Proof of Build for USCG

[manifishdestiny]

Hello everyone. My name is Anthony. I am a new owner of a 1986 Aquasport tournament master 290. I bought it with the intentions of running a six pack charter from it in the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. I have my captains license, guide license, and it is state registered but I need the coast guard documentation and endorsement according to them. In order to achieve the last piece I need the builders certificate and or proof the boat was built in the US. USCG recommended I find an employee of Aquasport to fill out the builders form. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Anthony

[Capt. Bob]

Welcome aboard Anthony.

I was going to move this to the Into thread but hopefully it will get some attention here.
This is a first for me so I'll be interested in seeing how this pans out. I'd guess you won't find any current Aquasport employees, mainly since they have been out of business for some time.

We do have a member here who worked at the Aqua/Wellcraft plant in Bradenton-Sarasota but not in the Hialeah plant, at the time and place your hull was made. He seems to know many people in the business, maybe he can help from that end. The USCG isn't interested in the HIN # as some form of proof they might use or be able to verify as to build origin?

Good luck.

[Capt Matt]

Never heard of such a thing unless its a documented vessel and not just state registered. If you are only running on a 6 pack license the boat does not need to be documented vessel.  Do you need the documentation for insurance purposes? I built my boat, its a 69 and even registered it as a antique vessel. I have a USCG 6-pack, state fishing license and liability insurance. The insurance company would only insure the boat for $25K sight unseen. I could get a survey if i want to insure it for more.
What can you not get without the letter from the builder?
Capt Matt

[seabob4]

Anthony,
I can only provide verification as to my work history at the Wellcraft plant in Sarasota, after Genmar bought Aquasport and moved the production there from Hialeah, where your boat was built...

But this request, and I assume it's from the state of Maryland, seems a bit odd.  I mean, you have the HIN.  Aquasport has never built boats overseas, Canada, or Mexico.  Only Hialeah and Sarasota.  Is this some sort of weird Maryland law that is intended to cut down on charter boats...make you jump through hoops to get your ducks in a row?

[seabob4]

And I will be happy to fill out the builders form...although I'd have to fudge some things.  If they want, they can call me.  They can also contact Curt Jarson...http://www.facebook.com/cjarson  he was our VP of sales at AS...

[manifishdestiny]

Thanks for all the replies! Sorry for the slow response. I am on the eastern shore of MD and the internet connection is very slow. I am actually state registered with a guide license and captain license. It is the USCG that is stating the vessel needs to be build certified and have a coastwise endorsement. This is the final hoop for USCG documentation.  As far as the state of MD they are fine with everything I have. It is just the Coast Guard holding me up.  They need proof that the boat was built in the United States and the hull ID is not enough for them.  Seabob if you wouldn't mind filling out the USCG builders form for me that would be great. That is the final piece of making this happen.  The only thing is it has to be an original signature and not a copied or digital. I can pm you my info if you do not mind mailing it to me.  I can forward you the document from the Coast guard document website. Thanks again

Anthony

[manifishdestiny]

Evidence that a vessel was built in the U.S. is required for a vessel which is to be used in the fisheries or coastwise trade. Build evidence is normally established by submitting a Builder's Certification on form CG-1261. That form must be completed by the person who constructed or oversaw the construction of the vessel or an official of the company that built the vessel who has examined the records of the company to determine the facts of build. The Original Builder's Certification or Facts of Build Letter must be presented with your submission. A copy will NOT be accepted.

[manifishdestiny]

Never heard of such a thing unless its a documented vessel and not just state registered. If you are only running on a 6 pack license the boat does not need to be documented vessel.  Do you need the documentation for insurance purposes? I built my boat, its a 69 and even registered it as a antique vessel. I have a USCG 6-pack, state fishing license and liability insurance. The insurance company would only insure the boat for $25K sight unseen. I could get a survey if i want to insure it for more.
What can you not get without the letter from the builder?
Capt Matt

Capt. Matt

I contacted USCG and they stated I needed a documented vessel and a coastwise endorsement to carry even 6 passengers on any US waters and that if USCG boarded me they would fine me for not having an COE.  They said anything 5 net tons or greater needs documentation. They said 5 net tons is usually anything over 25 feet LOA. I can not get the coastwise endorsement without the documented vessel. I have my fishing guide license, captains license, and a state registered vessel but they said that is not good enough. State of Maryland said that is good enough but not USCG. Thanks for your reply.

[manifishdestiny]

As it turns out it is not the builders certificate that I need because that would have to be the original. It is a fact of build letter showing the boat was built in the US including city, state, and build specs.

[slvrlng]

First, your boat was built in Hialeah. Aquasport didn't move to Sarasota until the 89 model year. I would doubt if you will find any records of any specs anywhere. The company is out of business and all the info from Hialeah has been 86d a long time ago. You will still have to do due diligence and try to find any info you can. There is a search I have seen on here in the past about using the HIN and getting the info about the manufacturer at that time. I will see if I can find this. Does your hull still have the capacity plate?

[Capt. Bob]

First, your boat was built in Hialeah.

"We do have a member here who worked at the Aqua/Wellcraft plant in Bradenton-Sarasota but not in the Hialeah plant, at the time and place your hull was made."

Aquasport didn't move to Sarasota until the 89 model year. plate?

I believe the 89 models were also made in Hialeah though the USGC capacity plate would confirm this and would also prove USA build.
Lew's thought would seem to be your best evidence at proving build origin. I'm not sure where they are located on that model. Maybe another 290 owner will chime in.

"Duke to the White Phone"

EDIT: I was looking through Duke's rebuild photos. I can't be sure so I'll guess. Look on the left side of the cabin entry just past the doorway at the first step.

[manifishdestiny]

First, your boat was built in Hialeah.

"We do have a member here who worked at the Aqua/Wellcraft plant in Bradenton-Sarasota but not in the Hialeah plant, at the time and place your hull was made."

Aquasport didn't move to Sarasota until the 89 model year. plate?

I believe the 89 models were also made in Hialeah though the USGC capacity plate would confirm this and would also prove USA build.
Lew's thought would seem to be your best evidence at proving build origin. I'm not sure where they are located on that model. Maybe another 290 owner will chime in.

"Duke to the White Phone"

EDIT: I was looking through Duke's rebuild photos. I can't be sure so I'll guess. Look on the left side of the cabin entry just past the doorway at the first step.

I didnt see a capacity plate on board but I will check again when I get back home. Thanks

[Group W Bench]

If you need federal documentation for some reason, engage Gloria Rector Documentation out of Lakeland, Fl. It is the best money you will ever spend, as they can do everything in a fraction of the time it will take you for short change. They already have all the required background documentation that are prerequisites for documentation.

[manifishdestiny]

If you need federal documentation for some reason, engage Gloria Rector Documentation out of Lakeland, Fl. It is the best money you will ever spend, as they can do everything in a fraction of the time it will take you for short change. They already have all the required background documentation that are prerequisites for documentation.

Thanks. I just contacted them and they said they could help but I need an employee of Aquasport to sign the build certificate and fact of build letter to prove the boat was built in the United States.  I need to find an employee of aquasport.

[manifishdestiny]

And I will be happy to fill out the builders form...although I'd have to fudge some things.  If they want, they can call me.  They can also contact Curt Jarson...http://www.facebook.com/cjarson  he was our VP of sales at AS...

YES that would be awesome!!!! I sent you a pm.  Thanks so much. This could be the missing link!!