J/9 Size & Documentation?

[ralopata]

Does anyone have any solid info on whether or not the J/9 is of sufficient size/displacement/volume to qualify for USCG Documentation?

I have been told it is too small and that it'll have to go the route of state registration and numbers.

Thanks,

Roger Lopata
J/9 Hull #30

 

[221J]

According to the USCG site, vessels over 27 feet are likely to meet the minimum size requirement of 5 tons. Pop into the USCG site to find the clear explanation of how to calculate the tonnage. The tonnage we are talking about has little to do with actual boat capabilities.

 

[ralopata]

Thanks 221J -- the key word in all descriptions of documentation requirements is "likely;" there's no guarantee length of any boat will ensure qualification for documentation. Rather, a complex volume calculation is required...at least according to the forms at the USCG site (see the form -
CG-5397 - at the National Vessel Documentation Center Web Site...https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/Marine%20Safety%20Center/Tonnage/CG-5397_05-21.pdf?ver=TkSCKLX_UUWaPT6jkhQ91A%3d%3d).
Since I'm not at the boat, I was hoping an existing J/9 owner might have a simple answer.

 

[Zonker]

It's not complex at all. You can use the simplified measurement. You measure it yourself, sign the form and submit it.

It really depends on hull depth. I used published LOA and beam and guessed at depth. At 4'-8" depth it's just 5 tons. At 4'-7" it's < 5 tons. The form does the math.

Measure the depth carefully. If there is a keel sump you can measure to the bottom of that to the inside of the cabin top. If you use an old rusty tape measure with the last 2" rusted off who will know... <wink, wink>

Marine Safety Center - Tonnage Form

 

[LiquidSun]

I thought most states closed that USCG loophole if you stayed in state waters over 90days. (?)

Our 1975 Irwin 25' swing keel was USCG registered but both VA & MD changed their rules and we had to pay for MD registration as well. That was in the 1990s.

 

[SF Dede]

So I am new to this and thought to myself why is this a question. The following link identifies the benefits for obtaining such certification for those who might be equally new to the requirement.

Benefits of Coast Guard Documentation | OceanPoint Marine Lending

oceanpointmarinelending.com

 

[jerseyguy]

So I am new to this and thought to myself why is this a question. The following link identifies the benefits for obtaining such certification for those who might be equally new to the requirement.

Benefits of Coast Guard Documentation | OceanPoint Marine Lending

oceanpointmarinelending.com

Some banks will only loan money for a boat purchase if the vessel is documented

 

[SF Dede]

Didn’t know that. Thank you.

 

[jerseyguy]

Didn’t know that. Thank you.

You are welcome. Reason is that the 50 states have different requirements for registering boats. Some states issue titles, some don’t. Some states handle boat registration via their DNR, some via their motor vehicle department.

Banks find it so much easier to have the paperwork centralized, all the same, and a group that is very good at what they do.

 

[Squalamax]

I had a 26' x 9' cold molded custom documented. Did it myself, very easy. A j9 would likely be big enough.