Unbelievable title transfer experience

B

brick75

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 21, 2010
Messages
289
Bought a boat from a guy two weeks ago and we've been trying to figure out the title transfer process ever since. I FINALLY found out today from the dept. of licensing that I'm basically screwed.

The guy I bought it from had a loan that we had to go pay off initially. We expected them to send the title over to the bank where I got a loan and then would be able to go in and register it in my name. Come to find out, the dept. of licensing had an electronic version of the title with them and the bank actually had nothing.

Well, the bank went ahead and released thier interest on the title instead of giving us a release document that we could take into the licensing office to do the transfer with. What that means is now we have to wait for the printed copy of the title to be mailed to the original owner which we're told can take 4-6 weeks (and sometimes longer).

So I've got a new boat sitting at my house that I can't legally use for 1-2 months! What a crock!

Anyway, just wanted to vent and warn anyone else out there buying used boats from private parties to find out these details up front to avoid some big time frustrations.
 
eavega

eavega

Lieutenant
Joined
Apr 29, 2008
Messages
1,377
Re: Unbelievable title transfer experience

Here in Georgia, the DNR allows you to have a Temporary Registration (they don't title boats here) while you are pending some kind of paperwork. I guess it would be the equivalent of a temporary tag on a new car while the paperwork is sorted out.

Might want to see if your state has some provision for snail mail paperwork.

-E
 
airdvr1227

airdvr1227

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 15, 2009
Messages
1,666
Re: Unbelievable title transfer experience

Is it registered in the state? Is there an ID number on the hull? I say screw it and go boating :p
 
S

sierrak9s

Seaman
Joined
Apr 10, 2010
Messages
71
Re: Unbelievable title transfer experience

airdvr1227 said:
Is it registered in the state? Is there an ID number on the hull? I say screw it and go boating :p
Click to expand...

Ditto to this. What's the worst that can happen? Small fine? Think of it as the fee for the pleasure of boating during those two months.
 
45Auto

45Auto

Commander
Joined
May 31, 2002
Messages
2,842
Re: Unbelievable title transfer experience

The guy I bought it from had a loan that we had to go pay off initially. We expected them to send the title over to the bank where I got a loan
Click to expand...

I'm guessing that you didn't use the boat as collateral on your loan, or your bank would have some documentation on the lien.

So you've paid the guy for the boat. Get a bill of sale and go boating. Keep a copy of the paperwork on the boat if you have to show it to any law enforcement. Get new registration numbers when the paperwork shows up.
 
Huron Angler

Huron Angler

Admiral
Joined
Apr 7, 2009
Messages
6,025
Re: Unbelievable title transfer experience

I've been dealing with a similar situation. I inherited a 12' tin can from my grandpa. Well my mom did and then gave it to me. I used it all last summer w/ no registration since I only had a Minn Kota or oars and didn't think it was required.

Never had any issues. I got a 5.5hp OB last fall and this spring first trip out a conservation officer checks out the rig and let us go w/out the stickers.

I went to the Sec State the next week and they need a death certificate and a form filled out by my mom to transfer ownerwhip.

That is going to be difficult to fins as he passed away in '96. So I haven't taken it out except to very remote locations since I don't want to pay a fine.

Of course this gives me time to work on my already registered 16' Starcraft and get it ready to take out:)

Why can't they just issue a new registration? Such a hassle.

Hope you get it squared away so you can enjoy the boat:D
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: Unbelievable title transfer experience

VERY typical. Been there, done that. Never again.

You have NO option other that to-WAIT. Press the bank a bit, but not too hard.
 
45Auto

45Auto

Commander
Joined
May 31, 2002
Messages
2,842
Re: Unbelievable title transfer experience

Why can't they just issue a new registration? Such a hassle.
Click to expand...

They're trying to keep me from stealing your 12' tin can then showing up at the registration office claiming that it was given to me by my mom who had it given to her by my grandfather just before he died in 1996 ......
 
Silvertip

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Unbelievable title transfer experience

Why is it people are so unconcerned about titles, bank loans, and registration papers. Buying a boat, car, airplane, motorcycle or any other registerable vehicle is almost always a registration nightmare. If the seller cannot hand you a title with any loan release documents you had better be prepared for some frustration. If the seller can't provide that documentation, the vehicle is either stolen or he has obtained the vehicle by gift or purchase but has neglected to register it, the trailer, and even the motor in some areas. If even one layer of ownership had registration papers skipped over, it becomes a problem getting things in order.
 
CATransplant

CATransplant

Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
6,319
Re: Unbelievable title transfer experience

Yup. Lots of stolen small boats around. They go missing here on a regular basis, and the thieves just use 'em until the date sticker is bad. Then, you see them on Craig's List with something like "No title, but I'll give you a bill of sale."

