contacts - ARI Network Services

SUMMER/FALL
2006 ISSUE
01

CONTACTS
OFFICES
WORLD HEADQUARTERS
Alexander Marine Co. Ltd.
20 Tung Lee Road, Shaou Kang, Kaohsiung, TAIWAN 81203
ph 886-7-8314126 | 1-800-815-4081 fx 886-7-8119723
www oceanalexander.com | taiwan@oceanalexander.com | info@oceanalexander.com
DEALERS
USA
Ocean Alexander Marine Yacht Sales 1001 Fairview Avenue North, Suite 1400 Seattle, WA 98109 USA
Tom Waugh | tom@oceanalexander.com ph 206-344-8566 fx 206-344-8567 www oceanalexander.net
Ocean Alexander of Florida, LLC. 1515 S.E. 17th Street, Suite 125, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 USA
Cindy Ross | cross@oceanalexander.com ph 954-779-1901 fx 954-779-1908 www oceanalexander.net
Yacht Sales of Florida 111 2nd Avenue NE, Suite 105, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 USA
David Erdman | davide@yachtsalesflorida.com ph 727-896-0012 fx 727-896-5175 www yachtsalesflorida.com
Orange Coast Marine Inc. 201 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92660 USA
Jim McLaren | sales@orangecoastyachts.com ph 949-675-3844 fx 949-675-3980 www orangecoastyachts.com
Orange Coast Yachts Northern California - San Francisco Bay 1070 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501 USA
Micheal Wiest | info@orangecoastyachts.com ph 510-523-2628 fx 510-523-2528 www orangecoastyachts.com
Bay Marine 155 E. Redwood, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 USA
Mark Felhofer | mj.felhofer@baymarine.net ph 800-682-9192 | 920-761-9560 fx 920-743-6572 www baymarine.net
South Coast Yacht Sales 800 Mariners Drive Pier, #6 (in Waterford Harbor Marina), Kemah, Texas 77565 USA
W. Les Thompson | les@southcoastyachts.com ph 281-535-2287 fx 281-535-9583 www southcoastyachts.com
CHINA
Ocean Alexander (Ping Hu) Marine Co. 314211 No. 3, Xin Zhong Dong Road, Xin Dai Industrial Park, Ping Hu City, Zhejiang Province, CHINA
china@oceanalexander.com ph (0573) 560-5120 fx (0573) 560-5123 www oceanalexander.com
TAIWAN
Alexander Marine Co. Ltd. 20 Tung Lee Road, Shaou Kang, Kaohsiung, TAIWAN 81203
taiwan@oceanalexander.com ph 886-7-8314126 fx 886-7-8119723 www oceanalexander.com
AUSTRALIA
Ocean Alexander Motor Yachts Australia Unit 6/17 Rivergate Place, Rivergate Marina, Murarrie, Brisbane QLD 4172 AUSTRALIA
Darren Berry | darren@oceanalexander.com.au ph +61-7-3890-5000 fx +61-7-3890-5500 www oceanalexander.com.au
JAPAN
Starboard Co., Ltd. 501 Imperial Roppongi Forum, 5-16-5 Roppongi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 106-0032 JAPAN
Teijiro Kimura | oalx@starboard.co.jp ph 81-03-5570-2700 fx 81-03-5570-2710C www starboard.co.jp
CANADA
Great Lakes Altus 1 Port St. East, Mississauga, Ontario CANADA L5G 4N1
Colin Pepper | colin@greatlakesaltus.com ph 905-274-2588 | 1-866-902-5887 www greatlakesaltus.com
GERMANY
Marina Duesseldorf Am Handelshafen 30, 40221 Dusseldorf GERMANY
Paul Joseph Gast ph 49-211-39-43-69 fx 49-211-30-52-02 www marina-duesseldorf.de
NORWAY
Wee Trading International As Frakkagjerd, Forresfjorden, 5563 NORWAY
Age Wee | aage@wee.no ph 47-9821-8155 fx 47-5277-4058 www wee.no

