]http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/nvdcfaq.asp#11[/URL](link is external)
As previously mentioned, it does not have to be where you keep the boat and can be inland. Once selected, it's not an easy process to change if financed.
Allan Rex
# 2216
[QUOTE=Allan R;12975]Here is a link to FAQ for vessel documentation [URL="http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/nvdcfaq.asp#11(link is external)"]http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/nvdcfaq.asp#11[/URL](link is external)
As previously mentioned, it does not have to be where you keep the boat and can be inland. Once selected, it's not an easy process to change if financed.[/QUOTE]
I was in the same situation and decided to go with my current town despite being inland. It does make it simple if you change home ports as we have.
I would have had to change the hailing port 2 times already if we went with where we were keeping the boat.
Bill Boggs
s/v Palmetto Moon
1991 C36, Hull 1128
Herrington Harbor South
Chesapeake Bay