Obtaining a duplicate title in NJ?

[IHDiesel73L]

My neighbor (Owner number 2) has a boat in his yard that has been sitting for years that he's willing to give to me. He got it from a friend (Owner number 1) with the intention of fixing it up and never got around to it. When he took possession of the boat he got the title but never changed it over into his name so as far as the state is concerned, the first guy (Owner number 1) is still the owner since that's what their records should reflect. I really want this boat for a winter project so I'm willing to jump through some bureaucratic hoops if need be. My neighbor said his friend would be more than happy to go to DMV, show proof of ID, and ask that they issue a duplicate title so that he can sign it directly over to me (I'll pay any fees associated with it), but I can't seem to get a straight answer on whether or not this is possible-first of all I can't even get anyone on the phone! Anyone ever lost their title in NJ and gotten it reissued?