Welcome to the debut issue of FIRST BELL.
After almost three years without a
publication, FIRST BELL has been
created to bring the latest news to the
family of Ocean Alexander owners.
With this highly anticipated
publication we hope to meet the
expectations of our readers.
We welcome submissions from OA
owners about memorable trips,
experiences with Ocean Alexander and
even questions. Feel free to send us an
email at firstbell@oceanalexander.com.
We hope you enjoy this maiden voyage
issue of FIRST BELL!
CONTENTS
4 | Calendar of Events
5 | President’s Letter
6 | Chasing The Sun:
From Seattle to Cabo San Lucas
by Art Dunn
9 | OA Finds a New Port in Australia
10 | Rendezvous 2006
13 | Coast Guard Documentation 101
by Molly Holden

‘06 Calendar
of events
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show - Fort Lauderdale, FL
October 26 – 30 2006
47th edition of the world’s largest boat show featuring more than 1.6 billion dollars worth of boats, yachts, superyachts, electronics, engines and thou-
sands of accessories from every major marine manufacturer and builder worldwide. The show encompasses more than 3 million square feet of space, both
on land and in water, at six sites, all connected by the Show Transportation Network.
SHOW LINK: showmanagement.com | DEALER LINK: oceanalexander.net
St. Petersburg Boat Show November - St. Petersburg, FL
November 16 – 19 2006
The 29th Annual St. Petersburg Boat Show is the Gulf Coast’s largest show. In all, more than 600 boats on land and in water, including power boats, yachts,
and fishing boats of all types and sizes. Also electronics, engines, and a vast selection of marine accessories will be displayed.
SHOW LINK: showmanagement.com | DEALER LINK: oceanalexander.net
Toronto International Boat Show - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
January 13 – 21 2007
Take the family to Canada’s largest marine marketplace showcasing more than 1,000 paddle boats, runabouts, fishing boats, performance boats, sport
boats, sailboats and luxury yachts, plus engine manufacturer displays and acres of marine gifts and accessories. At 28,000 square feet, our lake is the
World’s largest indoor lake for boaters complete with floating docks, in-water boat displays and harbourside dining.
SHOW LINK: torontoboatshow.com | DEALER LINK: greatlakesaltus.com
Lake Union Boats Afloat Show - Seattle, WA
January 26 – February 3 2007
The January Lake Union Boats Afloat Show from January 26 - February 3 at Chandler’s Cove on the south end of Seattle’s Lake Union, will feature more
than 450 power and sail boats, with displays to meet all boating needs and budgets.
SHOW LINK: boatsafloatshow.com | DEALER LINK: oceanalexander.net
Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show - Miami, FL
February 15 – 19 2007
A multi-million dollar presentation of yachts including the world’s most extraordinary and uniquely designed superyachts from the foremost custom boat
builders nationally and internationally. The totally in-water presentation covers more than 1.2 million square feet of space featuring over 500 new and
pre-owned vessels valued at more than three-quarters of a billion dollars.
SHOW LINK: showmanagement.com | DEALER LINK: oceanalexander.net
Palm Beach Boat Show - West Palm Beach, FL
March 22 – 25, 2007
One of the top ten boat shows in the country featuring more than $300 million worth of boats, superyachts and accessories from every major marine
manufacturer worldwide. The event includes more than 900 hundred boats, from inflatables to spectacular superyachts, plus free kids fishing clinics, fashion
shows and family-fun entertainment. The show encompasses more than million square feet of exhibit space on land and in water at two exciting sites
that are connected by the Show Transportation System.
SHOW LINK: showmanagement.com / DEALER LINK: oceanalexander.net
OA Rendezvous 2007
May 31st – June 3rd, 2007
Our 6th annual Owner’s Rendezvous assembles at Roche Harbor Resort, San Juan Island, Washington.
4

