Title problem

[mphy98]

Ok, I got my new to me starcraft the other day. It has a Michigan title and registration that says it is a 1994. The state of WI online registration says it is a 1991 by hull number. the hull number is STRB34CMC191. So what do I have? Is the state of WI wrong? Is the Michigan title and registration wrong? Should I contact the dealer that I bought it from and say what gives?

Thanks for your help, bob

Also did not Iboats have a vin checker here somewhere? I haven't been able to find it lately.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Title problem

The last 4 characters (...C191) of your HIN reflect that the hull was manufactured in March, 1991 and was designated as a 1991 model.

 

[rockyrude]

Re: Title problem

If the hull ID is the same on the hull and the title , it could be a mistype on the title. In Illinois we can correct misinformation when we apply for new titles. ON THE OTHER HAND, if the hull and title don't match then you go back to the dealer.

 

[Powercat]

Re: Title problem

Is it possible the boat was produced in 1991 and set in the dealers inventory till 1994 when it was sold and
the mistake was made when the boat was titled/registered?

 

[64osby]

Re: Title problem

Your dealer should be able to get the MI SoS to change the title work pretty easy. What # is on your bill of sale or contract. I know you don't even need a title in MI, just a bill of sale, to register a boat. Does WI require a title to register?

If that doesn't work, just change the VIN on the boat....... No I didn't say that.

 

[mphy98]

Re: Title problem

The bill of sale from the dealer says 1994 starcraft superfisherman with a 1994 mercury 100hp motor. Now if both are a 1991 what should i ask for in money? This is gross misrepresentation. Normally I would let this slide if it were only a year, but 3 years!! I did only pay 2800.00 for it knowing the motor had lower compression in the top cylinder, so what to do?

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Title problem

Brokerage boat ? ..

Did ya buy it from S Budd's ?

Yes its a 91 hull..I dont know about the engine without a ser #.

Are you dealing with the same dealer/marina that you might need service from in the future ( or storing there ).

YD.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Title problem

The bill of sale from the dealer says 1994 starcraft superfisherman with a 1994 mercury 100hp motor. Now if both are a 1991 what should i ask for in money? This is gross misrepresentation. Normally I would let this slide if it were only a year, but 3 years!! I did only pay 2800.00 for it knowing the motor had lower compression in the top cylinder, so what to do?

Hmm. You should be in the catbird seat on this. You could demand they take the boat back and refund your money, and they will realize that immediately, whether they admit it or not. Assuming you would prefer to keep the boat, you are in a position to play some hardball. Perhaps a rebuild of the outboard to compensate you? However, that would be only on the assumption that you feel they made an honest mistake. Otherwise, I wouldn't trust them as far as I could throw them and would ask for monetary compensation. Paying a nice even $2K for the boat sounds about right to me, so a refund of $800 to you, plus them fixing the paperwork on their dime. Of course, if they are shady, they will probably tell you to pound sand.

But start off being firm but civil.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Title problem

That is IMO a significant problem.

I would be asking where the 1994 boat AND motor are?

I will admit it is a big error on them however, it is wholly their responsibility to correct the mistake. You are entitled to either a 1994 boat and motor or they need to be refunding a big bunch of money (at least 1/3rd) AND correcting the paperwork.

The Attorney General's Office in your state handles consumer protection.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Title problem

I would check the vintage of the motor first. If the motor actually is a 94 model then it could have been an honest mistake. Don't forget too that value is based on desire when it comes to boats. If it was worth 2800.00 to you then the year model doesn't matter unless you bought it to try to resell and make money which isn't very likely if you buy from a dealer.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Title problem

I would check the vintage of the motor first. If the motor actually is a 94 model then it could have been an honest mistake.

Good idea. Check your motor's serial number against this chart to determine the model year. http://www.maxrules.com/graphics/merc_pdf/merc_pages_33thru35.pdf

 

[produceguy]

Re: Title problem

Would you of bought the boat if you knew it was a 91?

 

[mphy98]

Re: Title problem

Yes I still would have bought it, the only thing that bugs me is that the marina should have known it was a 1991 and not misrepresented it. I am not one to sue, but I also do not like to be had either. I probably will do nothing other than contact the marina and see what he offers.