1979 mercury 20hp Texas title question

[Ryryridd]

Hello everyone, I’m new to this forum. I have 1979 mercury 20hp outboard. I live in Texas and I bought this motor from a guy in Louisiana. Now here in Texas the motor is required to be titled. Louisiana anything under 25hp is not required to be titled, to my understanding anyway. The thing is apparently the motor originated here in Texas and when I inquired about the serial number online it shows it is title under a Texas resident. So the question is being I bought it from Louisiana (a non title state) can I get a bill of sale and an affidavit stating the situation and restart the whole process? Or do I need something from the original Texas title holder?

 

[GA_Boater]

Not being rude, but ask Texas. They make the rules. It's probably gonna be nasty.

Welcome aboard.

 

[tg3690]

This is from the TPWD website: " Purchases or gifts of boats or outboard motors that do not acquire the title and signed bill of sale (or statement of gift) will not be eligible for immediate transfer. These may be titled through a more expensive and lengthy bonded title process requiring additional documentation to be acquired and supplied." Also: " DO NOT purchase a used vessel/boat or outboard motor without receiving an original title (signed on the front and back) along with a signed bill of sale from the person(s) listed on the title or from their legally documented representative."

Didn't see any exceptions for out of state bought boats or motors. I would call TPWD and talk to somebody to be sure. That "lengthy bonded title process" don't sound like a lot of fun either. Now, what "they" really want is your title/registration FEE (tax) and the tax for the sale price of the motor, which should be shown on the bill of sale. It's all about the money.

 

[Texasmark]

This is from the TPWD website: " Purchases or gifts of boats or outboard motors that do not acquire the title and signed bill of sale (or statement of gift) will not be eligible for immediate transfer. These may be titled through a more expensive and lengthy bonded title process requiring additional documentation to be acquired and supplied." Also: " DO NOT purchase a used vessel/boat or outboard motor without receiving an original title (signed on the front and back) along with a signed bill of sale from the person(s) listed on the title or from their legally documented representative."

Didn't see any exceptions for out of state bought boats or motors. I would call TPWD and talk to somebody to be sure. That "lengthy bonded title process" don't sound like a lot of fun either. Now, what "they" really want is your title/registration FEE (tax) and the tax for the sale price of the motor, which should be shown on the bill of sale. It's all about the money.

Yes it is and since they separated from state funding many years ago, funding themselves, and have expanded their services to the the masses, they are doing quite well as an independent entity.

Its not all about the money. Theft is a huge problem and they are trying to control it.

 

[tg3690]

Hey Texas......first off I want to say that I totally support TPWD. I contribute to TPWFoundation and Gear Up for Game Wardens.....and buy Parks Passes every year and visit state parks frequently. I also have titles for my boats and OB motors (as required by law) and keep the registrations current. With that said, I just can't help but believe the OB titling requirement is anything other than a way to raise revenue for the department. IMHO I don't see how having a title for an OB motor will deter/prevent their theft in any way. It definitely makes buying or selling an OB more of a PITA than it needs to be. btw...Happy New Year!

 

[Texasmark]

Hey Texas......first off I want to say that I totally support TPWD. I contribute to TPWFoundation and Gear Up for Game Wardens.....and buy Parks Passes every year and visit state parks frequently. I also have titles for my boats and OB motors (as required by law) and keep the registrations current. With that said, I just can't help but believe the OB titling requirement is anything other than a way to raise revenue for the department. IMHO I don't see how having a title for an OB motor will deter/prevent their theft in any way. It definitely makes buying or selling an OB more of a PITA than it needs to be. btw...Happy New Year!

Well, its like thieves targeting a neighborhood.....they usually pick the "easy pickins" so one tries to make their place the least desirable. The PIA of title transfer may be just the ticket to make the difference.

 

[racerone]

So in Texas do you need title to a riding lawnmower , expensive barbeque, stereo / computer system ?----Why did they pick on boats and motors ?

 

[tg3690]

Well, its like thieves targeting a neighborhood.....they usually pick the "easy pickins" so one tries to make their place the least desirable. The PIA of title transfer may be just the ticket to make the difference.

I see your point now, Tex......it would make it harder for a thief to sell a stolen OB motor.....without a title.....but only if buyers refuse to buy motors without a title.....then it could have an impact on theft here in Texas. On the other hand, a thief could take his stolen OB over to Louisiana, which has no titling requirement, and sell it there to unsuspecting buyers. It never ends.......

 

[tg3690]

So in Texas do you need title to a riding lawnmower , expensive barbeque, stereo / computer system ?----Why did they pick on boats and motors ?

Good point racer.....where do you draw the line? One thing is for certain.....TITLE=FEES and TAXES.....no matter how well intended.

 

[Texasmark]

I see your point now, Tex......it would make it harder for a thief to sell a stolen OB motor.....without a title.....but only if buyers refuse to buy motors without a title.....then it could have an impact on theft here in Texas. On the other hand, a thief could take his stolen OB over to Louisiana, which has no titling requirement, and sell it there to unsuspecting buyers. It never ends.......

Couple of answers to that.
1. If you are going to trade up or sell a non-titled boat or engine, lots of luck!
2. TPWD officers patrol waters and pick and choose their targets to inspect for different reasons. First thing they want to see is your ID, fishing license if you are fishing, and boat and engine registration, while they are absorbing a general idea as to what requires their attention. Next question is how much booze you had that day and then let me see in your live well if fishing!

 

[tg3690]

Great observations, Texas.....I don't know if the OP will respond again, but would be nice to know if he was able to get that out of state motor titled or not, just for future reference.....

 

[Ryryridd]

Great observations, Texas.....I don't know if the OP will respond again, but would be nice to know if he was able to get that out of state motor titled or not, just for future reference.....

Hey so haven’t had any luck and don’t look like I’ll have any… haven’t had much time to try but very little info is out there for out of the ordinary cases like this. Most people I talk to don’t usually worry about titling and older OB.

 

[tg3690]

Glad you responded back....did you actually talk to somebody at TPWD? If you did, could you tell what they said? Thanks.

 

[salvageyard saviour]

Michigan is not Texas, that said

In recent years we also have gotten pita with titles, everything from campers to trailers.

As my username implys, I've had plenty of encounters with old low value titleless objects. It used to be just a trip to the sheriff's department for a serial number or vin check and good to go.
Recent laws have the bonded or salvage title options, both huge pains.

I've recently found buried in the law text that if it's under a certain value (online search for similar item) $2500 (MI) the titling department will do a background check on it and if not stolen or have a lien they issue a new title and void the old one. With only your signed affidavit as proof of ownership.

Word of advice, don't do any work or improvements to it until this is done! If it doesn't pass the check, the previous owner probably won't thank you and if he can't be found the state will sell at auction. I've seen their website. Texas has some great bargains!