Dear friends and family of Ocean Alexander:
President’s
Letter
As we say farewell to 2006, we also look back on one of the most
exciting and aggressive periods in our 28 year history. We have introduced
4 new models, moved into new manufacturing facilities, continued
for the seventh year our record breaking double digit growth rate and welcomed an independently
written book on Ocean Alexander. It is truly amazing to look back to all that we have accomplished
in just one year and to know that the project we have planned for 2007 and beyond will take us even
further. But all this would not be possible without our customers – our extended family of loyal
Ocean Alexander owners- who return again and again to Ocean Alexander for their next yacht. We
believe is the continued strength of the Ocean Alexander brand, and what it means in terms of quality,
engineering and service that truly makes each one of our owners an extended part of the family.
The family of Ocean Alexander.
Just a recap a few of the recent activities in 2006:
1] Four new models: The new 45A Sedan w/ twin head and twin shower and 3
staterooms... a new 74/80 motoryacht/fi shing cockpit... and the Veloce series,
a completely new line of avant-garde designed yachts in 46ʼ and 54ʼ. You will
never guess they were penned from Ed Monk Jr. himself!
2] We have just moved into our third factory in Taiwan which will double our Taiwan
output capability, and earlier this year the expanded manufacturing facility in
China was completed. With the expansion of both facilities we currently are the
largest yacht builder in China and within striking distance to being the largest in
Asia. Keep your fi ngers crossed...
3] A new book dedicated to Ocean Alexanderʼs history and its owners has fi nally
being published by renowned maritime author Marianne Scott. Many of you have
contributed greatly to the eff ort with your stories and photos. The shared stories
and memories makes the book so much richer, and truly reveal that Ocean Alexander
is not just a product but a lifestyle – a way of living, a way of connecting to
our identities and our dreams. Thank you to Marianne and thank you to all those
that have contributed to create something so special.
Yours truly,
John Chueh
President / Ocean Alexander
5

chasing
the sun:
Seattle
to Cabo
San
Lucas
by Art Dunn
Growing up in California locales like Belvedere
and Pacific Palisades gave me an opportunity to pi-
lot a succession of my Dadʼs sailboats, sailing in the
heavy San Francisco Bay winds and the light winds
found in Southern California. Eventually, I purchased
a Newport 41-S and sailed on San Francisco
Bay for 10 years. Sailing was the only activity for
me!
All that changed in October 2004 when I was
invited to fish the Bisbeeʼs Black and Blue Marlin
Tournament in Cabo on my friendʼs new Cabo
40 sport fishing boat. I was quickly distracted by
air conditioning, unlimited fresh
water, flat screen TVs, ice makers,
surround sound, generator, refer/
freezer, etc., and upon my return
found myself looking at cruisers
in Alameda, CA. Roger Frizzelle of
Farallone Yachts showed me the
new Altus 48 that I felt could be
6

easily equipped as a limited sport fi shing boat. A
trip to the Seattle Ocean Alexander dealership to
inspect one more Altus 48 convinced me that this
was the boat for me. I placed an order the following
day, and the new OA China factory went above
and beyond to help me make this my fi shing machine.
They even guaranteed it would be ready for
the 2005 Bisbeeʼs Marlin Tournament in Cabo.
The boat arrived in Oakland on July 4th,
2005. Roger Frizzelle immediately went to work
commissioning my new Altus 48. I took an off -
shore delivery on August 12th, 2005. After a
quick 150 mile shakedown trip in the Delta and
some fi nal equipment adjustments I felt we were
ready for our three leg trip to Puerto Vallarta,
Mexico. For a new boat and new factory, I was
amazed to fi nd so few things needed attention!
I think we counted on one hand the things that
needed correction!
On September 1st we were under the Golden
Gate bridge and ready for the downhill ride to
Ensenada, Mexico. John Kassis & Jim Loen from
my sailing days accompanied me on the fi rst leg
to Ensenada. The fi rst day we found ourselves
in following 14 to 18 foot down sea swells. The
Koulakina, (Hawaiian name for my daughter
Courtney) would climb up the backside of each
swell and slide down the face hitting 12, 14, 16,
18 and at times 21 knots! Great fun and down sea
speed – all at an economical 1600 RPM!
There is nothing like a 185
boat shotgun start on each
of the three-day Bisbee
event... Boats range from
20 foot pangas to 120 foot
mega yachts!
We made stops in Monterey, Morro Bay,
Channel Islands, Newport Beach, San Diego
then on to Ensenadaʼs excellent Coral Marina
& Hotel. This leg was uneventful in terms of
equipment problems. In fact, the reason I divided
the trip was to insure I could put enough
hours on the boat before the Ensenada to
Cabo run – we wanted to be able to return to
the Southern California dealer for any possible
repairs. As it turned out, nothing other
than an oil & fi lter change was needed. The
fi rst leg was done in approximately 62 hours.
7