Here in Minnesota, that works on the small boats, unless they've been reported stolen. If it's not reported as stolen, they'll just issue you the registration so they can get the fees. If it's ever been reported as stolen, they won't register it but they'll confiscate it from you and try to return it to the former owner.

Of course, the guy who stole it and then sold it to you didn't actually live where you bought the boat, and the name he put on the bill of sale isn't his.

No title in the name of the seller, or no registration card, in the case of small boats in Minnesota...no sale.
 
lncoop

lncoop

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 18, 2010
Messages
5,147
Re: Unbelievable title transfer experience

Arkansas allows you to use the rig for ten working days without transferring ownership (trailers are titled, everything else is based on a bill of sale) as long as you can produce the paperwork you received from the seller. I know every state does it differently, but I bet yours has a similar provision. In your case my main concern would be making sure my insurance would be valid during that period. Also, if you have a good agent I bet he/she could help you clear it up.
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: Unbelievable title transfer experience

State Reg's are as different as all 50 states.

Here, in AZ we have NO boat tiltle-just trailer.

However, when I moved from MN the bank held a title on the boat. It took me three months to clear that, after pay off. Let's not get into bank services.

You have to do what you have to do-AND WAIT.
 
jmarty10

jmarty10

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
560
Re: Unbelievable title transfer experience

I say go boating! Bill of sale and if possible a temporary registration from DNR. In Illinois the application for registration serves as a temp for two months. Go boating but stay on top of getting the title. PIA!
 
D

DonHof

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 19, 2009
Messages
318
Re: Unbelievable title transfer experience

I purchased a new boat in Nebraska, you have 30 day to license it.
Was going to take it to Iowa to a lake about 20 mile from my house to brake in the motor. After reading the Iowa boating book you have to have it licensed before you can even put it in the water.
 
Thajeffski

Thajeffski

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Messages
890
Re: Unbelievable title transfer experience

brick75 said:
Bought a boat from a guy two weeks ago and we've been trying to figure out the title transfer process ever since. I FINALLY found out today from the dept. of licensing that I'm basically screwed.

The guy I bought it from had a loan that we had to go pay off initially. We expected them to send the title over to the bank where I got a loan and then would be able to go in and register it in my name. Come to find out, the dept. of licensing had an electronic version of the title with them and the bank actually had nothing.

Well, the bank went ahead and released thier interest on the title instead of giving us a release document that we could take into the licensing office to do the transfer with. What that means is now we have to wait for the printed copy of the title to be mailed to the original owner which we're told can take 4-6 weeks (and sometimes longer).

So I've got a new boat sitting at my house that I can't legally use for 1-2 months! What a crock!

Anyway, just wanted to vent and warn anyone else out there buying used boats from private parties to find out these details up front to avoid some big time frustrations.
Click to expand...

I bought my boat may of last year. It had an 09 blue sticker (when it was supposed to have a 10 green sticker on it.

I took it out all season with no problems at all, I was out at least 70 times.
 
B

brick75

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 21, 2010
Messages
289
Re: Unbelievable title transfer experience

The only option I have to "legally" take it out is to have a notarized bill of sale, and that's only good for 15-days from the sale date. So even if I got my hands on that, it would only be good for the next couple of days. The guy didn't update the registration last year either, so it has 2009 stickers on it.

The only good thing is that I haven't sold my old boat yet. Guess I'll just take that out for now, at least until it sells. After that, I just may have to risk it :)
 
jbjennings

jbjennings

Captain
Joined
Jul 18, 2007
Messages
3,903
Re: Unbelievable title transfer experience

I'll add my sob story-----feelin' your pain!

To register my homemade 14foot wood boat, I have to do the following:

Fill out 4 forms:
Notarized Application for title
Registration app.
Notarized affidavit of ownership
App. for inspection

Then: await inspection. While waiting for inspection, I have to go to the justice of the peace and get a court order to issue a title.

Then, if I pass inspection, I have to wait for them to send me the Registration stickers and title.

The lady from the State Dept of Bureaucrats nonchalantly said it would take 6 to 8 wks. -----IF everything goes as planned.

Aarrrrrrgggghhhh! :)
JBJ
 
JimS123

JimS123

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2007
Messages
8,163
Re: Unbelievable title transfer experience

Awhile back I read a statement that stuck with me:

"A boat without paperwork is just a parts boat".

No matter how good the deal, its just not worth it.
 
rjwoodrome

rjwoodrome

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 23, 2008
Messages
202
Re: Unbelievable title transfer experience

Is the boat registration still valid from the P/O if yes then run it, ride it untill your stuff arrives.
 
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