The Easy Guide To Changing Your Boat's Registration Name

Changing the registration name of a boat is a relatively simple process, but it differs depending on the location and type of boat. In the US, for example, boat owners must complete the appropriate forms to update the National Vessel Documentation Center's database with the new vessel name (CG-1258). They must also ensure that the vessel's previous name is removed and the new name is added. If the boat has a mortgage, permission from the mortgagee is required before changing its name. In Georgia, boat owners must report the sale or transfer of their boat within 15 days and provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or a Hull Identification Number (HIN). In New Zealand, boat owners are required to re-register their vessel under their name if ownership changes. This involves completing an online boat registration and change of ownership form, as well as providing details such as the boat's name, sail number, and owner's name.

Choosing a new name

Firstly, it's worth noting that, according to seafaring superstition, it's bad luck to rename a boat. So, it's important to choose a name that you're happy with and won't want to change. With that in mind, here are some tips for choosing a boat name:

• Keep it concise: A boat name should be no longer than two or three words. This is for practical reasons, as a shorter name will be easier to fit on the transom, and will be clearer and easier to communicate over the VHF radio.
• Avoid certain words: The name should not be identical or similar in pronunciation to words used to ask for help at sea, such as "Mayday" or "Man Overboard". It should also not be obscene, indecent, profane, or contain racial or ethnic slurs.
• Make it meaningful: You might want to incorporate your family name, or the name of a loved one, to add a personal touch and a sense of history to your boat. Alternatively, you could reflect your profession or hobbies, or pay homage to your favourite song, movie, or other cultural work.
• Make it unique: Check that no other vessel shares the name you've chosen. If your preferred name is already taken, you could try altering the spelling.
• Make it fun: Boat naming is steeped in lore, so you might want to perform a christening ceremony to invoke the protection of the gods. This could involve reciting traditional sayings, striking the former name from the record, and toasting the new name with champagne.

Remember, when you're out on the water, your boat's name becomes your name, so choose wisely!

Registering with the Coast Guard

Eligibility

First, you need to check if your boat is eligible for registration with the US Coast Guard. Recreational vessels must be wholly owned by a US citizen and measure a minimum of five net tons. Vessels greater than 27 feet are likely to meet the five net ton minimum requirement.

Forms and Documentation

Once you've confirmed eligibility, you'll need to gather the necessary forms and documentation. These include:

• Application for documentation (form CG-1258)
• Proof of ownership (e.g., state title, state registration, form CG-1340 Bill of Sale, form CG-1261 Builder's Certificate)
• Application for simplified measurement (form CG-5397), if the vessel has not been previously documented

Appointment and Registration

It is recommended that you contact the vessel documentation department ahead of time and schedule an appointment. After you have an appointment, you can fill out the CG-1235 Boat Registration form. If you purchased the boat through a real estate agent, you'll need a Bill of Sale signed by all parties involved. Ensure that the buyers and sellers sign the bill of sale and indicate the amount of money exchanged for the boat. This document should be included in your application, which you will then sign off on.

Benefits of Coast Guard Registration

Registering your boat with the US Coast Guard provides several benefits:

• International Recognition: If you plan to take your boat to international waters, a Certificate of Documentation will make it easier for your vessel to enter and leave foreign ports.
• No Display of State Registration Numbers: Registered vessels do not need to display state registration numbers. Instead, they display their name, hailing port, and are subject to Coast Guard lettering requirements.
• Financing and Preferred Mortgages: Lenders often require eligible vessels to have documentation as documented vessels qualify for preferred mortgages. The Coast Guard cannot change ownership without the lender's consent.

Name Restrictions

When choosing a new name for your boat, keep in mind that it should not exceed three words, contain catchphrases or song lyrics, or include any obscene, indecent, or profane language. The name should be easy to communicate over the VHF radio in case of emergencies.

Removing the old name

Firstly, it is essential to remove all physical traces of the boat's former name. This includes any name boards, documents, decor, or even life preservers that bear the old name. A thorough search should be conducted to locate all items with the previous name.

Next, you will need to strike the former name from all records. This includes logbooks, maintenance documents, and any digital records associated with the boat. It is important to be meticulous in this step to ensure that the old name is completely erased from all documentation.

Additionally, as per maritime tradition, writing the old name in water-soluble ink on a metal tag and then performing a "purging" ceremony by reciting a traditional purging statement at the bow of the boat before throwing the metal name tag into the water is believed to ward off bad luck.

Once the physical and documentary evidence of the old name has been removed, you can begin the process of registering the boat under its new name. This typically involves filling out the appropriate forms and submitting them to the relevant authorities, such as the United States Coast Guard or Yachting New Zealand, depending on your location.

Remember to follow the specific guidelines provided by the registering authority, as there may be additional requirements or restrictions on boat names. For example, the United States Coast Guard requires that boat names be composed of letters from the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals and not contain obscene or profane language.

Performing a purging ceremony

To change the name of a boat and avoid seven years of bad luck, you must first perform a purging ceremony to remove all traces of the boat's current identity. This involves removing all items bearing the boat's name, such as documents, decor, nameboards, and life rings. Any records of the boat's name, such as log books and maintenance documents, should be destroyed or altered beyond recognition.

Once this is done, the boat owner should write the boat's old name on a metal tag using water-soluble ink. It is then time for the purging ceremony to begin. The boat owner and their guests should gather on the bow of the boat, with a bottle of good champagne and a compass (if they do not already know the headings of North, South, East, and West). The following invocation should be recited to Poseidon, the god of the sea:

> Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, I implore you in your graciousness to expunge for all time from your records and recollection the name [insert old boat name], which has ceased to be an entity in your kingdom. As proof thereof, we submit this ingot bearing her name, to be corrupted through your powers and forever be purged from the sea.

After reciting this invocation, the metal tag bearing the boat's old name should be dropped from the bow of the boat into the sea. Then, the boat owner should say:

> In grateful acknowledgment of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court.

At least half of the bottle of champagne should then be poured into the sea from East to West. The remainder may be shared among the guests.

The purging ceremony is now complete, and the renaming ceremony may begin.

Applying for renewal

Boat registration renewal is a straightforward process, and many states offer multiple convenient options for renewal. It is important to renew your boat registration annually, as the renewal fees support boat safety education and fund additional resources for public waterways.

When to Renew

Check your registration paperwork to note the expiration date, and set a reminder in advance of this date to ensure your renewal is processed before it expires. In Texas, registration can be renewed as early as 90 days before the expiration date. In Oregon, boat registration can be renewed from November 1st of the expiration year to receive two full calendar years.

Where to Renew

The specific location for renewal depends on the state. In Texas, registration can be renewed online, by mail, or in person at a TPWD Law Enforcement field office or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector office. Many states offer online renewal through an online state licensing system, by phone, or for longer periods of up to three years. Check with your state agency or department of motor vehicles to find out which options are available to you.

What to Prepare

To make the renewal process smoother, have the following information ready in advance:

• Existing registration information
• Vessel information, including serial number and registration number
• Credit or debit card for payment
• Printer, if you wish to print a receipt or temporary registration

Additional Considerations

While most states require registration for motorized vessels, non-motorized watercraft may not need to be registered. Always check the specific boating laws in your state. Additionally, remember to carry your current registration paperwork on board your boat at all times and clearly display your boat registration numbers.

Frequently asked questions