First Used Boat Purchase from Private Seller

[first-time-boat]

Hello Guys,

I am planning on purchasing my first used boat (1983 SC Runabout) from a private seller and need to know what has to take place to make this happen.

Listed below is what I think needs to happen. Your thoughts are very welcome on this matter as I don't want to do anything wrong.

1. seller must sign over title to buyer. must show proof of ownership with ID.
2. must provide me with registration for trailer. Question: does trailer need to be current for sale to happen? Currently not plated or current at this time. If so should I make seller take care of this prior to sale or not?
3.

Your help on this is greatly appreciated as I want to make sure I do this correctly and don't get taken to the bank.

Thx LuAnn

 

[colbyt]

Re: First Used Boat Purchase from Private Seller

Without a location no one is going to be able to provide an accurate answer. The laws are different in every state.

As a general rule seller must have the current title and/or registration free of all leins and must sign that over to you. Most states require that be notarized. Proof of payment of any personal property taxes and license fees should be provided.

The cleanest way to do a deal is go where the title is recorded with cash in your pocket and make sure you are getting a clean title before you hand over the cash.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: First Used Boat Purchase from Private Seller

Your question on current trailer plates is going to depend on where you live. Here in MN if your plates have been expired for 20 years you just pay for the current year and move on. It is my understanding that some backwards states will make you pay for 20 years worth of registration. Know your local laws

 

[first-time-boat]

Re: First Used Boat Purchase from Private Seller

I live in Indiana and the purchase/sale of the boat will be in Indiana.

 

[JoLin]

Re: First Used Boat Purchase from Private Seller

Go to your titling/licensing agency and get the facts straight. In NY, a title transfer doesn't need to be notarized, and a trailer registration doesn't need to be current.

This is important to you. Don't take the word of people, no matter how well-meaning, on a public forum.

Indiana Boat Registration, Licenses, Forms, & Information at DMV.org: The DMV Made Simple

 

[lokonn]

Re: First Used Boat Purchase from Private Seller

This past spring I got title processed through Indiana BMV. Trailer had out of date plates from another state, BMV didn't say or do anything about it. Since trailer was over 10 years old I wasn't required to have a bill of sale. If I was you I would get their, Indiana, bill of sale, available on line, because it sure seemed like they would rather have one even though it was not required. Don't know why they needed to verify hull identification number in person but not trailer vin, but they do. Plan on bringing boat to BMV or getting police officer to fill out verification form, also online, in order to get boat registered. As has been mentioned before be sure you have titles for both trailer and boat. I can tell you from previous exper. that getting a title for a trailer that doesn't have one is a lot of running around and chasing down previous owners and getting them to sign paperwork. Good Luck. I used the BMV in Schererville, they were pleasant to deal with.

 

[airshot]

Re: First Used Boat Purchase from Private Seller

Reminds me of a situation that happened here in the great state of Ohio not many years ago. Purchased an older boat from before titles were issued, boat had been used in private pond so no issue but I wanted to use it in public waters so a title was needed. Called the title office and they required the boat to be brought to the title office for an official inspection (check the serial number). On the day we towed it to the title office it was raining so after waiting in line our turn came to be and I explained that the boat was here in the parking lot for the inspection. Because it was raining I was told to go out and look at the hull ID myself and and bring that number in to the office and a title would be issued. Needless to say some pleasantries were exchanged but I did get my title afterall. My how the weather can change the rules!!