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Boat title vs CG Documentation

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Diversion, Feb 18, 2009.

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  1. Diversion

    Diversion New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2004
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    Location:
    Hollywood FL
    Buying 1st salt water boat - 45ft. MarineMax tells me boat is documented in the U.K. and as such there is no title. Their process is to document with CG once boat is paid off in the UK. No title is needed according to broker once CG documentation is done. Since I'm not from Florida, I assumed everything had titles. Is this the procedure for boats in Florida? What am I missing?
    Thanks in advance.
  2. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    correct, a documented boat CAN NOT be titled, that's illegal (federal reg.) in every state.

    i would use the services of a documentation agency who can make sure the paperwork is all in order before you give the check to marinemax... i would NOT trust a broker. (apologies to brokers, I know there are some good / honest /serious brokers here on the site...)
  3. grumps

    grumps New Member

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    Location:
    Fenit Ireland
    Here in Europe the documentation we would require - and so should you:-

    Bill of Sale
    Original Vat paid invoice
    CE certification (its illegal here to sell or use a boat without it)
    Registry Search to ensure no debt/finance on the craft.
  4. Loren Schweizer

    Loren Schweizer YF Associate Writer

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    Booo. Hisss.
    Pascal, yacht brokers who are not experts on this sort of thing are either very new to the business or will soon be selling shoes to fat ladies.
    Here in Florida, any boat that is USCG documented must also be registered with the State. This proves to the nice Marine Patrolman, when he stops you, that you did indeed pay Fla. State sales tax.
    Yes, a title does not factor into all this, but novice boat buyers should be aware that an additional piece of ownership paperwork (in Florida, anyway) and an accompanying orange sticker on the side window will preclude a sizable fine.

    Now, lemme tell ya ' bout them delivery skippers...
    [Except for Pascal who even utilizes a webcam to show that he doesn't run into things.]
  5. Diversion

    Diversion New Member

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    Location:
    Hollywood FL
    Got it. Thanks for feeback.
  6. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Loren, this is why i mentioned that there were some "good / honest /serious" brokers on the site... :) but as you know there are quite a few clowns down here... and yes... clown brokers and delivery skippers!
  7. Now how about those brokers who are also delivery captains and those captains who are also brokers!
  8. Loren Schweizer

    Loren Schweizer YF Associate Writer

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    Wait...wait... I got it! Someone who can't be trusted to run aground, right?
  9. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Actually, there seems to be a big hole in that process as boats brought into the state, specifically for sale (and not use), do not have to be registered or taxed or get that orange sticker. In other words no additional piece of ownership paperwork.