Owner does not have Title in Hands

[timmyjoebob]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

It's hard not to be emotionally involved in a purchase, which I'm sure you are. Truth be known, we've all been there. It's easy to give advice on the outside-looking-in.

However, I'd just delay the sale until he's got the title. If he's applied/paid for a duplicate, then he'll have it in hand in 10 days or so, most likely. Since it's only 200 miles away, you can drive to him & the boat when he's got the title.

Most likely, the boat won't sell while you wait. All other buyers will have the same reservations as have been expressed here.

Just because he's bringing the boat to you doesn't mean it's legit. It probably is, but it could be a stolen boat as well.

You'll have to keep us updated.

 

[MTribe08]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

The Boat asking price is not crazy low. I have done my research.

He knows my concerns about the title. What I haven't told him is no Title no Sale!

This wouldn't be such a problem if the boat wasn't Titled in CA. We can just make a trip to the DMV for a Duplicate.

Nice! Glad you finally found a boat..what kind is it??

If it were me and I really liked the boat, I would want to see the registration on the boat, and verify that it is in his name and no outdated by many years. I would then call the DMV to verify that the boat is in his name and have a new title ordered. Give him a deposit on the boat, while you hold it, and then send the rest of the money when the title is in your hands.

As long as you can verify that that boat is actually his and in his name with a new title on the way, I think you are fine.

I just went through the title transfer process out here in AZ..the boat I bought was last registered in GA...Dealing with the Fish and Game our here is a breeze..heck I didn't even have to go down to the fish and game. Simply put a copy of the BOS (since GA was a no-title state) a check for the correct registration fees and I was done..sent me back my registration a week or so later.

Dealing with titling the trailer and the DMV....different story, just make sure you have the title for that trailer and MAKE SURE the identification numbers are legible on the trailer, otherwide you WILL be going through the bond process to get a new ID number. I real PITA!

Good luck!

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

You all have been incredible helpful.

For some reason I get attached to every boat I look at. :redface: Its hard not too when I have been saving the money to pay cash and not go in debt for a Boat.

Also I want to purchase a boat this weekend because I will be going out of town for two weeks. Summer is coming and I want to get some boating practice before the lake crowds.

The seller said the title was left at his old house in CA and he will have the Title soon.

I asked the same question. "Why would he try to sell a boat without Title in Hands" I certainly wouldn't do it.

I'm going to send him a detail email with all the Pre Purchase conditions before he drives the boat down.

I'm going to call CA DMV and see what Info I can get from them. Thanks for the number.

 

[bob johnson]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

You all have been incredible helpful.

For some reason I get attached to every boat I look at. :redface: Its hard not too when I have been saving the money to pay cash and not go in debt for a Boat.

Also I want to purchase a boat this weekend because I will be going out of town for two weeks. Summer is coming and I want to get some boating practice before the lake crowds.

The seller said the title was left at his old house in CA and he will have the Title soon.

I asked the same question. "Why would he try to sell a boat without Title in Hands" I certainly wouldn't do it.

I'm going to send him a detail email with all the Pre Purchase conditions before he drives the boat down.

I'm going to call CA DMV and see what Info I can get from them. Thanks for the number.

so the boat doesnt have a valid title....it cant be registered in AZ where he lives....

you will be buying a boat titled in CA from a guy living in az..

seems like there would be issues of AZ letting you register a boat owned by a guy from az but title someplace else...

seems...


good luck anyway

call the AZ dmv or who ever handles boat registration and trailer registration in AZ and tell them what is about to happen and ask if they will let you title a boat VIA the path about to be taken


bob

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

Thank you Bob.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

some places require titles for outboards too, I heard.

Some DMV type places won't give info over the phone.

Some people don't keep track of their paperwork, especially for non-essential stuff.

Sometimes you trust someone--as long as you appreciate the risk. Your hard-saved $7000 is too much risk. A $500 deposit and you keep the boat might not be a bad option--you now know the risk; trust your judgment.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

I just Found out the Boat is not titled in his Name but his Friends name.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

I just Found out the Boat is not titled in his Name but his Friends name.

