Buying an untitled boat in florida

[Flapilot]

Looking at a 200 without a title.  Guy claims he got it from his buddy without one.  It’s just a hull with no numbers or HIN.

Has anyone dealt with this before or should I just run away from it?

[RickK]

We have a few members that have been through this - hopefully they'll pop in and help you out with this.

[fitz73222]

Do you have the FL numbers on the side of the boat? That's all you need to get a replacement title. Unless Florida title laws have changed, I did this years ago. I had the title mailed to me and then tracked down the owner who fortunately was alive and in town, had him sign it, done.

[Flapilot]

Do you have the FL numbers on the side of the boat? That's all you need to get a replacement title. Unless Florida title laws have changed, I did this years ago. I had the title mailed to me and then tracked down the owner who fortunately was alive and in town, had him sign it, done.

No FL numbers.  no HIN. Unfortunately I think I’m going to just have to pass on this one.  It’s becoming clear to me I’m probably just going to have to rebuild to get what I want. 

[fitz73222]

You can't see where the FL numbers were? Most hulls fade around the numbers and the image is still there. That's all you need. Look on both sides

[DanB]

Not sure what sure what specifically your looking for but if you do a search using Aquasport and put 200 mile radius from you zip code on Craigslist it may help if you have not done it already. Good Luck

[jdupree]

Would you have a guess on the time period?   Late 70's, early 80's?  Do you have any pictures?  Reason I ask is my '86 CCP had a 2nd HIN which was located under the rub rail on the port side right before the rubrail made the turn to the transom.  I think this started sometime in the 80's, because the '79 246 CCP that I had did not have a 2nd HIN number.

[Flapilot]

If I had to guess 80’s 19-6. It has the higher cap on it. But it’s been completely rebuilt in the last couple years. I’ll have the guy check.

If I can find the HIN it becomes a lot easier from what I’ve researched.

[jdupree]

If it has the higher cap it might be a CCP.  Does it have a casting deck?  If you can't get a HIN I would walk away.  I know up here in NC it would be almost impossible.

[Flapilot]

It has the casting deck. It’s too bad it looks like a great hull.  The guy said he’s looked all over the boat and can’t find it. 

Guess I’m back to square one.  Plenty of good hulls out there right now I’m just not sure I’m ready to take on a full rebuild right now. 

Back to search.  If anyone knows of a 19-6, 200 with a closed transom let me know!

[boatnamesue]

If you really like this hull and you feel it's worth the extra effort of titling, then don't give up just yet.  If the owner has half a brain he's realizes selling without title, registration, and HIN is going to be difficult, which means he also must be willing to go the extra mile for you to buy.

On Monday, call or visit your county tax collector's office (Of course before making the call or visiting the office, confirm with the owner he is willing to issue you a bill of sale and sign the affidavit.  If he isn't, walk away.)  Inform them you'd like to purchase a non-titled, non-powered, non-registered dilapidated vessel with no HIN.  Include that the current owner is willing to issue you a notarized bill of sale and an affidavit attesting the HIN is not available and vessel is not stolen.

What I believe the county will do is issue the current owner a new title and registration (He'll have to physically do this...again, the seller must be willing to go the extra mile in order to sell to you).  At which point, you and the owner will proceed with the common transfer of ownership and your registering of the vessel.  The "new" title and registration in the current owners name will cost money, as well as you transferring this new title into your name and registering the vessel.  Good luck.

 

[Flapilot]

If this guy was willing to get a “Home built” title would you buy it?

I wouldn’t be comfortable doing it myself but at that point it would be on him not me after the sale right?

[gaudzilla34]

Dealing with this a lot, its not east to get a "other then homemade" vessel registration unless you can track down the current registered owner.  you cant get a "homemade Vessel"  registration unless you modify the hull (stretch, use as mold....)  and document using pictures and receipts which would be not worth it. 

I would be willing to bet he has attempted to get title and has failed and is now trying to sell it.  You can look up the statute or call you local FWC officer and ask questions. You are responsible to provide all information to the officer,  if you get lucky you can get one that would be willing to assist and has knowledge with this.

without "ghost Numbers (faded FL numbers)  or HIN number its not easy.  Pending on the year of the vessel you may find hidden HIN numbers.  let me know what year I'll tell you where to look.

But its safe to say unless you get it for free its not really worth it.. 

sorry if I repeated anything you guys already said just skimmed over the thread before posting

[boatnamesue]

You can look up the statute or call you local FWC officer and ask questions.

Agreed ^^^.  FWC officers in my experience have always been a reliable source and very helpful.  They are my local go-to source for vessel laws.