Buying used boat - how to know it's lien free?

[skategoat]

I was wondering, when buying a used boat from a private individual, how do you check for liens? I live in Ontario and when buying cars, the government issues a "Used Vehicle Information Kit" that lists any outstanding liens. No such thing for boats. <br /><br />So can a bank check for you? What about on an outboard? Do you check both the motor and hull? And on a small boat like a 14 foot, aluminum fishing boat, are there such things as lien checks?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Henry

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Buying used boat - how to know it's lien free?

I kinda doubt there would be any kind of lien on a small boat such as that one, if there is such a thing where you are. If he has the title, there should be no problem..

 

[Old Jarhead]

Re: Buying used boat - how to know it's lien free?

Look at the section on the title that lists lien holder(s) <br /><br />If the seller has no title, walk!

 

[DJ]

Re: Buying used boat - how to know it's lien free?

Jarhead,<br /><br />Be careful! Not all states have titles for boats. Some do not require them for trailers either.<br /><br />I have no idea about Canada.<br /><br />However, you are also correct. If a state requires a title, it wiill have lien info.

 

[VistaMan]

Re: Buying used boat - how to know it's lien free?

Skategoat..<br /><br />Typicaly banks and financial instututions in Canada dont give loans for boats under CAN$10K They would prefer that you get a line of credit. As far as the title it's a joke in Canada you just give $5 to the local Canada Coast gaurd office to cover the paper work (real cheap) and they give you a hand written vessel permit, they don't even check up on the registration or serial number or anything.