Stolen boat

[FredDog01]

Been reading some of the boat for sale ads . I have come across some ads that say no title _____ state does not require it on both boat & trailer. Know enough to stay away non titled boats. Has anyone bought one & later found out it was stolen?
How can anyone find out if the title is free & clear?
Just wondering

 

[kpg7121]

Been reading some of the boat for sale ads . I have come across some ads that say no title _____ state does not require it on both boat & trailer. Know enough to stay away non titled boats. Has anyone bought one & later found out it was stolen?
How can anyone find out if the title is free & clear?
Just wondering

In N.Y. the lienholder's name is listed on the title. When I paid off my boat loan the bank sent me a lien release. If you buy a boat in N.Y.S. with a lienholder listed on the title without that lien release, you're screwed. Then you deal with N.Y.S.D.M.V. to try & work it out which will drive you batshyt crazy.

 

[PatinIdaho]

In Idaho anything older then 2000 does not need a title.

 

[Bob_VT]

If you are really suspicious and serious about purchasing a boat - you could contact local law enforcement and have the HIN (Hull identification Number) checked to see if it has been reported stolen. Beyond that you are on your own. MANY states do not require titles due to rules which include age.......there are some states that even title outboards.

Different states means different rules.

IF IT SEEMS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE................ you know the rest.

 

[cptbill]

In Fl. trailers under 3,000 lbs get registered but no title there's a spot on the registration to sign off if you sell it

 

[FredDog01]

Is it true Wisc, does not title

 

[GA_Boater]

Ask where you register boats and cars.

 

[Watermann]

The last thing anyone would steal is a boat, the OB motor, electronics and items inside yes... boat no.

 

[Starcraft5834]

people will stead anything, including a boat. one of the elements of receiving stolen property is "knowing if the item is stolen or knowing that it was likely stolen". the definition of likelihood is common sense... anyone who is selling something for a ridiculous price.. beware and stay clear.. may lose your $ and the item you bought, and might be charged too

 

[Watermann]

Sure... I took 2 boats that even had titles to the dump, wish someone would have stolen them it wouldn't have cost me the disposal fees. :lol: Normally boats without title in States that require them are pretty much worthless glass scows and something to avoid.

 

[oldrem]

Is it true Wisc, does not title

Wisconsin DOES title any boat 16ft or over made since 1988

 

[Mechmagcn]

I've owned several flat bottom boats and pontoons in Arkansas and have never had titles, but if you buy one here and don't get the registration slip, have fun getting that one registered.

 

[dwco5051]

If a boat was stolen and reported to the police it would be entered into NCIC. However if was reported with the VIN it will remain on file for about 5 years. If report by description or state numbers or something similar it will only stay in the system for 90 days. It could be re-entered by the owner for another 5 yrs or 90 days if the report is refiled. If you have the police check it out for stolen it may or may not get a hit.

 

[four winns 214]

The last thing anyone would steal is a boat..........

My 2002 Four Winn’s 214 on a trailer was stolen. It was later left damaged and abandoned in a farm field in a nearby state. So, yes, people steal boats.

 

[Grub54891]

Is it true Wisc, does not title

Well, I just received a free 1984 Larson. It came with a signed title.

 

[Watermann]

My 2002 Four Winn’s 214 on a trailer was stolen. It was later left damaged and abandoned in a farm field in a nearby state. So, yes, people steal boats.

Yeah they do I guess but for as many boats as there are out there chances are pretty slim as they don't own a tow vehicle so they'll just loot the boat rather than try to steal and then sell the boat openly. In 30 years only had one case of a stolen boat, that was because it was hooked up to a jeep with the keys in it. They left the boat smashed up a short distance from where they stole it.

The point was nobody steals a boat and tries to sell it to someone openly like the OP was worried about, if it's without title in a State that requires it, then normally the boat is garbage they want paid for it's removal.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

It looks like several States have different title requirements. Here In Canada boat registration is controlled by the Feds. Any vessel that is powered by a motor including electric must be registered with a hull number and titled. That includes a 10 foot Kayak or Canoe.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

I have to add in Canada "title" and "registration are separate entities. You need both.

If there is something of value to thieves I guarantee it is on their "steal it" list. They generally strip it of electronics and engine, including I/O's then dump the hull.

 

[MudIsFun]

I live in California. We had to pay the state DMV additional funds to receive a title for the trailer. To me it was worth the extra cost... Just easier to sell later, and not look like your trying to pull a fast one.

 

[southkogs]

In Tennessee we don't title boats. We don't even register trailers.

However, if you're selling a boat to someone outside the state who does need a title, then there is a form you can get from the State of TN that will act as a title to for the buyer's state. I believe most states who don't title have something similar. So, I wouldn't flip out at no title - I'd flip out if there was no way to get a title or equivalent.

I never had a boat stolen, but I've sure had the stuff snagged out of it.