We bought a boat off of craigslist (like ebay but local and no selling fees) and were given the impression that the title would be arriving in a few days. Now the people are ignoring my emails...the phone number they put on the Bill of Sale agreement is incorrect. I have tried calling their local police (Sherman, TX) who told me its a civil matter...have to go through the Texas Department of Parks & Wildlife...called them all week...only got voicemail. I called my local police (Dallas area) and they cant help me either. I just either want the boat titled or off of my property. Any advice? Can I resell this without a title? I am asking in hopes that someone out there knows...I feel sick over this.
Thanks ahead of time for those who are helpful.
2006-08-31 19:21:55 · 7 answers · asked by escheirman 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
Ok...stupid ? but is the HIN the number thats on the side of the boat? There is one that says TX and then 4-5 numbers.
And by the way...I am not lying. I would not have asked for help with something I lied about. Thanks to the others for your helpful answers!
2006-09-01 10:25:28 · update #1
Just have someone you know right up a bill of sale saying they sold you the boat, then get it titled. Take the HIN (hull identification number) first and make sure it is not stolen so you dont get into trouble. How did you get the boat. Dont you know where the people live. didnt you look at the boat at there house before you bought it. Sounds like they did not have a title and you got suckered, you probably paid cash to didnt you.
2006-08-31 19:26:49 · answer #1 · answered by searay092003 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I am from PA which does not issue titles for boats, only registration. Your first mistake was giving someone money and not doing the transfer of registration, title ect. the same day. That aside, do not write up false documents and try something illegal. Take the HIN off of the transom on the right side looking forward, to your local police or even tag office and have them run the numbers thru the system to determine if the boat belonged to the person you bought it from. If it is stolen or was not his then court is your only answer. You can not be held liable for stealing it so long as you did get a bill of sale from the seller. If it does come back to the right person then ask the tag person how you go about getting this transfered into your name using the bill of sale you have should be enough. Nothing to do with titles ect. happens quickly. Keep trying to get in touch with the seller but you might not need to .
2006-09-01 20:55:06 · answer #2 · answered by William R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you have a bill of sale. If the boat was registered in Texas, the County should be able to get you a copy of the title. It may cost a buck or two but with the bill of sale you shouldn't have any trouble. Here in Utah older watercraft isn't titled at all. Mine is a 1978 Lancer 29 .. No title... Jim
2006-09-01 16:31:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What i have done at one time is right up a bill of storage send it every months with interest and make shore u send it register,then after 3 months with no answer go see Ur local Federal customs And Excise office bring them all you have and important is your storage fee and they should tel you that after so many months u can own the boat and go from there.Good luck
2006-09-01 08:28:44 · answer #4 · answered by beacon1mar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, the number on the side of the boat is like a licence plate on a car, the Depart of Parks and widlife should be able to run it and know who the last registered owner is
Also many older boats don't have titles, I own a older Crosby and there is no title, never was one, the bill of sale is all you use to register it.
Have you went and tried to register it ??
2006-09-02 21:45:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its a civil matter,you where foolish to buy without a title,don't make it worse by lying about it title.take your lumps and Do it right this time.If you re not willing to do it correctly leave the boat one the side of the Hi way and let them get in trouble from the State you leave it in.
2006-09-01 13:40:33 · answer #6 · answered by Bushit 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
take what paper work you have pink slip, registration ,get someone to write you up a bill of sale I've never known them to check one and go for it figure if you can't get hold of them ,they can't either
2006-09-01 03:53:30 · answer #7 · answered by bill j 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