California Code, Vehicle Code - VEH § 9919

No security interest in any vessel numbered under this code, irrespective of whether such number was effected prior or subsequent to the creation of such security interest, is perfected, until the secured party, or his successor or assignee, has deposited with the department a properly endorsed certificate of ownership to the vessel, subject to the security interest, showing the secured party as legal owner if the vessel is then numbered under this code;  or if the vessel is not so numbered, the owner shall file an initial application for number as provided for in this code, and the certificate of ownership issued under said application shall contain the name and address of the legal owner.