Private Boat Sale Advice
 

Hi All,

I could use some advice. I took a look a great boat today and am very interested. The owner does not have a title for the boat. Is this a problem? He claims he doesn't owe any money on the boat.

If I were to purchase the boat would this be a problem with Massachusetts registration or insurance?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rich

Under 14' you don't need a title, over 14' you will need it.

You're right. I just went out to the states web site and saw the same information. It looks like he'll need a title to sell it to anyone. I'll have to see if we can work this out tomorrow.

Did you get the boat surveyed? If you are spending more than $10K I highly recommend it. at the very least it will give you piece of mind and could save you from a lemon or a safety hazard.

Good luck!

Obtaining a title is a rear pain, and takes some time. Use great caution before you end up with major legal issues and headaches.

Just a note on the survey, most boat surveyers don't deal with the engine. I if I were buying again I would get a mechanic that I know and pay him to survey the engine and other mechanicals. IMO i think that money is better spent, most hull survey's are pretty obvious to perform if the boat is out of the water.

I would never buy a boat without a title, who knows what it's history may be. If the owner is serious about selling it, he'll get a title for it. I had to get a title a number of years ago for a very old boat that had changed hands many times (it was given to me), before I sold it. And yes, it's a pain.