During the four week stay in Ensenada we put an-
other 10 hours on the Yanmar 500ʼs fi shing local waters.
October 10th we left for Cabo. The plan was to run days
only @15-16 kts so we could reach the warmer water and
spend a day or two fi shing. This required the use of a 200
gallon fuel bladder for the Ensenada to Turtle Bay run, and
again on the Turtle Bay to Mag Bay run. We could have run
at 8-9 kts without the extra fuel but we wanted to make
it to Cabo in time for the Bisbeeʼs Tournament. Caught
some Dorado & Yellow Fin Tuna which we grilled on the
BBQ. Excellent!
After 56 hours run time we reached Cabo where
we participated in the Bisbeeʼs Tournament. Let me tell
you – there is nothing like a 185 boat shotgun start on
8
each of the three-day Bisbee event! Boats range
from 20 foot pangas to 120 foot mega yachts!
All fl at out to reach a spot on each of the two 40
square mile fi shing grids.
We caught lots of Dorado during the Bisbeeʼs
which is a good tasting fi sh but does nothing
toward total weight in a Marlin only Tournament!
Turns out the total purse was in excess of
$2,500,000. A Marlin weighing in at around 641
lbs. paid around $1,100,000 to the winning boat.
Not bad for a day in the warm Cabo sun!
The last 300 miles of our 2400 mile trip was
a straight shot from Cabo to Puerto Vallarta. We
left @ 1700 and ran @ 15 kts until 2200 the cut
back to 9 kts for the next 12 hours. The fi nal 90
miles or so we ran @ 15 kts which put us in Paradise
Village @ 1400. Total time this leg around
23 hours.
The Koulakani has been in Paradise Village
Marina since November 1st, 2005. I make the PV
run every three weeks to make sure all is well in
Bandares Bay. Fishing has been great!
The total purse was in
excess of $2,500,000. A
Marlin weighing in at
around 641 lbs. paid
around $1,100,000 to the
winning boat. Not bad
for a day in the warm
Cabo sun!

9
Alexander Marine is proud
to announce a new location for
its Australian dealer. Ocean Alexander
Australia opened at its new location at Riv-
ergate Marina in Murarrie, Brisbane, on June 30,
2006. In only less than one year as a dealer, Ocean
Alexander Australia has sold over $7,000,000 AUD
in Ocean Alexander boats and had enough success
to expand its operations.
“I have been aware of Ocean Alexander boats
for the past 15 years and personally owned a 1988
Ocean Alexander 50ʼ Flush-deck motoryacht. Iʼve
always admired Ed Monkʼs hull designs and the
timeless lines that appear on Ocean Alexanders
throughout the years,” said Darren Berry, owner of
Ocean Alexander Australia. “When the opportunity
presented itself and I was able to become a dealer
for these boats – I jumped on it. Right now, Iʼve
got three more boats on order, a 64ʼ motoryacht
and two 52ʼ sedans. Iʼm excited about the future
of Ocean Alexander and the market here in Australia.”
The new office is located at the Rivergate
Marina at Unit 6/17 Rivergate Place, Murarrie, Brisbane,
Queensland 4172. They can be reached by
phone at (61) 7-3890-5000, fax at (61) 7-3890-
5500 and their website is www.oceanalexander.
com.au. The new office is now staffed by ten members,
two in sales, two in administration, two in
service and after-sales service, Berry and his wife.
With new reception areas, conference rooms, and
convenient slips, Ocean Alexander Australia has
created an exciting new space for its future.
Alexander Marine FINDS
a NEW PORT IN AUSTRALIA

