We are Officially Documented

Most long term cruisers, including us use U.S. documentation for the boat versus licensing in a state, as it doesn't make sense to license your boat in one state, since you don't live in just one state.  Our boat is documented, and we have official numbers.   

What Is The USCG Documentation Number?

The USCG documentation number is the official number (ON) of a documented vessel. It stays with the boat for its lifetime.

When we boat the boat, we register with the Coast Guard, and put our names with the official number.

How to place the USCG documentation number?

It must be permanently attached to your vessel. But, unlike state registration number, the ON of federal documentation is affixed to the interior part of the ship. But it has to be in a clearly visible area.  It has to be at least three inches in height.

Want to make sure these guys are happy

 

We have searched the boat, as we thought the previous owners would have put the numbers somewhere, but we cant find them.  So we needed to put them somewhere.   The regulations stipulate that they have to be on a part of the boat that is permanent, and would be obvious if modified.

This project has been on the list of to dos but not urgent.  With the cooler weather it seemed like a good time to complete it.  Purchased the 3" letters/numbers from West Marine, picked up a tube of 2 part epoxy, found a good spot to put them (inside the wet locker) and another project is completed.

A great two part epoxy that you mix as needed.

The letters/numbers are in our wet locker, on the fiberglass.  Must be 3" high

We need to add a period after the "NO", to comply with Coast Guard regulations.  We put clear epoxy over the letters to make the "permanent"