Registration question

[69Skisport]

My Uncle bought a fishing boat from Sears back in 1968. He had it registered a couple times in the earlier years. Since then it has hung in his garage.<br /><br />He would like to register it again so he can use it on PA's public waters. When he tried to register it, it was rejected. When he contacted them about it. They (fish commission) told him that the boat was not his. They said that his registration numbers were in someone elses name. They would not tell him who's name the numbers were in. <br /><br />Has anyone experienced anything like this? Any suggestions how he can get the fish commission to catch a clue? Any suggestions besides buying a new boat? Thanks.

 

[69Skisport]

Re: Registration question

I guess he really isn't trying to actually register it. He was probably trying to license it. But he might have to re-register it or something?

 

[PAkev]

Re: Registration question

First of all there is a HUGE difference between a registration and a title. While registration is a legal authorization to use the boat on PA waters, the title is a proof of ownership. Therefore it is possible your uncle could have previously registered the boat without having the official title. However, I believe after 1997 boat registrations must also be substatiated by ownership of title. From the context of your post, it appears that you actually have to turn a few stones over in order to obtain a clear title before he can get it registered.<br /><br />I don't think it is unreasonable for the commission to send a certified letter to the person named on the title to respond within 30 days if they have interest in proving legitimate ownership of the boat. Otherwise there are ways to apply for and receive a new title and registration.<br /><br />Finally the PA Fish & Boat Commission does occasionally make mistakes. I registered a canoe about 10 yrs ago and the second time around (2 yrs later) they mailed me a new registration card with different registration numbers on it. A phone call took care of the problem and I had the correct registration in my mailbox within 5 days.

 

[69Skisport]

Re: Registration question

The boat does not have a title. (1968 model) He had it registered years ago. It has the registration number on it from back then. This is the number that he used to try to re-new the registration.<br /><br />The commission told him that someone else had a boat registered under this number.<br /><br />It may even be registered under his wifes name. But the commission won't tell him the name that they have on record. <br /><br />Would the commission reject a form if someone left out something like a middle initial or middle name?

 

[roscoe]

Re: Registration question

Since it went so many years without being registered, they may have re-issued the registration numbers to someone else with a different boat. I doubt he was ever issued a title back in the sixties, but the state must have some provision for these situations.<br /><br />Try taking the old registration card and a photo of the boat (or the actual boat) to the registration office. No phone calls or letters. Insist on speaking to a supervisor or dispute manager, or whatever their job title is. <br /><br />He could sell it to you as previously unregistered. You could register it and then sell it back to him.<br /><br />Or, sell it to me. I will register it here, then sell it back to him.

 

[beniam]

Re: Registration question

69skisport<br />One issue that comes up in Pa is the sales tax(6%) in your part of the state. Used to be you could licence a boat , good for state parks, and have reciprical use with the fish commission waters. I might be wrong, but state park people were a lot more mellow. Nowadays even a kayak gets a title. Registration $6 unpowered, $12 powered. Good luck, and yes it can be easier in other states. Batavier

 

[69Skisport]

Re: Registration question

Thanks for the replies.

 

[69Skisport]

Re: Registration question

Maybe he could sell it to his son as a unregistered boat? Then they could avoid the tax because it would be from father to son?

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Registration question

Or try plan B. Ask here for somebodys old title to a 16 ft. aluminum? boat. I am sure they are around. Title and register it and pay 6 or 12 dollars sales tax. If i had one to match i would send it to you. Sometimes you have to step out of the lines to avoid a hassel. regards fred

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Registration question

short true story. Bought a used ford tempo in easton. Car and its twin we sold the same day a few years earlier at a ford dealer. Titles were switched and was not discovered until the twin was traided in in N.J. Someone got in touch with me and said check the VIN on your car. Sure enough it did not match. This was my problem now. Could not even get the state police to walk out of the barracks and verify the nbrs on my car and was not reported stolen. The officer that did that was off for deer season. <br /> Finally got it rectified but came close to just parking the old car in phily and hoping it got stripped. I am not advocating doing something illegal however sometimes the simple way is the best. Has anyone ever had the mfg. nbrs checked on there boat ? regards fred

