"Car Fax" for boats? online research

[DaveC426913]

Is there a place where I can look up the history of a potential purchase if I have the reg # and the HIN?

I found boat history report, and I also the found the thread here on SBO (http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=76021) that talks about it.

I am not adverse to paying a fee, I just want to make sure I'm paying it to some trustyworthy accredited source.

 

[KD3PC]

Sorry, nothing like that...

For a line/style of boat, you can check BoatUS database, but it is not complete and often, according to some, not fully objective.

There is no way to even look to see if the boat you want to purchase was stolen, totaled and rebuilt, etc, etc....by reg# and/or HIN

Your only option is to hire the best surveyor you can.

 

[DaveC426913]

Your only option is to hire the best surveyor you can.

I already have one, but they don't tend to look into the boat's past.

Is there a way I can find out of the boat has any liens on it? I'll ask the marina where it's stored but even that's not reliable (they'll be more likely to look after the current owner's interests than mine).

 

[Calif. Ted]

If it's a documented vessel you can get an abstract of title from the Coast Guard for $25.
http://vcart.velocitypayment.com/uscg/product_info.php?products_id=21
If you know the name you can get the Documentation number, current and prior owners and names from the lookup center.
http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/CoastGuard/VesselByName.html

 

[Winkfish]

If your state mandates boat registry, you may at least be able to get the history of ownership from the agency.

 

[gettinthere]

if you finance any portion of the purchase, the loan fees will include research to cover the loan company