Putting A Lien On A Boat In North Carolina

If you're looking to put a lien on a boat in North Carolina, you'll need to know the ins and outs of the process. Here's a quick overview to get you started:

First, it's important to understand the difference between a state-titled boat and a USCG-documented vessel. For a state-titled boat, security interests are recorded with the Wildlife Resources Commission and shown on both the registration and title certificates. On the other hand, if the vessel is USCG-documented, a lender's security interest must be perfected by filing a preferred vessel mortgage with the National Vessel Documentation Center.

When it comes to actually filing a lien, the process can vary depending on the type of boat and the nature of the debt. For example, if you're dealing with a state-titled boat, you'll need to work with the Wildlife Resources Commission, while for a USCG-documented vessel, you'll need to file with the National Vessel Documentation Center. Additionally, the requirements for perfecting a lien may differ depending on the specific circumstances.

It's also worth noting that there are no provisions for recording mechanic's liens or other non-secured claims against state-titled boats in North Carolina. However, tax liens may be flagged on boat registration records or recorded as UCC filings.

To make sure you're following the correct procedure, it's always best to consult with a legal professional or a boat registration specialist in North Carolina. They can guide you through the specific steps and requirements for your situation.

North Carolina boat registration numbers begin with an NC designation, followed by four numbers and then two letters

To put a lien on a boat in North Carolina, you must first meet the requirements for a mechanics lien. In North Carolina, a mechanics lien is available to contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers who are owed payment for construction work. The process for filing a mechanics lien is as follows:

• Fill out a mechanics lien form that meets North Carolina requirements.
• File the lien with the county recorder's office in the county where the boat is located.
• Serve a copy of the lien to the boat owner.

Now, for North Carolina boat registration numbers:

All motorized vessels used on public waters in North Carolina must be registered. Upon registration, boat owners will receive a North Carolina Certificate of Number and validation decal. The Certificate of Number must be kept on board the boat and be available for inspection by law enforcement.

North Carolina boat registration numbers begin with an "NC" designation, followed by four numbers and then two letters. For example, a valid registration number could be "NC-1234-AB". The numbers must be displayed as follows:

• Painted on or permanently attached to both sides of the bow of the vessel.
• Positioned to ensure maximum visibility.
• Using block letters at least three inches high and in a color that contrasts with the boat.
• Read from left to right, with letters and numbers separated by a space or hyphen.

Coast Guard-documented vessels in North Carolina must display state registration tabs, an owner-designated vessel name, and a hailing port

To put a lien on a boat in North Carolina, you must first determine if your boat needs to be registered. In North Carolina, boaters are required to register any motorized vessel with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. This includes all motorized vessels, including jet skis, sailboats longer than 14 feet, and vessels registered in another state that remain in North Carolina for more than 90 consecutive days. If your vessel meets any of these requirements, you must register it and obtain a title. The title is different from the registration, and it is required for vessels with a lien.

Once you have registered and titled your boat, you can proceed with putting a lien on it. The specific process for putting a lien on a boat in North Carolina is not clear, but it likely involves working with a county recorder's office and providing specific information about the boat and the lien claimant.

Now, regarding Coast Guard-documented vessels in North Carolina, there are specific requirements that must be met. In addition to registering their vessel with the US Coast Guard, owners of these vessels must also display North Carolina registration tabs, an owner-designated vessel name, and a hailing port. This is because, in North Carolina, all vessels that are motorized or have been in the state for more than 90 consecutive days must be registered. This includes US Coast Guard-documented vessels.

The registration process for Coast Guard-documented vessels in North Carolina involves submitting a VL-1 Form NC Vessel Registration & Title Application, along with the original out-of-state title or a copy of the out-of-state registration card if there is no title. Once the application is approved, boat owners will receive a Registration Number, a Registration Decal, and a Registration Card. It is important to note that Coast Guard-documented vessels may not be titled in North Carolina, and a copy of the Certificate of Documentation must accompany the application.

All vessels manufactured after 1972 require a 12-digit hull identification number

The HIN is made up of three letters, followed by a five-character serial number, and then the month and year of production. For example, a HIN might look like this: NC-12345-A1.

It is important to never deface, remove, or alter a boat's HIN. This number is used to register your boat and track its history.

North Carolina does not require hull number inspections

All boats manufactured after 1972 are required to have a 12-digit hull identification number (HIN) affixed by the manufacturer. State-assigned hull numbers prefixed with the letters "NCZ" are available for homemade boats and those without factory designations.

Hull number inspections are not required in North Carolina unless there is a discrepancy.

North Carolina does not have provisions for recording mechanic's liens or other non-secured claims against state-titled boats

North Carolina does not have provisions for recording mechanics' liens or other non-secured claims against state-titled boats. However, security interests in state-titled boats are recorded with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) and will be shown on both the registration and title certificates.

If the vessel is USCG documented, a lender's security interest must be recorded with the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) and is indexed on the boat's abstract of title.

Tax liens may be flagged on boat registration records, recorded as UCC filings, shown on state revenue records, or filed with a county clerk's office.

Frequently asked questions