Trying to get my boat legal

[Zalper]

So I recently acquired a 18ft champion bass boat. The problem is I don’t have a title for the boat. I found out in Illinois I do t need a title for a boat under 22ft long in order to register it, but I do need the first three letters of the last name on the title. So I called the guy I got it from and nobody knows. It’s seems this boat has been passed along a few times and rumor is the guy on the title died. I have his signature on the power of attorney, but you can’t make out the full name. I’m stumped. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[shrew]

It’s seems this boat has been passed along a few times and rumor is the guy on the title died.

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/boating/Pages/default.aspx

• Another change removes the requirement of a certificate of title for watercraft under 22 feet in length. This change gives the new owner the option to only apply for registration. However, if the watercraft was titled by the seller(s), you must surrender the original properly endorsed watercraft certificate of title issued in the seller's name(s).
• Email us if you have a question?
• https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/boating/Pages/AskDNRQuestion.aspx

So, it would seem that since the boat doesn't require a title, and the last title holder is not the current buyer, you might be able to simply register it since it is less than 22 feet. I would contact the State of Illinois. I would also think that based on the HIN they should be able to do a title check. I would simply indicate that the previous owner of the boat didn't title the boat and provide the BoS.

 

[Scott Danforth]

first, welcome aboard

this is why I always state, without title and proper paperwork, walk away from the purchase. in many states, the best you can do is make it a yard planter

 

[JASinIL2006]

Have you contacted the IDNR? They have some very helpful folks; when we bought our boat secondhand from a dealer, we had lots of trouble with the dealer not following through on the paperwork, etc., he was supposed to file. We talked to 2 or 3 people at IDNR and each was great.

That being said, getting title issues resolved can be a royal pain. After our experience, I never want to go through that again. I hope you didn't pay much (or anything) for the boat. You might have a yard planter if you can't get the title cleared. Might be time to consult an attorney?

 

[JimS123]

first, welcome aboard

this is why I always state, without title and proper paperwork, walk away from the purchase. in many states, the best you can do is make it a yard planter

Oh I love that, but my wife won't let me have one. If its not in the boat house, it can't be visible...

 

[tpenfield]

What do they do with the first 3 letters of the previous titled owner's last name? :noidea:

You have a power of attorney document? Without a printed name in several places?

I would try SMI

 

[roscoe]

And when you get this cleared up, turn your attention to getting the trailer registered.

I've had an ILL resident buy a boat from me, just to get the trailer that had a title and registration.

They make it so hard down there, and take their sweet jazz time doing it.

 

[tpenfield]

Proof of ownership is becoming more and more important. It should probably be elevated to question #1 in anyone's used boat checklist.

A typical buyer's dialog should be something like this . . .

"Hi [insert seller's name],

Thank you for showing me your boat. May I see your proof of ownership?"

 

[matt167]

IF you have a HIN and know what it is, you can send paperwork to Vermont DMV and they will get you a registration valid in their state. This costs their fee + 6% of NADA value BUT, it gets legal paperwork when you can't. Many title services use Vermont DMV to obtain titles. IL should have no issues accepting a VT title/ registration..

 

[sphelps]

Oh I love that, but my wife won't let me have one. If its not in the boat house, it can't be visible...

Yes but if you turned it into a hot tub she might go for it ..