How to handle boat buying paperwork

[fireant]

Today we looked at a 1981 Catalina 30. Over all the best boat we seen.
the guy buys it a week before to surprise his wife. He never done a survey as he said the boat was in such a good shape he didn't feel it needs it. she surprised him by telling him it must go NOW, before the next month slip payment.
It has a rebuild universal 5411. Sails white and crisp and you can hear them crack when you move them. Needs top paint and ropes to the Furler you can see them falling apart.
What paper work do I need to register on my name? The guy already done the registration on his name and has new stickers from DMV.
I would like to register the boat with CG.
Is it like a car the seller signs a pink slip and you just put it under your name. Or are there more steps?
Any paper work we need to sign for deposit before the survey?

Thanks

[Calif.Ted]

Is it like a car the seller signs a pink slip and you just put it under your name.

Yes, at the DMV they will collect "use tax" at same rate as sales tax when you register in your name.
Usual to have a purchase contract subject to exceptance of survey by buyer.

[fireant]

where can i find a copy of the contract to sign that would show the deposit as well ?

[nightowle]

are you going to do a survey of the boat? that would dictate what you want to say in a contract.

[fireant]

I want to do the basic survey in the water for insurance and marina and just the basics.
No out of water survey.

[Chotu]

http://www.catamaransite.com/files/Y..._Agreement.pdf

This is the normal process you follow and the best agreement. Just edit out broker stuff as appropriate.

Then, this one is your bill of sale:

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/D...-09-113141-317

[Chotu]

Here’s everything else California requires, specifically, to register a boat:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicl...r-boat-vessel/

[fireant]

Thanks Chotu.

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by fireant

Thanks Chotu.

No worries. Good luck with the boat!

[Calif.Ted]

Originally Posted by fireant

I want to do the basic survey in the water for insurance and marina and just the basics.
No out of water survey.

I usually arrange for a "lunchtime" haul at the boatyard for a survey, last haul before everyone leaves and they leave it hanging in the slings for an hour for your survey. Last time it was $180. Seller has a good story but it's just as likely that something unexpected was found after purchase. I'd really want to check for keel separation and blisters on an older Catalina 30.

[fireant]

Ted I see you are in SO cali. Any recommendation for boat yard in the Del ray area?
I'm new to all this and no idea who to call to arrange things.

[Stewie12]

Definitely have a look at the hull out of the water. You may want to change the anode whilst it is out.

[jmschmidt]

Fireant, it seems that you are grossly unprepared with virtually no business experience or knowledge to buy any boat. Best you hire your own broker, if you can find an honest one, and pay his fee rather that attempting this FISBO. At least it sounds like a FISBO because you didn't mention a seller's broker. If there is a seller's broker involved you definitely need your own representation.

Or, you could hire a maritime lawyer, if you can find an honest one, to represent you.

By the way, I like the "Fireant" handle. Way cool.

[LLCoolDave]

Google "Catalina smile" I like Catalinas for what they are but I wouldn't buy one without seeing it out of the water.

[Calif.Ted]

Originally Posted by fireant

Ted I see you are in SO cali. Any recommendation for boat yard in the Del ray area?
I'm new to all this and no idea who to call to arrange things.

No Fireant, I migrated south a couple decades ago, don't know anyone left up there, sorry. Most yards and stuff advertise in The Log, might check the marinas and harbors edition.
https://www.thelog.com/boatyard/