Can't find the VIN!!!!!

[Biggems]

Ok so I'm recently divorced and my ex "lost" the title and registration for both my boat and trailer.....

(I just had to go smoke a ciggarette after writing that sentence). I found the VIN for the boat on the outside of the transom; but cannot for the life of me find the VIN on the trailer!!!! The only thing I can find is a sticker that tells me it's a shorelander.

Did I mention the permanent tags on the trailer also got removed and "lost"?

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Can't find the VIN!!!!!

Not sure how things work in your neck of the woods, but can you call your state's DMV and get that? They should be able to work with you to replace the lost titles, etc.......
At least here in MN we could. Each state may be different....

 

[Biggems]

Re: Can't find the VIN!!!!!

Here's the problem...

When I bought the boat/trailer we did a bill of sale and just signed over the title. I never went to the DMV and got a new title in my name. I just kept the original with our signature of sale on it. So as far as the DMV is concerned, it still belongs to the old owner. I got the boat about 3 years ago and I do not know the original owners. Found it on craigslist.

 

[riptide09]

Re: Can't find the VIN!!!!!

Here's the problem...

When I bought the boat/trailer we did a bill of sale and just signed over the title. I never went to the DMV and got a new title in my name. I just kept the original with our signature of sale on it. So as far as the DMV is concerned, it still belongs to the old owner. I got the boat about 3 years ago and I do not know the original owners. Found it on craigslist.

So you never registered it and I would assume used it for 3 years either on someone else plate, the wrong plate or no plate. Why worry now?

 

[BoatNoobie]

Re: Can't find the VIN!!!!!

Here's the problem...

When I bought the boat/trailer we did a bill of sale and just signed over the title. I never went to the DMV and got a new title in my name. I just kept the original with our signature of sale on it. So as far as the DMV is concerned, it still belongs to the old owner. I got the boat about 3 years ago and I do not know the original owners. Found it on craigslist.

In WA, u have 15 days to change it over in your name, otherwise you get fined.

Not to mention, the seller and go online and report the sale themselves with your info.

 

[Rudi2]

Re: Can't find the VIN!!!!!

So you never registered it and I would assume used it for 3 years either on someone else plate, the wrong plate or no plate. Why worry now?

Gotta agree with that sentiment.

Alot of smaller trailers just have a stick on plate with model and numbers - when age and weather conspire to loosen its grip it's gone. Could always check all the frame rails real careful for a stamped number, you might get lucky.

 

[Biggems]

Re: Can't find the VIN!!!!!

When I bought the boat, the current registration was good for another year. As we did with the title, we also signed over the registration. I have not used it since the registartion expired. I never operated the boat illegally. The trailer had permanent tags on them which mysteriously dissapeared along with the title and registration for both boat and trailer.

I'm relatively new to the boating world and this is my first boat. I've only had her out on the water 4 maybe 5 times so please forgive my ignorance and lack of education on how to handle the logistics of owning a boat.

Now, if I can't find the VIN, where do I go from there?

 

[5150abf]

Re: Can't find the VIN!!!!!

Found mine inside the frame rail towards the front so you might want to poke your head under there.

 

[Biggems]

Re: Can't find the VIN!!!!!

These are the only two sets of numbers I found:

The first looks like a VIN but when I enter it into the DMV website, it says no matching records.

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Can't find the VIN!!!!!

The S1MDA.... looks to be the serial number. Trailers, at least in Co., don't have VINs, they have serial numbers. Since you never registered the trailer in your name, you're gonna get real cozy with the DMV. You'll have to bond for the title. Takes a crapload of paperwork, inspections, etc. Your local DMV office/hell on earth should have a nice packet of forms you use to bond the title.

 

[Biggems]

Re: Can't find the VIN!!!!!

Ok so I contacted the Virginia DGIF and they were able to give me the name and address of the previous owner. I need to send him some letter saying unless he objects within 15 days, they are going to re-title the boat in my name (something like that) Then for the trailer, he needs to request a replacemnt title from the DMV and sign it over to me.

I'm learning...

 

[rkr1991]

Re: Can't find the VIN!!!!!

register it as a homemade trailer?

 

[wingmastr23]

Re: Can't find the VIN!!!!!

(I just had to go smoke a ciggarette after writing that sentence)

Dude....I feel you pain....however, that statement made me spit Mt Dew onto my monitor.....histerical.

Sounds like you are getting it figured out.....

 

[Doernuth]

Re: Can't find the VIN!!!!!

In Ohio you don't need a vin for a trailer, only a weight so they know how much to charge for the plate. Failure to change the boat title on the other hand, and the outboard title if so equipped are a BIG problem. But VA may be different....