Researching boat information

[texwards]

Yet, another wrinkle in our painstaking search for 'the perfect' ocean cruiser. Thinking I stumbled upon an amazing 'deal' on a beautiful 38' foot sloop, I was aghast to find the previous owner had no title for the boat - only a bill of sale from the previous owner!

Although my gut tells me it is probably best to walk away ... this is a beautiful boat! Does anyone out there know if there is a surefire way to handle a situation like this? Can prior ownership be easily researched before purchase? Is it possible that this was USCG documented, and is there any way to research this? Is it possible for such a craft to have never had a title?

[mike d.]

it depends on the state texwards. you will have to do a title search in the state then nationally. as for documentation that will give the name of the entity that documented the boat, and when. if documentation hasn't been followed up each renewal period it becomes a dead end. if you can get clear title then your state should be able to issue a new title and or hull numbers depending on age (this is what they do in mass. after a certain age on the boat). good luck

[Pura Vida]

If the boat was ever received Coast Guard documentation there will be a set of numbers somewhere on the boat or scar where the numbers were removed. I have titled a boat in Texas that did not have a title and my guess is that you will not be able to do it for a 38 footer unless it is home made and goes through the inspection process. Good deal, no title, sounds to good to be true....

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