Documentation numbers

[suwanneered]

HI To all:
I have bought a old 38 Chris Craft and am in process of restoring it hopefully!? I have found the documentation numbers which are post on a stringer. My question is can I have the number updated to show myself as the owner?I have No Idea who documenteded the boat or when it was done. The boat has had several owners in its life time.I have no way of knowing who they are.Might be as well off to forget the numbers? Thanks,Bill

 

[PascalG]

try looking up the nr at
http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/CoastGuard/VesselByID.html

if the boat was documented but then sold and you or a previous owner din't trnasfer the documentation, it shoudl have been cancelled.

not sure if they will reassign the same number after a lapse. call the National Doc. Center.

 

[thataway4]

As PascalG--you can order a "title search" (I think it costs about $25) and that should show any documented owners. I think that the on line search is only for actively documented vessels. If you want to re-document the boat, then you will have to have the record of the chain of ownership. You might be able to apply for a new document just from the state title. Generally the Doc. Numbers stay with the boat for its lifetime.

 

[Capn Tony]

Yes, they will re-issue the same number after a lapse. The problem is you have to have a bill of sale from every owner back to, and including, the last owner that documented the boat.

 

[suwanneered]

Thanks guys! I guess I will forget the numbers as i will be only in US waters and on the Tennessee River.I bet the boat has had at least 6 to8 owners.I would never find them as it is a 4o+ year old boat.