Boat Title

[coontreer]

When you buy a boat, do you get a title for the boat and the trailer, or does one title cover both?

[burleytog]

Why would a boat title cover a trailer?

Depends on the state.  Some states do not require trailer registration.

[DINK WHISPERER]

In FL you need a boat title and a trailer registration

[Long Mike]

What Burley said. To the best of my knowledge (somewhat limited,) regardless of the state, your boat title will not include the trailer and will not include the motor.  In some states you will need a title for all three.  In others, you may not need a title for the trailer.  Check your local regulations.  Do not, under any circumstances, buy a boat from a person who cannot provide you with titles to both the boat and motor.  As for the trailer, it depends on the state.  If nothing else get a Bill of Sale showing the trailer's serial number.

[burleytog]

VA includes the motor on the boat title and registration.

[K_Mac]

In Illinois the boat title and required registration stickers that must be displayed on the boat with the hull numbers, are handled by Dept. of Natural Resources. Motor title and registration are not required.

The trailer title and licensing are handled by the Dept. of Motor Vehicles.

[fishfordollars]

Texas titles boat and motor. State requires you to tag the trailer to.

[simplejoe]

I know in Pa you need a boat and trailer title, no motor title. When I bought a boat from OH they only had a boat and motor title no trailer title. Check your local Notary place they should tell you what titles you need.

[Team_Dougherty]

I know in Pa you need a boat and trailer title, no motor title. When I bought a boat from OH they only had a boat and motor title no trailer title. Check your local Notary place they should tell you what titles you need.

PA does not have title for boats made before 1997.

Any boat purchased, transferred or sold, must be titled if the boat is:

    * Powered by an inboard motor, including personal watercraft, 1997 model year or newer.

    * Powered by an outboard motor, 14 feet or longer, 1997 model year or newer.

    * Currently titled in Pennsylvania.

    * Currently titled in another state when Pennsylvania becomes the state of primary use.

Once a boat is titled, it must remain titled by all future owners.

Any boat can be voluntarily titled. Boat titling assures the buyer of a boat that the seller has clear ownership of a boat offered for sale. Some lenders won't finance a boat without a title, so securing a loan to purchase a boat may be easier if the boat is titled. Titling is also a deterrent to boat theft. Boat dealers and other purchasers are more certain that someone offering a boat for sale has the legal right to do so.

http://fishandboat.com/faqregt.htm#1

[along99999]

Most states require the boat and trailer to have their own separate titles and they be licensed separately as well. Reasoning is that boats are taxed differently as they are not considered road-going vehicles whereas trailers most certainly are.

Some states, I believe Missouri is one, require that the motor carry its own title as well. Just check with your local DMV, and block out about six hours to be on hold   >

[scrutch]

In Indiana, boat (motor included) and trailer need separate titles and registration.

[MSPbass]

You have to check with your state. Look up "boating" on your state's DNR web site to start. But, I don't think, one title would ever cover both.

In MN, only boats over 16' require a title. 16' and under are only registered with the DNR. But all trailers are titled and registered.