Title

[The_Sailing_Pelican]

Ok.... Here we go again.
This one is tricky...
So SV PANACEA, my boat needs the original title to be registered in Fl. But the previous owner provided a copy thru the non profit auction guy. Now then, do I get in touch with the DMV in ME and tell them the situation and besides this what other options I have?
... As always your input is very important and appreciated.
C

 

[dlochner]

Because of the boat's age, there may not be a title. At least in NY it was sometime in the 1980s before titles were required, instead you had a transferable registration.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

You will probably get more authoritative advice by asking the Florida Tax Collector’s office (our version of the DMV). My experience is they are very helpful.

 

[jssailem]

My experience is they are very helpful.

Well of course they would be helpful. They can smell the money. I'd be very helpful, if I was about to get a yearly contribution from a boat owner.

 

[dlochner]

Well of course they would be helpful. They can smell the money. I'd be very helpful, if I was about to get a yearly contribution from a boat owner.

They might if they got a commission on registrations. I doubt they do, Florida hasn't gone that far down the crazy path, yet.

Low level public employees can be a bit persnickety about following rules. That could be more troublesome than the desire for cash.

In any case, get all your ducks in order before you call. Verify whether the boat ever had a title and get the dates when titles were first required. And be humble.

 

[Sanfelice]

FYI, if the boat was/is Documented by CG regulation, it can't have a title. Even if Documented many states require registration which is different than a title. I would go back to the state which had the last registration and see if they can help and also get in touch with the auction company.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Well of course they would be helpful. They can smell the money. I'd be very helpful, if I was about to get a yearly contribution from a boat owner.

Compared with every other state we lived in, Florida tax office staff get kudos as far more knowledgeable and efficient. They get paid the same regardless of my ”contribution”.

 

[capta]

I would suggest that you contact of the donation company that sold the boat and get a certified copy of that bill of sale. Then get a certified copy of your boat's bill of sale from the person you bought her from. If that doesn't do, perhaps you could have her considered a "wreck" and see if you can get a new registration. The problem with this is that it is very difficult to get insurance on a rebuilt "wreck" boat.

 

[WayneH]

Florida Antique rules:
1. Used for recreation
2. 30 years old
3. Original motor type

If yes to all 3, registration fees are waived. Still have to pay the tax on the registration fees. Last year I re-registered Impetuous for 2 years. $19 because I added $10 to "Save the Manatees" fund. Impetuous is an antique in Texas also but 2 years there is $110.00 Made that decision a "no brainer"

 

[The_Sailing_Pelican]

FYI, if the boat was/is Documented by CG regulation, it can't have a title. Even if Documented many states require registration which is different than a title. I would go back to the state which had the last registration and see if they can help and also get in touch with the auction company.

Unfortunately the auction company representative is being very uncooperative in all this saying that it's been like over 9 months of this Yara Yara Yara, so I'm thinking about putting some pressure thru a lawyer and get my certified transfer/bill of sale with my name in it, finally

 

[The_Sailing_Pelican]

Because of the boat's age, there may not be a title. At least in NY it was sometime in the 1980s before titles were required, instead you had a transferable registration.

I found out MA doesn't do titles they do registrations

 

[Crusty Ol Salt]

In Virginia you would be eligible to apply for a title under the abandoned boat clause. I have attached the form I am using to claim a Scanoe I bartered for a year ago.

 

[dlochner]

Unfortunately the auction company representative is being very uncooperative in all this saying that it's been like over 9 months of this Yara Yara Yara, so I'm thinking about putting some pressure thru a lawyer and get my certified transfer/bill of sale with my name in it, finally

I wish you luck in this. I had a bad experience with a charity auction company in MA. The boat wasn't as represented in the ad. Fortunately it was covered by eBay's policy against fraud. I ended up getting my money back and owning a boat I didn't want. I'll not make this kind of purchase again.