What Paperwork Do I Need to List My Catamaran for Sale?

If you are wondering what documents you need to sell a catamaran, you are not alone. As the world’s leading catamaran brokerage, we work with sellers from all over the globe, and this is one of the most common questions we receive. Understanding the documents needed to sell a catamaran from the start will make the entire process faster, smoother, and more successful for everyone involved.

The good news is that we do not require you to have everything in hand before we get started. However, having your paperwork ready from the beginning goes a long way. It shows potential buyers that you are a serious seller, and it makes the closing process significantly smoother and faster. Every situation is a little different, since the documentation required can vary depending on where the boat is currently located and where it is registered. Here is a general overview of what we look for.

What Documents Do You Need to Sell a Catamaran?

The answer depends on a few factors, including where your vessel is registered and whether it was built outside the United States. In general, there are four key categories of documentation we look for. We will walk through each one below. If you want to get started right away, you can list your boat or read through our seller’s guide for a full overview of the process.

Coast Guard Documentation (COD)

Most boats we list carry a U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation, commonly referred to as the COD. The COD establishes the ownership and nationality of a vessel and serves as a national form of registration, issued through the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC). Think of it as the federal equivalent of a title.

Unlike state titles, documented vessels do not carry a traditional title. Instead, they maintain a COD that must be renewed on a one to five year cycle. Furthermore, this document must be kept on board the vessel and needs to be updated any time ownership, the vessel’s name, or other key information changes. Customs officials around the world recognize the COD as evidence of a vessel’s origin and legal status, which is especially important for larger boats that may travel internationally.

State Registration

In addition to the COD, we also need the state registration for the vessel. State registration is issued at the state level and is generally required for recreational boaters who primarily use their boat within state waters. Each state has its own process and requirements, typically handled through the state’s motor vehicle or natural resources agency.

Moreover, the registration confirms that the boat is properly documented within that jurisdiction and is current on any applicable fees or taxes. Having both the federal COD and the state registration on file gives buyers a complete and clear picture of the vessel’s legal standing — and gives our specialist brokers everything they need to represent your boat with confidence.

Boats Registered in Another Country

If your boat is registered outside of the United States, it will carry an international registration issued by the country where it is flagged. This document serves the same purpose as the COD does here in the United States. Specifically, it establishes the vessel’s nationality, confirms legal ownership, and is recognized by maritime authorities internationally.

We will need a copy of that registration as part of the listing process. Depending on where the boat is flagged, the document may go by different names. However, as long as it is the official registration issued by that country’s maritime authority, it is exactly what we need. Our team has experience working with sellers from multiple locations and can guide you through what applies in your specific situation.

Dinghies and Tenders

If your boat comes with a dinghy or tender, it is important to know that the dinghy is considered a separate vessel under the law and therefore requires its own registration. For this reason, we will actually be handling two separate transactions — one for the main vessel and one for the dinghy. It is a detail that sellers sometimes overlook, so it is worth getting the dinghy’s paperwork together early to avoid any delays at closing.

Boats Manufactured Outside the United States

For boats that were built in another country and imported into the United States, we will also need proof that customs duties were properly paid at the time of import. The CBP Form 7501, known as the Entry Summary, is the official document required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It serves as a legal declaration of imported merchandise and provides the basis for duty assessment.

There is no substitute for this form. It is the only accepted proof that the vessel was properly brought into the country and that all applicable import taxes were settled. Without it, the sale process can hit serious complications that are difficult to resolve. This is particularly relevant for popular imported brands like Lagoon, Leopard, and Fountaine Pajot, which are built outside the U.S. and make up a large portion of the pre-owned catamaran market.

Why Having the Right Documents Matters

We keep all of this documentation on file for good reason — it protects everyone involved in the transaction. Having a clear paper trail confirms the vessel is legitimate, that ownership is properly established, and that there are no hidden liens or legal issues waiting to surface at closing.

In short, the more complete your documentation is when you list your catamaran for sale, the faster and more confidently we can move through the sale process and get you to the finish line. Check our recently sold catamarans to get a sense of what’s moving in today’s market, and see our seller’s guide to learn more about the full listing process. If you have questions about what applies to your specific situation, our team is happy to walk you through it. You can also browse our current catamarans for sale or contact us directly to get started.