How To Make a Boat Bill of Sale
Key Takeaways
To make a legal boat bill of sale agreement, include buyer and seller info, boat details, price, seller’s signature, and buyer’s signature and use a boat bill of sale template as proof of purchase to confirm ownership, protect both parties, and meet transfer of ownership requirements, depending on your state rules, for any private boat sale.
What Is a Boat Bill of Sale?
A boat bill of sale is a specific type of bill of sale used to prove the transfer of ownership for the sale of a boat or similar watercraft vessel (and in some states, support title transfer). This legal document acts as an agreement or contract between the seller and buyer and a receipt showing both proof of purchase and proof of ownership for the new owner.
Usually, a boat bill of sale is used for the private sale of a used boat, and protects both the buyer and the seller. The buyer can use it to show they have legal ownership of the boat which is often necessary or requested for DMV registration and insurance purposes, especially when a separate title is not available. It protects the seller by showing they are no longer liable for the boat immediately upon its sale, especially when combined with any required notice of sale or title transfer filings in your state. Creating a bill of sale is useful in case a dispute over the boat comes up later.
Information You Need Before You Write One
Before making a boat bill of sale, make sure you have the following information:
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Contact information for the seller and the buyer (legal names, addresses, and phone numbers)
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Date of sale
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Details about the boat, like year, boat make and model, and its hull identification number (hull ID or HIN)
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Sale price and payment details
Sometimes, a boat bill of sale will also include a warranty or “as-is” clause. A warranty clause can include the seller’s promise about the condition of the boat, that they legally own it, have the right to sell it, and it is free from liens. An as-is clause is included if the buyer accepts the boat in its current condition, including any defects, without any promises or guarantees from the seller. It gives the seller legal protection from being held responsible for repairs or refunds after the sale of the boat.
Write Your Boat Bill of Sale Using Our Free Template
To write your boat bill of sale, start by stating its title, “Boat Bill of Sale,” at the top of the document. Then provide the name and address of the seller and the buyer. Next give a description of the boat and what it includes. Next state the sale price and payment information. Add any sale terms, like warranties or an “as-is” clause. Finally, include lines for the seller and buyer to sign and date.
Use This Boat Bill of Sale Form as a Guide:
BOAT BILL OF SALE
Date of Sale: [Insert Date]
Sale Price: $[Sale Price]
SELLER INFORMATION
Name: [Seller’s Name]
Address: [Seller’s Street Address, City, State ZIP]
Phone Number: [Seller’s Phone Number]
Email: [Seller’s Email Address]
BUYER INFORMATION
Name: [Buyer’s Name]
Address: [Buyer’s Street Address, City, State, ZIP]
Phone Number: [Buyer’s Phone Number]
Email: [Buyer’s Email Address]
VESSEL DESCRIPTION
Year Built/Model Year: [Boat Year]
Make: [Boat Make]
Model: [Boat Model]
Hull Identification Number (HIN): [Hull Identification Number]
Registration Number: [Registration Number]
Trailer (if applicable): [Make/Model and VIN]
Additional Details: [Additional Details, like Length, Color, Engine Make/Model, Engine Serial Number, Hull Material, if applicable]
INCLUDED ITEMS
The following items are included with this vessel: [Included items like motor, oars/paddles, life jackets, anchor and chain, etc.]
TERMS OF SALE
Warranties/Disclaimers: [Description of any warranties, liens, encumbrances, or sold “as-is”]
The Buyer acknowledges that they have inspected the vessel and accepts it in its current condition.
TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP
The Seller hereby transfers all rights, title, and interest in the above-described vessel to the Buyer.
SELLER’S CERTIFICATION
I certify that the information provided in this Bill of Sale is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Seller’s Signature: ________________ Date: ___________________
Seller’s Printed Name: ______________
BUYER’S ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I acknowledge receipt of the vessel described above and agree to the terms of this sale.
Buyer’s Signature: _________________ Date: ___________________
Buyer’s Printed Name: ______________
This legal document template is provided as a general example and may not reflect applicable state laws or be suitable for your specific situation.
After Completing Your Boat Bill of Sale
Confirm that all the information in the boat bill of sale is correct. Double-check the seller’s ID and boat ownership documents and verify that the HIN matches the title. Then the buyer and the seller can sign and date. Depending on your state or local rules, you might also need to include a notary section. Even if it is not required, a notary acknowledgment can be helpful to confirm the identity of the seller, prevent fraud, ensure the document is valid, and protect both parties. Both the buyer and seller should keep a copy of the Bill of Sale.
Once complete, the seller can provide the original vessel registration card to the buyer if they have it. The seller can also report the sale of the boat to the appropriate state office. Typically this is the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the state office that handles wildlife or natural resources. In most states, the sale must be reported within 15 days, but in Florida, it’s 30.
The new boat owner can then register the boat in their name. This typically involves providing the bill of sale, proof of identification, and paying the applicable registration fees.
Remember, states may have their own specific registration and titling requirements. For example, Florida has strict requirements for the sale of boats by licensed brokers and non-residents. It’s important to make sure you follow the rules in your state.
You can find more information about business laws by checking out FindLaw’s Small Business Resources. If you’re still unsure about creating your own bill of sale or have additional questions, talk to a business lawyer who can help.
Disclaimer: The information presented here does not constitute legal advice or representation. It is general and educational in nature, may not reflect all recent legal developments, and may not apply to your unique facts and circumstances. Consider consulting with a qualified business attorney if you have legal questions.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Many people make their own boat bill of sale without hiring legal help.
- Business contracts involving complex legal issues may need an attorney.
Get tailored advice and ask questions about writing bills of sale and other business contracts.
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