Is there a way to check hull IDs or VIN prior to purchase?

[JoLin]

Re: Is there a way to check hull IDs or VIN prior to purchase?

He's located in AZ. We're in CA. The boat is allegedly titled in Idaho. So unless he's willing to bring it across state lines to a CA DMV, this won't work. And thus why we're thinking everything through with caution.

Sorry, Sandi, but run-ins with state DMV or other licensing agencies are never fun. The clerk you speak to before you buy, can and has been known to give incorrect information. Even the IRS doesn't hold itself responsible for misinformation supplied by the 'agents' that man their call-in number at tax time.

While I agree that different states have different rules and levels of complexity, one wrong move in New York can stick you with a boat that you can't title and can't legally sell. No way would I involve myself in an Idaho to Arizona to California paper shuffle. There's one way to guarantee that the seller legally owns the boat and is entitled to sell it to you. My message to the current owner would be a simple one. Register/title the boat in your name, in your state... then call me.

I say keep shopping.

My .02

 

[Sandi_k]

Re: Is there a way to check hull IDs or VIN prior to purchase?

While I agree that different states have different rules and levels of complexity, one wrong move in New York can stick you with a boat that you can't title and can't legally sell. No way would I involve myself in an Idaho to Arizona to California paper shuffle. There's one way to guarantee that the seller legally owns the boat and is entitled to sell it to you. My message to the current owner would be a simple one. Register/title the boat in your name, in your state... then call me.

I say keep shopping.

My .02

John, that has been my message to them.

They say that they are handling it, and will call once the paperwork transfer is complete - but then I am still stuck with a boat titled in either AZ or ID. Thinking this through, with other states' regulations, is a helpful way for us to learn how to not get scr*wed, even in a CA to CA sale.

Which is why knowing about services like Sierra Title, or the one linked by an earlier poster, are so useful. It's good to know that there are processes and escrow companies that can assist.

Sandi

 

[Sandi_k]

Re: Is there a way to check hull IDs or VIN prior to purchase?

Pretty sure that website only applies to motor vehicles, as Arizona does not title boats, according to their site, Boating Frequently Asked Questions Arizona Game and Fish Department

Arizona only registers boats. The registration documents ownership.

Arizona does title and register trailers, through the dmv.

Idaho does title boats, registers them for use.

California also requires the boat to have a HIN, so be prepared to get one if the boat doesn't have one.


Must be a special boat.

Thanks for the additional site, and clarification. Title OR registration, asking the seller to take it to the DMV for ownership search and transfer is one way to be careful, right? If they don't want to do so, that would be a huge red flag - and we've handled enough car purchases (DH is a classic car nut) that I know how picky the DMV can be about exactly which form you use for transfers.

I agree that this is complicated, no doubt. But so far they've been cooperative about every request - pics of the engine, replies on other questions, admitting that they had not transferred title to themselves last summer...it could be they're eager to sell, but just clueless about the complexity...or there could be something nefarious.

The boat itself isn't rare. But it has been one of the newer, lower hour boats we've seen, that has the accessories, upgrades, etc. we're looking for. We've found a couple others, but they're 4-6 years older, and missing some of the niceties, like a walk-through transom, that we'd prefer.

Since it is our first boat, we're being slow, and thoughtful, and picky. We may not get this particular boat, but it's certainly worth a little effort if it's simply an unsophisticated seller who's in need of money....

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Is there a way to check hull IDs or VIN prior to purchase?

I think the only way to 100% verify a boat is not stolen is to buy from a reputable dealer that will transfer all the paperwork into your name before you cut the cheque.
And stolen isn't necessarily an issue every time. I bought a boat at a police auction once that was at one time stolen. If the HIN was checked it might still show as stolen.