evisiting
REndezvous 2006
Thursday, June 1st
We left the Ocean Alexander Marina for the San Juan Is-
lands around 06:30, with the sun taking its sweet time making
up its mind behind overcast skies. We were making the trip onthe
Classico Voyager, a Classicco 70 piloted by Chuck Crocker from
the Seattle offi ce. When Cindy Ross (from the Ft. Lauderdale offi
ce) and I entered the salon of the Voyager – stocked to the gills
with boxes of Rendevous information, Treasures items and contest
prizes – we picked our way through the maze looking for a
place to put our bags and sighed, “Ah, luxury!”
For the fi rst leg of the trip we were shadowed by a 48
Altus piloted by broker Paul Groesbeck (accompanied by Emiko
Kelly and Angel Yeh from the Seattle offi ce), and Don & Maria
Whiteʼs lovely 78, the Pageantry. Once out into the sound, Paul
and crew were to go around the east side of San Juan island, while
we charted a more direct course around the west.
Our three boats had to endure a long wait to get through
the lock due to a bit of an early morning traffi c jam. But after
about an hourʼs time we made it through the lock and into the
sound under overcast skies. The remainder of the trip was uneventful
due to heavy fog that had settled to the east of San
Juan Island. We had to reduce our speed a bit for safety, and the
moody weather put a damper on things, but there were still grey
whales and orcas and luxury homes on the San Juan coastline to
keep us entertained.
Many of the boats had arrived by the time we pulled into
Roche Harbor, so everyone checked in, decompressed a bit and
got gussied up for the late afternoon festivities.
Emiko and Angel set out the Treasures merchandise, which
included a dozen OA fl eece jackets that looked really appealing to
those of us who only packed tees and board shorts!
The activities were initially constrained a bit by the chilly
temperatures and intermittent drizzle – surprising after a recent
Pacifi c Northwest heat wave. But the Happy Hour went on as
scheduled, and properly windbreakered and hooded and fl eeced
out everyone began to reconnect with each other after another
yearʼs passing.
Due to the chill, red wine was the drink of choice and was
complimented by a buff et table off ering a light dinner in keeping
with the Hawaiian theme fo the event. Bert from the Berjango was
one of the fi rst to the tent, but he needed no coaxing in postponing
dinner to show of his vintage 1982 Classicco, which looks
very nice inside and out after almost 25 years in service. And
new owners Denis and Madonna David hit the ground running
with an early open house on the Pelican. Terry and Karin from
the Panakeia, undaunted by the cold and damp, lolled aft of their
boat cheerily greeting passers-by bundled up in parkas.
Around dusk some majestic orchestral music boomed out
of some unseen PA system, the fi rst of three national anthems
10

