Buyer Beware of No Title Boats

[Lonnie Clemens]

Hi Folks, 

 

Just thought I would pass along a word of caution that has been given to me.  This time of year a lot of us are looking at purchasing pre-owned boats or trailers.  Keep in mind.  That if you purchase a boat without a title.  You just may be in for the biggest headache of your life.  In many cases the 'no title' situation can never be resolved.  I have a feeling that a lot of sellers are aware of this.  But it is up to the buyer to know his own state's regulations on 'no title' boats and trailers.  Before you hunt for a boat in the classified ads or Craigslist.  Please call or visit your local state DNR office.  Get a pamphlet on your  states regulations on untitled boats and trailers. 

 

Thank you, 

 

Lonnie

[Al Wolbach]

10 hours ago, Lonnie Clemens said:

Hi Folks, 

 

Just thought I would pass along a word of caution that has been given to me.  This time of year a lot of us are looking at purchasing pre-owned boats or trailers.  Keep in mind.  That if you purchase a boat without a title.  You just may be in for the biggest headache of your life.  In many cases the 'no title' situation can never be resolved.  I have a feeling that a lot of sellers are aware of this.  But it is up to the buyer to know his own state's regulations on 'no title' boats and trailers.  Before you hunt for a boat in the classified ads or Craigslist.  Please call or visit your local state DNR office.  Get a pamphlet on your  states regulations on untitled boats and trailers. 

 

Thank you, 

 

Lonnie

 

It varies for state to state. Tennessee does not title boats or trailers. Bill of sale only

[Redlinerobert]

Welcome to CA, where title and sales tax reigns supreme.   

[BillP]

I bought my 1965 boat from an older fellow who could not find the title papers. I was able to register the boat to my name using the registration numbers on the boat. I was told by the police to keep the bill of sale and registration papers in the boat and everything would be acceptable. That is how it works here in Ontario, Canada.

[WildmanWilson]

I was trying to buy a plastic two man boat used and many didn't have titles. The courthouse would not let me licenses it without a title so I passed up several because of this. The last one had a certificate of origin and the owner still had to apply for the title then transfer it to me after three weeks. Most guys would not even go through the trouble but I now have it in my name and licensed. A lot of trouble for sure. And this was just for a cheap plastic boat. 

[Lonnie Clemens]

What interesting replies.  Thank you for sharing your experiences. 

[DINK WHISPERER]

I recently passed on an awesome deal on a no title boat. Guys story was all messed up too. Said he was in GA originally but the boat decals were from SC. Then he said he was in SC but bought it in GA. I just passed on it to be safe. 

[Lonnie Clemens]

On 3/5/2017 at 9:21 PM, DINK WHISPERER said:

I recently passed on an awesome deal on a no title boat. Guys story was all messed up too. Said he was in GA originally but the boat decals were from SC. Then he said he was in SC but bought it in GA. I just passed on it to be safe. 

 

Sounds like you made the right choice.

[frosty]

On 3/5/2017 at 8:32 PM, WildmanWilson said:

I was trying to buy a plastic two man boat used and many didn't have titles. The courthouse would not let me licenses it without a title so I passed up several because of this. The last one had a certificate of origin and the owner still had to apply for the title then transfer it to me after three weeks. Most guys would not even go through the trouble but I now have it in my name and licensed. A lot of trouble for sure. And this was just for a cheap plastic boat. 

I just bought a bass raider a few weeks ago and I had to title it. Up until last year a boat valued under $3,000 wasn't required to be titled in Indiana. 

Edited March 11, 2017 by frosty

[Further North]

Also put some thought into it if you live in one state but are buying (or selling) a boat in another.

 

Where I live in WI, there are a lot of transactions across the WI/MN border.  Best to know the rules in both states before moving forward, and in particular the state you plan on keeping/registering the boat in.

 

Edited to add: Read the laws yourself, don't take the word of the person at the counter or whoever you call.  Sorta like getting a legal opinion from a cop...not always the best source on the details.

[BobP]

In N.C. There is no title required unless the boat is bought on credit.  Pay cash and there has to be a bill of sale with a notarized seller's signature in order to register the boat.  Blank bills of sale are included with your WRC (aka DNR) registration documents.  Seems to work OK and no standing in line at the DMV.  The WRC reports the registration to the tax folks for personal property tax purposes.

[Ohio Archer]

In OH, the DNR and Dept of Watercraft are not directly involved with boat transfers. You need to go to the Title Bureau for titles and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for tags.  At least here in my local area they are side by side.  And you need to have a title to register a boat and trailer.  Trailers requires tags unlike KY.  And bring plenty of $$$.

[Skeeter Dan]

On ‎3‎/‎5‎/‎2017 at 2:09 PM, Al Wolbach said:

 

It varies for state to state. Tennessee does not title boats or trailers. Bill of sale only

You got that right !!!!!!!!!

[Goldstar225]

Arkansas also does not title boats, only the trailers.  In a private party sale, the seller signs the registration over.  Apparently this has led to a problem because this year we have to bring in a photo or pencil scratching of the HIN when we renewed our registration.