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(617) 684-5735
(617) 684-5735
Marine title work has its own vocabulary. Here are some of the questions we hear most often. Don’t see yours? Reach out — we’re happy to help.
USCG documentation is federal registration through the Coast Guard’s National Vessel Documentation Center. It’s required for some commercial vessels and optional (but common) for many recreational boats of at least five net tons (generally 25 feet and up). State registration is filed with your state and is required for most boats regardless of documentation status. Many boats have both. We handle both.
It depends on the state and the size of the vessel. Most states require titles for boats above a certain length or with an engine, though a few states don’t title boats at all. We can confirm exactly what’s required for your boat in your state and handle the filing for you.
Initial documentation typically takes 4–8 weeks from filing, depending on current NVDC processing times. Renewals are usually faster. Expedited processing is available from the NVDC for an additional government fee. We submit promptly and follow up directly with the Coast Guard if anything stalls.
A preferred ship mortgage is a federally recorded lien on a USCG-documented vessel. Lenders rely on it because it provides stronger protection and priority than a state lien. We handle the filing, recording, and satisfaction of preferred ship mortgages for lenders and borrowers.
A title search reveals the ownership history of a vessel and any liens, encumbrances, or filings against it. Buying a boat without one is like buying a house without one — risky. We always recommend a title search before any purchase or loan.
An abstract of title is the official Coast Guard record of all filings against a documented vessel — ownership transfers, mortgages, liens, and more. It’s the definitive record of a boat’s federal title history. We retrieve and review abstracts as part of our standard search work.
Yes. We work with recreational, charter, and commercial vessels, including documentation with the appropriate trade endorsements (Recreational, Coastwise, Fisheries, Registry).
Escrow funds are held in a dedicated trust account. Every wire is verified through an independent callback process before funds are released, protecting against the wire fraud that has become increasingly common in marine and real estate closings.
Yes. Navvi Docs carries errors & omissions insurance.
Yes. We’re based in Massachusetts and serve clients nationwide. USCG documentation is federal, and we handle state titling in any state where your vessel will be registered.
Pricing depends on the service and complexity. We provide transparent, flat-rate quotes upfront — no surprises. Government fees (NVDC, state agencies, recording offices) are passed through at cost. Reach out and we’ll send a quote the same business day.
Email us at Kelsey@navvidocs.com, call (617) 684-5735, or use the form on our Contact page. We respond personally to every inquiry.