they play every night for the lowering of the colors. So as the flags of
Canada, Great Britain and the USA are lowered they play, respectively,
“Oh Canada”, “God Save The King”, and “Stars & Stripes Forever” followed
by a solo trumpet playing “Taps”. The music and flag folding is
followed by the firing of a small but very loud cannon, the exclamation
point to the evenings here at Roche.
Friday, June 2nd
A leisurely morning on the island. Roche Harborʼs green-shirted
employees scurry about running water taxis and doing routine
maintenance. New OA boats arrive and are guided into their berths. A
gaggle of hotel employees methodically set up chairs for a wedding
on the hotel lawn. And the gulls and terns are
wheeling overhead, eyeballing the donuts set out for the early risers.
And so the scene is set for the first of the Rendezvous seminars with
Jim Caspers dealing with commercial vessel communication and general
maritime “rules of the road”.
Jim is a very engaging person and a fine speaker, so he had
no trouble holding everyoneʼs interest. In fact he held the stage for
around three hours, split between the aformentioned commercial
communication talk and another on electronic charting & radar. The
secret behind his ease as a public speaker was exposed at the beginning
of the second hour, where he talked about a former career in the
Seattle Opera, and kicked everything off with an acapella version of
“Old Man River”.
After the morning seminars everyone took a break for lunch.
Sometime around noon the sun came out, just in time for the afternoon
Kaʼapuni – the tour of all the boats. Most of the boats had the
welcome mat out, and everyone who poked their heads into the cabins
of their neighborʼs boats saw some new ingeneous techniques of organizing
space on board a custom motoryacht.
Dave Humphries showed off the impressive Papa Moon, The
Pageantry, a 78ʼ beauty and Todd & Charlene Smithʼs Comanche were
also on display for all to admire.
Around 05:00 Happy Hour was starting up, and the tent was
rocking in a glow of late afternoon sun. But before long the party barge
resembled an airport VIP lounge, with people lining up to board the
water taxi to go across to the opposite shore for the evening events:
the spam carving contest submissions, the hula hoop contest, and the
Aina Ahiahi – a Hawaiian BBQ dinner.
11
Everyone was decked out in Hawaiian garb, some really
went all-out. Chuck borrowed a faux-grass skirt from Emiko and
really turned some heads.
At the makeshift banquet hall, Johnny and Irene Chueh
could be seen at a back table being peppered with questions from
an enthusiastic group of owners and brokers, only breaking up
when the wonderful dinner spread was declared ready to go. After
dinner, magician/comedian
Charles Kirk, held over from last
year, entertained for about an
hour and was a big hit.
One had the sensation
that though the festivities were done, the night was still young
and people communed on each otherʼs boat until late in the evening.
Others went to the Madrona Grill, the only bar in town, and
kept it rolling until late. As sated owners tottered back to their
racks, some portholes still could be seen glowing amber from the
cabins and salons in the wee early Saturday morning.
Saturday, June 3rd
Sun was out early, and so were the people despite the late
night revelry. A couple of late boats came in to enjoy the last
day of the Rendezvous. Lots of Saturday morning maintenance
– decks swept, launches launched, fenders fussed over, the usual
drill. More donuts and coffee for the bleary-eyed were provided,
but some opted for the little cafe on the corner of the miniboardwalk
that only opens on special days.
The highlight of the morning was Chuck Crockerʼs ladiesonly
seminar. With charts and diagrams, smooth operator Chuck
went over the finer points of boat handling with the ladies. Not
too many dull moments with Crocker!
The rest of the afternoon for the adults was very laid-back,
mostly highlighted by here and there open seminars by Jon Pokela
and the finance and insurance specialists. Granville Marine set
up shop behind the Papa Moon to show what they can do with
custom aft sections of existing OA designs. And the open house
continued on, with everyone crossing off their lists the boats that
they missed on Friday.

