How-to guides
Plain-English walkthroughs of the legal and practical mechanics of buying, verifying, and documenting yachts in North America. Written for buyers, not brokers.
Buying
End-to-end walkthroughs of the buying process by country.
Lien checks
Verify a boat is free of debt before you wire money.
Documentation & registration
Get your vessel papered correctly — or remove it cleanly when you sell.
How to register a boat with the USCG
Initial documentation via CG-1258, builder's certificates, bills of sale, and timing.
How to delete a USCG documentation
Surrender of documentation (CG-1340) at sale, scrapping, or export — and why timing matters.
How to register a boat in Canada
Transport Canada Vessel Registry vs. small vessel licensing — when each one applies.
How to delete a Canadian vessel registration
Closing a registration on sale, export, or loss — and the paperwork the buyer's side needs.