Titleing an outboard in TX

[joho5]

question:

I bought a 9.5 Johnson that didnt come with a title or anything. I could probably get a bill of sale, but I dont know if that would do any good because the guy I bought it from doesnt have the title.

it is a 1971 Johnson 9.5 motor and I was wondering if you guys know the best method for getting this thing titled. I have at least requested a history printout from TPWD, but that only goes back 10 years. If that comes back and there is no record of it being titled, from my understanding they can actually take possession of it and sell it in an auction ultimately if they cant find the last owner.

i was just going to check on here and see if you guys have had luck in any similar situation.

thanks

Matt

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Titleing an outboard in TX

have a relative/friend in a state like GA, Fl, others that do not title motors, do a bill of sale.

 

[joho5]

Re: Titleing an outboard in TX

ok, so I would just have to get someone from one of the states that dont title motors say they gave or sold me the motor. Then they could just create a new title...correct?

now this will only work if nothing shows up in the 10 year history search, right?

thanks

Matt

 

[JB]

Re: Titleing an outboard in TX

Talk to you local title/registration people. I don't remember when TX started titling outboards, but yours may be old enough that it never was titled.

Otherwise, you may have to present a paper trail to the last title holder to prove that it is not a stolen motor.

I had a brand new Johnny 15 stolen from my boat in TX in 1973. I do not recall having a title. I bought the engine from the OMC Training Center in WI.

 

[joho5]

Re: Titleing an outboard in TX

they didnt start titling these motors until 1994 so i guess its a good chance it had never been titled. If that is the case, then can they just title it right then and there?

thanks guys for the quick response.

Matt

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Titleing an outboard in TX

Always get a bill of sale, at the very least. If it was never titled according to their search, you'll still need an affadavit from the seller that he never had to title it. Without that, getting it titled is dicey without creative documentation. Their big concern is that the state gets its share of sales tax every time it changes hands...that's why the documentation trail has become so ridiculous and punitive. Now if it shows up as hot, don't know what they can do or what you can do other than point the finger at the guy you bought it from.

 

[joho5]

Re: Titleing an outboard in TX

had TPWD look up the serial and they gave me the name and address of a man that has it titled. I called information and they said there isnt a listing for this name. At that point I was just considering selling the motor without a title and buying another. I went to my last resort...Google. His name came up and he had his own aircraft selling company. Got in contact with him and he is mailing the signed title to me.

got lucky.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Titleing an outboard in TX

Yup, you are blessed. That boat wants to get wet again.