At 06:00 we climbed on the water taxis once again and
headed over to the big tent for the climactic event of the week-
end – the contest prize awards, drawings, and the farewell din-
ner put on by McMillinʼs chef William Shaw & Co. The dinner was
preceded by our third happy hour in as many days, and I thought
to myself if I get any more happy nobody will recognize me anymore.
Nice wine from down under and hors dʼourves started us
off as we got settled in for the big giveaway, hosted by – who else
– Chuck again, this time assisted by Tom Waugh and Emiko in the
Vanna White role.
The amount of prizes awarded staggering. It seemed that
everyone won something, and some boats won more than once.
Kimonos, gift cards, boat washes, fire extinguishers, you name it.
the only catch was that you had to come up to the front and get
your prize, and weather some choice witty comments from the
host who at times turned the awards ceremony into something
resembling a celebrity roast. All that, and everyone got flags
too!
The dinner was impressive – a huge BBQed pig was brought
out as the centerpiece to a lavish spread accompanied by imaginative
fare like shrimp satay, blue potatos and an amazing salmon
salad.
As we lingered over dinner, Tom Waugh stepped up to the
mic and talked about the previous days of fun and expressed
his thanks to those responsible. Emiko and Angel got a standing
ovation when they were mentioned, as anyone with a pair of eyes
could see that they were the MVPs of the event for their roundthe-clock
effort.
A brilliant sunset provided the perfect coda to our weekend
on San Juan Island, and as we floated back on the water taxi
some were planning just to pack up and go to their home berth,
while many others looked forward to the next stop on their summer
tour (prime spots up the west of Victoria Island were on many
itineraries).
Thanks to all the OA owners for
a great 2006 Rendezvous!
12

In the Northwest, most boat clos-
ings are facilitated through a third-party
closer. An agent who, independent from
the broker or lender, completes the necessary
research; prepares the appropriate
releases, transfer documents and new titling
forms; and coordinates the collection
and disbursement of funds. This is, typically,
a maritime title company.
Upon first contact with the title
company, you will be asked a series of questions. Most will be
somewhat familiar and can be answered with little effort, but
some may seem strange and, possibly, a little perplexing.
The title company will begin by getting the specifics of
the transaction; broker, type of boat, lender, date of closing, etc.
None of which will cause much difficulty.
The big question comes next, do you plan on documenting
the vessel with the Coast Guard or titling it with the State?
The exchange usually goes something like this:
“Eh, excuse me? Do I plan on doing what with whom?”
“Well,” explains the title agent, “there are different meth-
ods to title a vessel. While many states offer a title similar to
what is issued for an automobile, if a vessel meets certain requirements,
it is eligible for a Certificate of Documentation issued
by the U.S. Coast Guard. “
By Molly Holden
Managing Member of Pacific Maritime Title, LLC.
COAST GUARD
DOCUMENTATION 101
Itʼs your first big boat purchase. All of the essentials are in place: the
price is agreed upon; the survey is complete; the financing is lined up. You
are referred by either your broker or lender to a maritime title company to
complete the transaction. What does this mean? What happens now?
13
“Wow. That sounds impressive,
but, uh, why would I need it?,” you
ask.
“People choose documentation
for many different reasons: your
lender may require it for your loan; you
may be planning on a commercial usage
that requires documentation; you
may be planning on going into foreign
ports or international waters and want
the protection of the Document; or, maybe you just donʼt want
to put those little state registration numbers on your nice, big,
new boat.”
“Let me explain a little further. A vessel must meet certain
requirements to be allowed to be documented with the
Coast Guard. The requirements are dependent upon the desired
usage of the vessel. All documented vessels must be at
least five net tons in volume (approximately 26ʼ or larger in
length), and all owners must be United States citizens. These
are the only requirements for a vessel that will be used for
recreational purposes.”
“Vessels purchased for commercial usages (i.e. carrying
freight or passengers, fishing etc.) have additional requirements.
For example, acceptable evidence must be submitted
to the Coast Guard showing that the vessel and its component
parts were manufactured and built in the United States.

