See full version: How to Buy a Used Boat in Texas; Title Transfer; Registration
You should avoid purchasing a boat if the seller doesn’t have a legal title that is registered in their name. If you purchase a used boat without a title, you need to provide the DMV with alternate documents to complete registration. The previous owner, or the person you purchased the boat from, should write a bill of sale that proves you have purchased the boat.
To register your boat, visit your local DMV, or Department of Motor Vehicles. You have 20 days from the purchase date to register the craft without penalty. To make the process simpler, print the necessary forms out at home, and complete them before going to the DMV. The forms are also available at your local office.
Choose comprehensive insurance if you want the policy to cover the cost of replacing or repairing the boat in the case of an accident. To save money on your policy, consider taking a boater’s education course before purchasing the policy.
Buying a used boat is a simple way to save money, but you should consider the legal aspects of the purchase before you hand your hard-earned cash to the previous owner. Like vehicles, boats must be registered with the local DMV, and the title must be transferred to your name for tax purposes. Once you find a boat with a valid title, you are ready to begin the registration process. more
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recommends the seller and buyer visit the local DMV together to avoid any liability issues that result from failing to register the boat and to help the new owner avoid delays in the registration process. If both parties aren’t present, the proper forms should be signed before going to DMV to prevent registration delays.
Boat insurance is necessary if you take the boat out on the water, or if you need to haul the boat in a trailer on the road. Liability insurance covers and accidents that may occur while using or hauling the boat, but more comprehensive types of insurance are also available.
Re: Need to register a jet ski in Texas with no title here
or you could by a jet ski hull that has a title an swap the motor in if it becomes a super pain which there it seems to be here in nc all u need is a noterized bill of sale [links]
Re: Need to register a jet ski in Texas with no title
Both the lawyer and the deputy should have known they were transferring something . worthless.
At the rate these things are stolen I'd imagine this will be difficult even though your title is clear.
Of the states that have requirements based on boat length, 22′ is about the longest. So keep in mind that boat title requirements tend to change. So if you’re in the market to buy or sell a boat, you’ll need to keep up on your state’s current title law. more
Does your boat require a title? The long answer is YES and the short answer is sometimes NO. What this means is that in many states, shorter boats do not require a title to show ownership. In this case, the current registration is what proves ownership.
I bought my first boat while in high school 1981. I had more hours working on it than using it in the water. I can't count how many boats I've had since, but I really enjoy reviving boats. I've had so many boats that I could never use them all. Once I fix a boat up, I play with it a couple times and sell it. My goal is to use my many years of experience, and help as many people Begin Boating. [links]
Having purchased many boats over the last few decades, my research shows that state laws tend to change regarding boat titles. Let’s dive into some boat title requirements for each state.
However, I did go look at the boat, and it is in need of a full restoration. I am interested in the motor for my daughter's boat, and might donate the remains. We will see if the seller takes my offer. Seems I am the only one to even come look at it and it's been for sale for some time. Not sure he was impressed with my offer.
Calling the DNR was the way to go. I can't believe how nice they were! I called twice today, and both times a live person answered on the second ring and personally handled my call. Very refreshing.
On my first call, she assured me a 16' boat in WI has to have a title, and if the seller said it was currently registered, he in fact had a title.
If it was under 16', no title is needed, just a signed registration card and bill of sale.
I called back again after I was able to zoom in on the hull ID numbers. He was able to tell me the name of the owner, his address, when he registered it, who the previous owner was. and confirmed it is a 15' boat. No need for a title.
Moot point since it's only 15'.
I'll let you know what happens. more
Wisconsin makes it easier on boats less than 16' in that if the registration card is not present then a signed bill-of-sale from the current owner is all that is required. The Bill-of-sale must include; Name, full address, date of sale, sale amount and any number markings that are present. The sellers phone contact number should also be included though not required.
According to their website (which I linked earlier):
All motorboats 16 feet and over in length, registered in Wisconsin after 1988 will have a Certificate of Title.
How to recognize a vehicle scam attempt on CL:
�Shipping a vehicle to you is suggested by seller
�eBay Motors or another intermediary is specified by seller
�Payment by Western Union or a money wire is requested
�Price is unusually low (fraction of blue book value)
eBay has no involvment in craigslist for sale ads, and any eBay or similar emails or web pages you receive are fake here
Not everything on CL is a scam. If you are dumb enough to believe you are getting a 40k boatfor 10k you are a sucker and would get ripped off regardless of whether it was on CL or not. CL tells you how to avoid getting scammed, if you don't read it or don't follow it that's your own fault.