New to the web site, although I have been logging in as a guest for approx. 8 mos. I was talking to guy who was selling a Grady White 257, He said that I wouldn't have to pay state sales tax because the boat is Goast Guard Documented. He said I would have to pay the Coast Guard a fee for the documentation and name change but would not have to pay sales tax. In a way this makes sense because Florida would make you pay a sales tax when you register the boat in your name. If I purchased a coast Guard Documented Vessel I wouldn't be registering the vessel in Florida would I? I understand that for a vessel to be documented it must displace more than 4000lbs?

I am wary of this information. I get the feeling that someone is going to get that sales tax money somehow!!!

Thanks for any information you all may pass.

R,

Scott

V/R
Scott

Robalo R260

As for saving on sales tax, I know that in the past when you purchased a used boat from an individual and registered it with the coast guard, you did not have to pay sales tax.  I wouldn't doubt that they have somehow closed the loophole.  I may be wrong but I think they get you when you insure the boat.  If you purchase the boat from Florida retailer, they are required to pay sales tax on all their sales. 

Allison

Allison

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/msc/docs/CG-5397.pdf

This is a better webpage:

http://homeport.uscg.mil/cgi-bin/st/portal/uscg_docs/MyCG/Editorial/20070514/Guide_Simp_1.pdf?id=59a8f1a203bf4563d5cf94dee615d09b79c2012e

Looks like a 257 grady may be able to be documented after all.  I always used the 27' foot rule of thumb, but the coast guard uses 25'.

Robalo R260