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Registering a 2020 R5 in California

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2021 11:33 am
by john_perkins10
I recently purchased a 2020 R5 Surf out of state and have a question about registering the boat and getting the title in California. California naturally was more than happy to take my sales tax but they will not give me the registration or more importantly the title to the boat until I have the CA emissions certification. The message on the paperwork from the DMV states "CA Emissions Certification Required". Has anyone been through this before and if so know what I need to do to get the certification. Thank you for your help!

Re: Registering a 2020 R5 in California

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2021 11:38 am
by Big Block Power
Just drive it over to the local dmv! Sorry not much help. Mattttttt!

Re: Registering a 2020 R5 in California

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2021 2:25 pm
by john_perkins10
My challenge is the boat is already stored for the winter. The DMV did not make it sound like bring the boat to the DMV was required but they really were not very helpful on what was necessary. I am hoping someone has gone through this before in CA that can direct me on what is required.

Re: Registering a 2020 R5 in California

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2021 2:51 pm
by dustinm
My boat came with some CA emissions paperwork and a sticker for the engine shroud. If that isnt with your OP manual I woulb bet Cobalt themselves should be able to help. I would go to their website and email them as they might reply the first time with an attachment including that info. A 2020 is certified and you shouldnt have any issues if your local courthouse personal had any commonsense.

Re: Registering a 2020 R5 in California

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2021 6:16 pm
by cmattj
They call it a Hang tag or as Dustin was referring..

If it was a Dealer they are responsible for the statement of facts declaring proper emissions are intact and compliant.
If you financed your boat they can also get your paperwork verification for compliance.

You can fill out your own “ private sale statement of facts to include your serial numbers as other members here have. Send it in.
Have you paid DMV yet? If so skip this next suggestion.🤣

Or you may be able to barley squeak by size wize for going documented vessel through USCG as a lot of us have.

Usually 26ft meet the criteria but R5 has some taller freeboard that can get you in the club.

No Cf numbers
Just a one time usage tax when they catch up with you.
And name and hailing port only is your new look?
Keep us posted!

Re: Registering a 2020 R5 in California

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2021 2:52 pm
by mdadgar
I went through exactly this process, but 2 years ago, and mine was complicated by buying the boat from a state that does not issue titles for boats (Arkansas). It was an epic nightmare that took me months and months to resolve.

So the hang tag is actually intended for new boats. Just write up the Statement of Fact and explain the situation.

As for my title issue, I actually had to get someone on the phone at the DMV in Sacramento to plead my case and beg for help. She took pity on me "just this once" and issued the registration. And this was after getting a copy of the Bill of Sale from the seller with a wet-ink signature (aka not a copy).

Nightmare, I tell you.

- Mark

Re: Registering a 2020 R5 in California

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2021 8:40 pm
by AsLan7
.
Hopefully those post above help you j_p10.

Being that we’re on the east coast, I can’t offer much help.

I will say welcome aboard though mate!
.

Re: Registering a 2020 R5 in California

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 8:00 pm
by john_perkins10
After three trips to the DMV and about 6 hours invested, I successfully registered my boat. I spoke to Cobalt three times to get their perspective. Unfortunately, they are unable to send new hang tags. They also suggested the statement of facts but the DMV turned that down. After going through all of the paperwork the previous owner sent me, I found a document describing CA commissions with a sticker and the DMV accepted it.

Re: Registering a 2020 R5 in California

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2021 12:06 pm
by kas232ca
Why didn't you register it in Nevada? No sales tax if from a private party and no yearly luxury tax. Trailer should be CA registered if towed with a CA vehicle.