Got my boat for free

[Pawel Zacharski]

Friend called me and asked me if I’m interested in older Catalina 22 ‘77. I laughed and said, how much? He said FREE!!! Just come over and pick it up. It’s his friend’s old boat that has been sitting on a trailer for 3 years. His friend can’t find any paperwork on that boat. My question is, will I be able to register this boat without a title? The only thing I have is registration sticker on the boat. And if I can, how do I proceed? Thanks a lot

 

[AlastairLC]

Nice looking freebie.

 

[agprice22]

There probably is no title. Check your state dmv rules for the year in which titles start for boats. My C22 did not have a title. It had a transferable registration.
The previous owner will probably need to get a registration on it and transfer it. You will also need a bill of sale.

 

[agprice22]

You can also just go to your dmv, and they will walk you through the process.

 

[Head Sail]

You will need to find the HIN if it had one. I would think a production boat would. Can't have a title without it. If it was altered, beware.

 

[capta]

In a word,"NO". Tell your friend if his friend can't find the paperwork, then his friend had best come haul his own garbage to the dump!

 

[Mark Maulden]

Oh come on....It obviously was registered at some point in time. Find out what the requirements are and you have a starting point and jump through the hoops..

 

[Jackdaw]

Hmm.
2 sets of trim winches
Heavy duty pole
Tuff luff system
Adjustable spin pole track

Looks like some had it set up in go-fast mode once.

 

[Joe]

You can use the reg numbers on the bow.

 

[Pawel Zacharski]

Thanks guys for the help. After a trip to the dmv, I’ll tell you how it went

 

[JRT]

Normally you can get by with a bill of sale. I'd show up at DMV with that at least.

 

[kloudie1]

Lots of states will need a notarized "Act of Donation" if it was free.. ??

 

[JRT]

Actually since you are in NJ I believe you might want the price to be $1, as I bet they will go after you for sales taxes on the 'book value' of it.

 

[njlarry]

Also be aware that in the united republic of nj, if you don't register it soon after the transfer they will charge you a late fee even if you are years away from launching it. Our special needs sailing program won't accept donations with a title.

 

[JamesG161]

You can find who is the registered owner from the NY DMV. "NY 7962 PK"

Then do...
https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/register-boat or do the Jersey Equivalent.

Sounds like a nice way to begin a fun adventure.
Jim...

 

[Justin_NSA]

Looks like some elbow grease should get her in shape. Did you get sails with it?
I didn't have a title for my boat. Kansas only requires a bill of sale. We do have to register boats so Uncle Sam gets their cut.

 

[JRacer]

FYI, Drug Dealers operate the same way, first one is Free! '-)

 

[Pirate Dave]

Yes, check with the NY state DMV to get the hin. In 1977 Catalina put them in some funky places. The only way I know what mine is , is from the registration in CT. Been allover the boat in the years I've owned her and I have yet to find the HIN stamped into the hull

 

[Pawel Zacharski]

Got the sails, but the weather has not been cooperating for me to open them up and see what condition they are in

 

[pateco]

Friend called me and asked me if I’m interested in older Catalina 22 ‘77. I laughed and said, how much? He said FREE!!! Just come over and pick it up. It’s his friend’s old boat that has been sitting on a trailer for 3 years. His friend can’t find any paperwork on that boat. My question is, will I be able to register this boat without a title? The only thing I have is registration sticker on the boat. And if I can, how do I proceed? Thanks a lot
View attachment 142253

Got to love a free boat. Great learning opportunity. And tons of fun. We got the Stargazer for free 3 years ago.
She had been abandoned at her dock for 3 years in Baltimore. Got her title from the dock owner. and then shipped her to Florida to restore. Here is what she looked like when we first saw her. We already had title before we ever laid eyes on her.
Rotten and Shredded sails:

Broken leaking companionway hatch:


After 3 months of part time work nights and weekends on her, and a set of used sails, we took her for her first sail in Florida:

And here she is at anchor on her first overnight cruise after 2 years of ownership


Its an adventure. It isn't easy, but the rewards are awesome. keep us up to date.