Car Fax for Boats?

[dkinslow]

I picked up an old 16' Marlin open bow with a Force 125 engine for free. It was in a field on a friends property and had been sitting there for a couple of years. It was in fairly good shape and I wanted it so he told me to just take. I have put a new floor in it which is almost complete. I hooked up a battery to the engine (after having a locksmith build me a key) and the motor started on the first spin of the crank. I have the owners name but a search turned up nothing. It was last registered in 1983. My question is: Is there such a thing as a Car Fax for boats so I can contact the owner and get the title to the boat and motor. If there is such a thing is there anyone in this forum who can run the VIN number for me? Anybody got any ideas on how to get this boat titled in my name or experience the same problem? I would appreciate any help anyone can give me. Thanks in advance.
Dean

 

[dkinslow]

Re: Car Fax for Boats?

I didn't get it in another state. There is another old boat with a 40hp Chrysler motor on it that is in good shape that I would like to pick up but I would be in the same position that I am in now. I was told at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept that if I try to register it as an abandoned boat the Parks Dept will take the boat and I will have to buy it back at an auction. I will keep trying though. There has to be some way to get it titled in my name. Thanks for your help.

 

[rainman240cs]

Re: Car Fax for Boats?

Don't know the law in your state, but up here in maine, all you need is a legit bill of sale. I own two boats and the only proof I have that they're mine are the registrations. If your not sure go down to the local registration bureau and ask them what you need.

 

[rainman240cs]

Re: Car Fax for Boats?

Maybe the guy you got it from will write you up a bill of sale? Put a $100 amount on it?

 

[dkinslow]

Re: Car Fax for Boats?

The bill of sale is a good idea but this guy doesn't really own the boat so that would be about the same as me writing up the bill of sale and signing the last owners name on the bill of sale or for that matter putting in a last known address on the sales application and forging his name. I have know some other people who have gotten away with this tactic when the owner was not known and never got caught. They got titles in their names. I value my freedom and fear getting caught doing this. Since it has never been registered since 1983 how would they know? I think I can go through a bonding company and get it done legally.

 

[dkinslow]

Re: Car Fax for Boats?

Thanks Bubba1235. That was some good information. I got printouts of everything and will motorcycle it out to where I got the boat and have him sign the forms. Takes the burden off my back and I can get the boat titled.

 

[eaglejim]

Re: Car Fax for Boats?

There is a site called www.boatfax.com ,sorry bubba. Just like carfax will tell who and where your new used boat has been for a small fee

 

[dkinslow]

Re: Car Fax for Boats?

Thanks Eaglejim

 

[NoKlu]

Re: Car Fax for Boats?

I don't think that site will do much for your search. There is no information as to where there search reaches other than it's own data base. It clearly states, in a few places, that the Boat has to be registered with them before they will get any information about it. They don't say if they are linked to any national database like the coast guard or the state registries or the police. The site is a great Idea but without being linked to the various registries it's not much good. Until I got those questions answered I would save my money.