It seems to me that it is fairly easy to check into a person's background, credentials and personal affairs at least for some if not many people, and on many levels. Yet even before the
internet and all this omnipresent social media where many of us willingly divulge our private interests to the masses, it was still relatively easy to check into a person's background. Of course-everyone knows I am talking about
references, testimonials, even credit reports so why not at least ask for and check
references? Many states have publicly accessible, free and easily searchable databases of court or criminal records--or for a fee from private providers who snoop better than we may be able to do. Beyond that--use your judgment and trust your hunches--and of course inspect the
boat and its papers and
insurance policy. While some sort of fancy central source database MIGHT be helpful, I think that good old fashioned
research, references and "the smell test" should usually suffice. This is also one reason why it is best to hire or go with a professional, one who is licensed and has credentials, a
record and testimonials.