Selling a boat

[Kamper]

"Owner of Record..." The BoS is a legal Record.

Once the Bill of Sale is signed by both parties, the boat is no longer the seller's problem. If there is an incident, you may be asked a few questions but after showing the BoS you should be left alone. If the investigating officer doesn't grasp this, a judge will.

I suggested above, that you retain the original registration document because there are a lot of people who do not grasp this. The vessel is legally not registered until the new owner gets the chore done. Not giving the buyer the legal document removes any chance for a claim that the sale was not final yet, or still subject to sea-trial.

[P-3 Guy]

Originally Posted by Kamper

I suggested above, that you retain the original registration document because there are a lot of people who do not grasp this. The vessel is legally not registered until the new owner gets the chore done. Not giving the buyer the legal document removes any chance for a claim that the sale was not final yet, or still subject to sea-trial.

On the back of the Boat Registration document, at the bottom, is a space to record "Date of Transfer," "Transferred To," "Owner's Signature," and "Owner's Address." My assumption is that 1) when the boat is sold, this information needs to be completed by the old owner (the seller), and 2) the original document with this information filled in needs to be presented by the new owner (the buyer) to the proper authority in order to get a new registration form in the new owner's name. Is this not correct?

[Kamper]

@ TMI GUY

I sold my boat a couple years back and have not replaced it yet. I'm pretty sure the document had been changed prior to then. I'm sure someone with a recent registration will verify that for us though if you don't have one.

[P-3 Guy]

Originally Posted by Kamper

I sold my boat a couple years back and have not replaced it yet. I'm pretty sure the document had been changed prior to then. I'm sure someone with a recent registration will verify that for us though if you don't have one.

I have a 2015 Boat Registration document with the transfer of ownership fill-in-the-blanks on the back at the bottom; I just need to verify the proper procedures that are supposed to take place when the boat is sold. Of course I can always call the state and ask, but I'll see if someone chimes in here first.

[Kamper]

Originally Posted by TMI Guy

... 2015 ...

That's more recent than when I sold my boat so I'd go with that information.

[nhboat61]

I just sold two on CL... experience was that I did get a lot of questions, spammers, scammers and little follow up on the extra picture I sent to folks requesting them. I did finally sell them, both for the low end of what I thought I would get, not what I wanted.

I request cash or bank check... I'll take a personal check for a deposit.. I usually have it deposited by phone right then and there.

I use a Bill of Sale that specifies no warranties or guarantees and is as is. Signed by both parties.

Knowing it is cash or bank check up front is important.

[John E]

Keep in mind that the buyers are sometimes as skeptical as you are as a seller. They often have a lot more confidence buying from a dealer, and if it is a large dollar purchase and financing is involved it makes it much easier.

I bought a boat last summer from texas. It was a very unique boat that I really wanted. It was on consignment and I don't think I'd have bought it if it was from a private seller. There wasn't financing involved, but I had the comfort of buying from a very reputable dealer that I "knew" from another boating forum.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by nhboat61

I just sold two on [Craigslist]... experience was that I did get a lot of questions, spammers, scammers and little follow up on the extra picture I sent to folks requesting them. I did finally sell them, both for the low end of what I thought I would get, not what I wanted. I request cash or bank check... I'll take a personal check for a deposit.. I usually have it deposited by phone right then and there. I use a Bill of Sale that specifies no warranties or guarantees and is as is. Signed by both parties. Knowing it is cash or bank check up front is important.

Using "text" only, I've had really good luck using Craigslist in three different counties. Just dump the text responses that refer to "your item", refer to "their agent", want to give you extra money , or include a private email address. (Usually a G-mail account). Get cash, as even PayPal is suspect today!

As said, Craigslist buyers are looking for exceptional (low end) deals: but when they have to travel in the Lakes Region, responses are fewer in number.

My "best" address is less than a ½-mile from the only major highway. After all that time and travel, they'll still make an offer, which I usually turn down.

Alternatively, auction houses will advise you that auction sales are grim in today's economy. Having to see for myself, I wish I'd furnished our Wolfeboro place with the antiques that went out the auctioneer's door at $10 each!

.

[rowinghelmet]

What kind of boat are you selling?

[Descant]

The opening post says 26ft deck boat.

[LIforrelaxin]

Folks don't make this anymore complicated then it really is....

Years ago people used to sell cars, boats, RVs etc. through news paper classifieds....

Think of CL as the news paper classified hyped up 10 times.

You are going to get your share of tire kickers, and of course so BOT replies, but that is why you create an EMAIL address specifically to use with Craigslist.

Not having a trailer for the boat and having it at your dock is perfectly acceptable.... just don't state that in your ad.... just state that there is no trailer included in the sale.

When people come to look they will see that the boat is in the water and may ask for a see trial... you can make the sea trial conditional, on a deposit and agreement to purchase. And that you will hold the boat and deposit, after the sea trail until presented with payment in full.

As for the final purchase, before the boat leaves your control, you ask for a Cashiers check or Cash.... The Cashier's check means the funds are behind the check....

This off course assumes you own the vessel or vehicle out right. If you still owe money there are some additional steps....

[chipj29]

I have sold many items through craigslist, from a snowmobile, a trailer, tools, and several small ticket items. I have not had a single problem with any transaction. But then again, I just delete any spam that might come through the email. No problem for me.