There you go. Just walk away. Even if the deal is on the up and up, you're just going to have a major PITA on your hands trying to get the paperwork straightened out. Who needs it? If anything IS wrong you'll be stuck with something you can't legally use, and can't legally sell. Do you really want to pay good money for that?

The DMV and the IRS are 2 places you don't want to deal with any more than absolutely necessary

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

There you go. Just walk away. Even if the deal is on the up and up, you're just going to have a major PITA on your hands trying to get the paperwork straightened out. Who needs it? If anything IS wrong you'll be stuck with something you can't legally use, and can't legally sell. Do you really want to pay good money for that?

The DMV and the IRS are 2 places you don't want to deal with any more than absolutely necessary

Ok I just called CA DMV and they will not tell me who is the registered owner is over the phone.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

Sorry for making this such a drama. I Gullible and can be easily taken. That why I turn to you fine people.

I'm going to create a Conditional Purchase Agreement and no money will be handed over until all conditions have been meet.

BTW I'm looking at another boat this afternoon. I may fall in love with that one.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

So now the question begs how much of that 7k is his bird dog fee for selling it? Kind of explains his willingness to deliver it 200 miles away. If you are that interested in it have him give you the "friends" name and talk to him directly. You may then be abel to verify ownership through the dmv with matching names and hin numbers etc. And you were just kidding about using the boat until the title snafu gets worked out right? Good luck with it all.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

3rd worst case: he's "selling it for a friend"

What do I win?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

What do I win?

A key to the secret Mods lounge??.....oops! You already have one...lol!

I had a feeling there was more to it than the seller was saying...
Avoid that deal all together!

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

Forgot to mention you are in AZ. which isn't too far from me here in slc Utah, go to a site called KSL.com and then go to the classifieds section(top right) Probably 500-600 boats on there right now and will be 1500 by spring, great site free with good pictures etc of all the adds, much better than CL. If you could find something in the southern part of the state its not that bad of a drive. I boat at Lake Powell 3-4 times every year and from SLC to Wahweep is 400 miles each way...

 

[woosterken]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

WHOA!!! run Forrest run!!!!! i think there is some kind of law against receiving stolen property. right??

woosterken

 

[Days away]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

Not sure about your state. I would get bill of sale and not pay in full until title is handed over if you are taking the boat. If they are legit they shouldn't mind. Or strike a deal contingent on the title being available. If it's lost they can get a duplicate. Give em a deposit and get a bill of sale and/or receipt.

A+ Yeah just what he said
Some states dont title they do register though.
I would be leary until he can show you proof of ownership.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

So now the question begs how much of that 7k is his bird dog fee for selling it? Kind of explains his willingness to deliver it 200 miles away. If you are that interested in it have him give you the "friends" name and talk to him directly. You may then be abel to verify ownership through the dmv with matching names and hin numbers etc. And you were just kidding about using the boat until the title snafu gets worked out right? Good luck with it all.

Yes I was Kidding.

I'm not in anyway committed to Purchasing this Boat. Trying to work this out long distance is difficult. First I have to meet him in person.

 

[Bucks45]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

I feel bad for you. It's obvious that you want the boat. I fell in love with 10 different boats before I bought mine. Don't take the chance unless you're 100% positive (title in hand), it's not worth the hassle. If you don't buy this one, you'll fall in love again! Good luck.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

I feel bad for myself. This boat shopping thing has become an obsession. That is what my wife tells me. I joined this Site in Aug 2009 and saved up the money for a Boat. I have done lots of boat researching.

Now the time is here to buy a boat and finding a boat is driving me crazy.

I need help.

 

[tractoman]

Re: Owner does not have Title in Hands

I think we all get a little obsessed with finding the right boat. My wife thought I was obsessed too. Atleast your wife is on board with you getting a boat. Just don't buy one out of desparation. I looked at many, and I let a few go just because they didn't feel right. Glad I waited, and my wife was stoked when she finally saw the one I got. You'll get one.