Boat Buying Checklist - Non-Technical (Legal, Title, etc)

[Liopleurodon]

As I've posted elsewhere, I'm not new to boating overall, but new to boat buying and ownership. I've done a couple searches here and found some helpful info on this question, but still need to check how it relates to my situation.

Resident of western PA and looking to buy within about a 300mi range, so mainly PA (preferred), OH (very close to Ohio), NY, NJ, WV, and MD.

I want to make sure I buy by the book and not buy a catastrophe, ie something that gets repossessed (ie previously stolen), or that comes with some insane liability (environmental lien), or something else that I don't even know to ask about.

Knowing my state and the source states, is there a checklist of items that I could follow to make sure a newly acquired boat is free and clear, between checking beforehand (ie title search) and during the transaction (ie insurance bond), and what kind of cost those would add up to?

To put in perspective, prospective boats would all be in the low 4 digits for price.

Thanks!

 

[HCMQA]

Re: Boat Buying Checklist - Non-Technical (Legal, Title, etc)

In that price range it really shouldn't be much of a problem.

The condition of the boat is number one.

Number two would be a clear title for the boat. Make sure you match the title of the boat to the boat. HIN. Also match the title to the buyer. Ask to look at their drivers license.

A clear title for the trailer is also good but not a must as you can have it re-titled. Or title it in Maine.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Boat Buying Checklist - Non-Technical (Legal, Title, etc)

Become familiar with the titling and registration requirements for PA (http://www.fish.state.pa.us/faqregt.htm). It appears that only model year 1997 and newer PA boats are required to have paperwork, so if you shop older than that, there may not be anything to check.