Boat Title Trouble!

[chr154k]

I purchased a 19ft bowrider from someone, problem is, when he bought the boat he never transferred the title into his name. It is signed but it was never actually transferred. The guy needs to transfer it into his name then I can transfer it into mine, only problem is that the guy is not responding. I have the title in hand and a bill of sale, what should I do? I would like to get this titled ASAP so that I can sell it.

 

[MTboatguy]

What state are you located in? Get a hold of your dept of motor vehicles and see what they say, I know where I live, if you have a signed title, you own the boat and they will transfer and issue a new title in your name, when you sign a title you are giving up ownership of the vehicle that the title goes to, but again, you best course of action is talking with the agency that handles boat titling in your state.

 

[midcarolina]

Was it only signed by the original seller? or by the guy you purchased from? If it is only signed by the original seller ( titled owner ) the fix is easy..........

You could also get in touch with the listed titled owner have him get a duplicate title ( you pay the fee ) he signs as seller you sign as buyer done............

 

[chr154k]

I am located in florida. What happened was that the previous owner simply signed in the seller space right below the original owner. By get a duplicate title do you mean apply for a lost title? If not how much is that fee

 

[MTboatguy]

No, duplicate title is not the same as a lost title, lost title means you don't have a title in your possession for the boat. In your instance, it would be best to contact the agency in charge of titling in the State of Florida and they can explain exactly what you need to do to get this boat titled in your name. I buy and sell boats and cars all of the time where I live and in my state we can have a bonded title issued, that if not challenged in 2 years, then they will issue a new title in the person who possesses the item name as full owner, during the bonded period someone can make claim and they have to prove it was and still is their boat, which does not ever happen. But again, you need to get in touch with the agency in charge of titling boats in Florida and get the information from the horses mouth on what procedure to follow.

 

[Scott Danforth]

each county in Florida is a bit different. For example, Sarasota is much easier to title a boat than Bradenton. you need to call your local tax office in Florida and talk to them.