“Okay, so my boat is big enough to document, again, why
would I want to do so?” you repeat.
“Many lenders want to secure interest on a vessel with a pre-
ferred marine mortgage. This type of security can only be placed
on vessels documented with the Coast Guard. The preferred marine
mortgage is executed by the borrower/owner and filed with the
Coast Guard for recordation. Any party may search these federal
Coast Guard records and discover not only the owner of the vessel
but also any liens filed against it. A preferred marine mortgage is
the best manner a lender has of securing an interest in a vessel, and
so, many require it for vessels that qualify for documentation.”
“Secondly, when a vessel is documented with the Coast
Guard, it, like its owner, is considered a possession of the United
States. When it is in foreign or international waters, it is granted
certain rights and protections afforded to a U.S. citizen.
“Further, Coast Guard Documentation is an internationally
accepted form of title and ownership. This Document is required
for entry into certain ports, and it is definitely an advantage to the
owner if any difficulty is encountered while located there.”
“Some people document their vessel with the Coast Guard
simply because they do not wish to deal with having state registration
numbers on the hull. With documented vessels, the official
number assigned by the Coast Guard is marked on the vesselʼs interior
hull. The only markings on the exterior hull are the vessel
name and hailing port. This is how, at a glance, you can distinguish
between a state titled vessel from a documented vessel.”
“Lastly, if your vessel is five net tons and you plan on using
it in a commercial capacity, you are required to document it with
the Coast Guard and obtain the necessary endorsements for the
desired usage.”
So, thoroughly briefed on documentation, you plunge
ahead.
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“I think documentation suits me best,” you proclaim. “Please
go forward with it.”
“Certainly,” the agent replies. “What would you like to name
the vessel and what hailing port do you plan on using?
“Here we go again,” you return. “What exactly are you talking
about?”
“The Coast Guard tracks its vessels primarily by the official
number it assigns, but it also uses the vessel name and hailing
port declared at the time of applying for the documentation.
These are shown on the Certificate of Documentation and must be
marked on the vesselʼs exterior hull. Vessel names are not mutually
exclusive, and so, you may choose a name that has already
been approved for other vessels.”
Now true apprehension begins to show its unsightly head.
“Must I pick a name and hailing port immediately?”
“These must be declared and stated on your documentation
application and on any preferred marine mortgage, and so, you
will need to decide fairly quickly.”
Any seasoned maritime title agent will
at this point try to ease the anxiety. It rarely
helps. Most have come to realize that picking
a vessel name is harder than picking a name
for your first-born. Maybe because a childʼs
name is not placed on his or her forehead in
large letters all to see, and it is not the perceived
manifestation and summation of your
personality, wit and cleverness..
Any seasoned vessel title agent will
remain stoic, noncommittal and remarkably
uncurious when a vessel name is suggested.
First of all, this decision is difficult enough

without comments from the peanut gallery. Secondly, people
often create a name from some personal experience or aspect
in their lives – experiences that a title agent can usually live
well without knowing. Usually, it is something quite innocent,
but this is overshadowed by the times it is all too revealing. I
could write a book...
So, you have decided on documentation, you have chosen
a vessel name and hailing port, what next?
The title agent researches the existing title, prepares
the transfer and new titling forms, determines what funds are
necessary and the manner of distribution, coordinates with the
lender to secure its interest, and arranges for any existing lien
payoffs. Once all of the required forms are properly executed
and in the possession of the title company and funds have been
received and cleared, the transaction is completed. Ownership
is transferred, funds are disbursed, all items are filed with the
appropriate agencies, and YOU OWN YOUR NEW BOAT!
There are several additional aspects to the titling process:
the state registration requirements for documented vessels;
the manner ownership is initially established; the evidence
required to establish citizenship; the items needed to evidence
the build requirements; and the method for marking the name,
hailing port and official number on the vessel among many others.
As a prudent purchaser you can either await the much anticipated
COAST GUARD DOCUMENTATION 102, or take care when
selecting a title company to assist you. In addition to choosing a
maritime title company with the highest reputation for ethical practices,
look for one with experience with these issues that can easily
steer you through the complex maze of state and federal vessel
titling. Lastly, elect to use one that understands that buying a boat
should be fun and whose experience and knowledge minimize any
issues that could detract from this joyful event in your life.
Pacific Maritime Title, LLC is composed of a staff of professionals
that has been providing vessel titling, documentation, settlement
services and third-party closings for a combined period of
almost 60 years. More than any other marine title or documentation
company in the Northwest! For more information please visit
www.pacificmaritimetitle.com.
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OCEAN ALEXANDER ®
WWW.OCEANALEXANDER.COM
1.800.815.4081