Michigan Boaters

[EddieO]

I just bought my first boat and went to the Sec'y of State to register it today. What a nightmare...I bought a 17' Sunbird, private sale. The lady at the Sec'y of State tells me I need to have a title transfer. I told her that title's are for boats larger than 20'. We went back and forth and she finally asked someone else, and they agreed with me. No title necessary. So, I thought we were getting somewhere, and she asks for the bill of sale and previous registration, neither of which I have. I understand the need for the previous registration, but why a bill of sale ? Anyhow, could someone please tell me what I need to take with me to get my boat & trailer registered ? The sheriff on Duck Lake is not very forgiving! Thanks in advance...

 

[Laddies]

Re: Michigan Boaters

How did you think you could get it changed over without any paper work to prove you purchased the unit, without paper work anyone could claim the boat. In most cases a signed and dated registration for the boat and trailer, plus a bill of sale from the other owner is required

 

[rschnack]

Re: Michigan Boaters

The bill of sale is needed so they can charge you the 6% sales tax. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.<br />RCS

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Michigan Boaters

Minnesota's a little more forgiving with boats under 16'. No title, just registration. Trailers up to 1500 lb. are permanent registration. I bought mine from a guy and got a bill of sale from him.<br /><br />Went in to the local city hall, where you can do all this stuff. Lady just asked for the registration number for the boat. The trailer didn't have the permanent registration...it had old licence plates. Didn't need those either.<br /><br />Five minutes and I was out the door, minus about $30. In California, it was a lot more complicated. I asked the lady at the registration window about that. She told me that, basically, Minnesota treats boats under 16' as commodities. Whoever's willing to pay the registration owns the boat. If it's stolen, I guess the registration number will come up when they do the transfer. Trailers? "Homemade" is the answer. That's it. Just say "homemade" and you're golden.<br /><br />I like Minnesota.

 

[djvan]

Re: Michigan Boaters

Titles are needed for any boat with an inboard or a I/O. Reguardless of how long or short. Don't know if you are O/B or I/O.<br /><br />DougV>

 

[bh357]

Re: Michigan Boaters

From the Michigan Secretary of State website:<br /><br />

Watercraft - Title Required<br /><br /><br />All watercraft 20 feet and longer and all watercraft with a permanently affixed engine, regardless of length, must be titled. Watercraft not required to be titled may be titled as an option.<br />

and<br /><br />

Transferring Ownership of a Watercraft<br /><br /><br />If the watercraft is not titled, simply complete the back of your watercraft registration. If you have lost the registration, then a complete bill of sale with the year, make, hull identification number, registration number (if available), and the names and addresses of the buyer and seller may be used to transfer ownership.<br />

You will need to talk to the seller and get a bill of sale drafted up.<br /><br />"Permanately affixed engine" does not include a bolted-on outboard.