OT-Boat registration question

[greatwhite]

I bought a boat from a guy that bought it at an auction. He didn't have any paper work on it and when I tried to get it registered I was told if I didn't have the title I could not register it. Is there anything I can do to get this thing on the water? It only cost me 50 bucks so it wont hurt my feelings if I can't.

[MA ELite]

You can you just have to file for a lost title. They will find the original owned and get him to sign off on it ( i think ). I will have to do the same thing here in a few weeks.

[greatwhite]

Thanks.

[Roy D Mercer]

You are going to find the original owner and have him sign the application. If there is a lien on the boat you will have to go to the bank and have them sign a release.http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/forms/You will need form PWD 143 and 144. It will cost more to register the boat and motor than what you paid for the boat. You will have to go to the local court house to register the trailer.

[Clark]

Get your forms filled out, they're available on line.
Get a bill of sale signed by the previous owner.
Get the silly, cryptic etching or picture of the actual hull and outboard serial number.
Take cash or a check, no credit cards, debit cards.

And prepare to make 4 or 5 more trips to Smith School Road to get stickers and a Title. My experience was absurd. And I had the previous title.
It will not be easy, nor enjoyable. I guarantee it...
Best of luck!

[Fishndude]

And prepare to make 4 or 5 more trips to Smith School

Since you're in Haslet, your nearest TPWD office is at 121 and Haltom Rd.

[greatwhite]

I was told that the guy that bought from the auction has to go back to the auction and get the title and that there was nothing I can do until that is done.

[SaltwaterSlick]

Great white.. tru dat! The auctioneer was actually in violation of state law if he sold the boat and did not have a title, if it was a public auction. If the boat has a motor, there should be 2 titles. one for the boat and one for the motor. If it does have a motor and you only have the boat title, don't mention at the TPWD anything about a motor, otherwise, you're back to square one...

Actually, if it is an aluminum boat, and you only paid 50 bucks for it, you'd probably be better off cutting it up and selling the aluminum... goes for like 3 bucks a pound now.