"Hoges in WA" wrote in message
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You were getting me on the finer turns of phraseology. Where you were using
'documented' I think I lost you - if I call it "registered" would that match
what you meant?

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Its very simple:
Documentation is a process you go through with the Federal Government. It makes
the boat a "flagged vessel" of the US. It has to be measured, (the builder
usually supplies measurement papers), and will have various endorsements, such
as "recreational" or "fishing." Any legal claims and liens against the boat
must be filed with the Coast Guard, so the documentation can serve as a clear
title. Some boats are not eligible for documentation,or certain endorsements,
other must be documented to be used for their purpose.

Registration is a process you go through with state authorities, often the
Registry of Motor Vehicles (the Environmental Police in MA). Some states don't
require registration of documented vessels, other do. In any case, they can't
require that the state numbers be put on a documented vessel, though some
require a sticker. If you spend more than 60 (or is it 90?) days in a state,
you may be required to follow their rules, including proving that the
appropriate sales tax has been paid, so make sure you carry the receipt for the
original payment. Most small boats in the US are registered, but not
documented. Larger vessels, especially commercial, are generally documented.

Usually, documentation is viewed as an advantage. It can simplify selling or
mortgaging a boat, and is sometimes viewed more favorably by authorities. But
the rules are quite clear - a non-citizen may not own or in any way control a
documented vessel.