 

[DJ]

Re: Registration question

1. CAll the cops and tell them you have a boat that the state says doesn't belong to you.<br /><br />2. The cops will notify the supposed "owners".<br /><br />3. You'll find out who they are then.<br /><br />4. The supposed real owners will have to produce a bill of sale to prove it's theirs, which I'll bet they can't.<br /><br />Kind of a weird way to go about it, but it might be allot of fun.

 

[beniam]

Re: Registration question

69skisport<br />Since there are no field offices for Pa DMV that I know of, call Harrisburg, and ask. You could buy the boat, pay $3 in sales tax. Market value $50. Last time few times I registered a boat in Pa , it went via a marina/ dealer who do the paperwork for $20. Ask a dealer if there is a lost title form. Be legal, be happy, stay away from Harrisburg- just pretend to do it their way and they will pretend to believe you. Good luck. Batavier

 

[69Skisport]

Re: Registration question

I don't have much to add. As I typed, it was bought from Sears back in 1968. The last registration sticker was from 1972. <br /><br />He told me today that my Aunt surprised him with the boat as a birthday present. So it MIGHT be in her name. <br /><br />I guess they tried different angles to try to find out the other persons name. Other offices have tried to contact the commission and they wouldn't give them a name. What would it hurt to give him the darn name? The boat has been hanging in his garage since 1972. (33 years) Now he's retired and he can't use it.<br /><br />I think he is going to go down to the main office to talk to them. <br /><br />Besides the point- I have my Grandfather's old 1969 fiberglass boat that needs work. Even though I can't use it the way it is. I keep the boat and trailer up to date so I won't have to go through something like this later.<br /><br />The commission hasn't sent his money back yet. He said that they are supposed to send it back.<br /><br />I think he is determined to get it straightened out because it is legally his.

 

[bigbad4cyl]

Re: Registration question

take it to dmv......if its that old and dosent have a serial plate on it ,,,they can inspect it and put a dmv issued plate on it ,,,,then boating and waterways can issue new numbers ,,,,if its not in his name then dmv will tell you whose name it is in ,,,,,and you will have to write them a letter with a release of title paperwork ,,,have them sign it and return to you ...send it all in to dmv again ........real pain in the neck........any small unpowered boat does not need reg though ..........just if you put a moter on it...

 

[PAkev]

Re: Registration question

Originally posted by bigbad4cyl:<br /> .............any small unpowered boat does not need reg though ..........just if you put a moter on it...

All boats MUST be registered to be legally launched from PA Fish & Boat Commision or DNR access ramps regardless of being powered or unpowered. Here in PA nearly all public ramps are owned or are under authority of PA Fish & Boat Commission.<br /><br /> The alternatives are:<br /><br />If you own land or are given permission by someone that owns land that allows you to launch from their private property or You can throw the boat in the water from a bridge and then jump into it.<br /><br />DNR (State Parks) launching would be much easier since all you have to do is go to the office and purchase a permit sticker for your boat without having to prove anything. The benefit of getting registered is PA Fish & Boat registration also grants access to DNR launches but is not reciprocal to permit DNR launch permits at PA Fish & Boat launches.

 

[BillP]

Re: Registration question

Maybe you can do what we can in Florida for situations like this. No VIN and no way to get the original bill of sale or proof of ownership. Florida has a form you fill out that basically says you swear the boat is yours. Then they will issue a new or duplicate title. <br /><br />The boat I did this with was purchased with a bill of sale and 20 yrs later I wanted to title and register it for a motor. I couldn't find the original bill of sale and had no idea where the person was I bought it from. In your case I would not tell them it was already registered and just try to get a new title and registration.