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I just recently purchased my first boat. I found it on the internet. I purchased the boat but didn't think to ask if they had the title to it. As it turns out theres no title to the boat and they said they wasn't the original owner. I live in Ohio and i know you need to have your boat registered and you need a title for that. Is there anyway possible i could get a title for the boat still?
The Hull ID number (HID) is unique (presuming it hasn't been defaced). It should be in at least two places on the boat. One on the transom, one somewhere else. Find it, and then check to see if the boat is titled in the state where you purchased it. It may have been stolen.
If it appears legit, then call your state's title office, explain your problem, and ask what affadavits (from seller and you, presumably) will be reuqired to generate a title.
Does the boat have state numbers on the bow? Or is it documented? Either way, almost all states title boats. The state where the boat was purchased from and where the boat was registered should be able to get a copy of the title. Is there a boat trailer? If so its license may give some idea of the chain of ownership.
If the boat is stolen--then you have a very big problem. When you buy a boat, there are certain things which must be done. First check on registration/documentation status. See the physical title. Have a hull survey done. Have an engine survey done, then pay for the boat!
Probably not.
If the boat was ever titled then to transfer ownership it must be done with a title.
The only person who can obtain a duplicate title is the last person on record with the state it was titled in.
If titles where obtainable by anybody who would go in front of a Notary and raise their right hand then titles would be worthless
I bought the boat from a lady in London, England. But there numbers on the side of the boat which says its from Florida. I know what the Hull ID number is if anyone knows how to check it.
You can always get a title for a boat. Apply to your state for an abandoned boat title. There is paperwork to be done and you have to try to find the original owner by placing adds in your local newspaper. There is also a company that does all the work for you for a price. They're on the net not sure of their address but if you need help let me know and I can find them. I've done it in the past.
I live in ohio also. You are going to have to title engine as well. They will accept pictures of both models and serial numbers . The local titile burea will give you the low down. get ready to jump a few hoops and have some patience. sorry for the news
hank
How and where and who did the person you bought it from get.
Ask here to contact that person
The abandoned boat option is possible only if the boat was in fact abandoned and you can not locate the owner
If the boat was ever reported stolen you are out of luck
Florida does title a boat, you will need that title to register it. Did the person you bought it from have it registered in Florida? What kind of paperwork did you recieve from the person you handed the money to? Did this person have a lein on the boat? Without proper paperwork you are going to have to more than jump through hoops to get it registered.
I haven't received the boat yet. It's due here either Tuesday or Wednesday. I paid for it over the internet. It was listed on BoatsDepot.org. Theres no lien on the boat. Just know she doesn't have the title to it. Is there anyway to check to see who the boat was registered to? I have the numbers from the side of the boat.
Buddy, that boat seems quite a bit underpriced, and all of the details you are providing are leading me to believe you are involved in a scam or are purchasing a stolen boat. Get ahold of the police in the town that you are buying the boat from and tell them your story. Somebody is fishing!
__________________ USCG 100 TON MASTER
Pursuit 2870 CC
Palm Beach 161
1984 Mckee Craft 14'
Sunset on the ICW
Madeira Beach, Fl
Honeymoon Harbor
Bimini
"Many times life gives you the test, before you learn the lesson!"
That boat is way too cheap. The trailer alone would cost that. Smells like crap. I once put my boat with a broker and just the day that I started feeling something wasn't right, I hooked up my trailer and went to get the boat. I found it had been sold already, without my knowledge. The next day there was an article in the paper about the broker being arrested for fraud and selling boats without title. It was a mess. I was lucky in that as a former prosecutor, I was able to personally go to the guy and tell him pay me, or you will have one additional count of grand theft to contend with and I don't being embarrassed in front of my friends. He paid me what he had promised and I went on my way. However, there were some that were not nearly as lucky.
You need to contact your local Police Department. The problem is that you bought it through the internet, so they are likely not going to give a hoot as to your problem. You may ultimately have to involve local police wherever the boat was allegedly sold from. FBI would be another thought, but they probably won't help much either, unless this is an ongoing scheme with lots of victims.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you need to take action immediately. Do NOT wait until the boat is supposed to arrive to start the process.
New Boater in need of help 
