What can I do?

[HD]

Here's the question....

I went to look at a boat, we settled on a price...
I have a purchase agreement in hand to sign, and cash in my hand....

He has the title for the trailer...
But, he does not have the title for the boat....said his mother "may" have it....

What can I do?

[proangler16]

First off is the boat "paid for" no loans against it?  If not the bank or lien holder will have the title.  If it is lien free, then I'd write the HUL I.D. down, make, model etc.. and depending on how bad you want the boat, call MDOT and start there with MN research to see if the boat is even titled?  Boats may or man not be titled MN.  Also if the seller really wants to sell this thing, tell him to get his $##% in gear and research this himself?

Good Luck,

[HD]

It was his fathers boat, he died in 2007, and it has not had a license on it since then.
It's a 1984 boat...so, I'm assuming it has no liens or loans on it. 

[proangler16]

10-4, if you really want the boat, I'd suggest  that you start doing the leg work with the state and see if it's titled or not and see if a duplicate can be mailed or purchased?  Good question though???  I'll be curious to see what the answers are?

Please post back.

[HD]

Yea, I want the boat.
But, will find a different one if needed.

I guess I'll have to check it out, Thanks for the input!

[deadeye]

I bought one without a title a few years back.  I just filled out the data they wanted and got it registered in a different name.  The only issue would be if a bank had a lean on it or it belonged to someone else. 

[Retired on Osakis]

How long is the boat? If it is 16 feet or less it does not need a title in Minnesota.

[HD]

I measured from the back of the transom to the very tip of the nose... 16' 2"

[HD]

How long is the boat? If it is 16 feet or less it does not need a title in Minnesota.

So are you say'in I can buy this boat without a title card? 

[Mayfly]

I don't think you need a title HD. Here are some helpful links...

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/watercraft/index.html

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/watercraft/titles.html

[HD]

I looked at that yesterday, I wasn't sure if that just pertained to brand new boat purchases.

[Retired on Osakis]

How long is the boat? If it is 16 feet or less it does not need a title in Minnesota.

So are you say'in I can buy this boat without a title card? 

Nope! Your over 16 feet and it is newer than August 1, 1979. I'm guessing it probably doesn't fall under any of the other descriptions  on the check list either. I would say you need a title. If the current owner does not have a title you can still get it titled but it may take a little more effort on your part. If it was me personally, I wouldn't buy it without a title. IMHO.

[Lee Borgersen]

You might check with your local currency exchange. The may be able to help steer you in the right direction or do the work for you to acquire a title for a fee. It don't hurt to ask. When they reply "what are you crazy?" don't tell them Lee recommended them. I'd try it. 

[wildlifeminnesota]

How long is the boat? If it is 16 feet or less it does not need a title in Minnesota.

So are you say'in I can buy this boat without a title card? 

If it was me personally, I wouldn't buy it without a title. IMHO.

I with you , Let him get a title on it, What brand name is it?

[Lee Borgersen]

What if you ask at a local new/used boat dealership how to handle this. I'm sure they run into this situation with trade-in's from time to time.

It's free to ask

[HD]

Well fellers,

I got the boat, I had him sign a long sales contract stating that the title was free and clear of leins, identifing the hull I.D. , serial numbers (boat and motor) and the trailer. With date, purchase price ect...

The guy (kid) that I bought it from, has lost the card and has not used it since his father past away.

It has not been on the water (tabs) since 2007, so, I'm think'in the hull ID numbers may have been re-asigned and no longer valid.

I guess I'll find out when I go to the DMV now......

Brian....it's a lund super pike....

[wildlifeminnesota]

Been I have work and know a lot about Lund boat, It has a title form the day it was made, As so dose the trailer, Not say there is some thing wrong, But I would have him file for a lost title, Then had him sign the title, As this would make sure there was know lien Do to this estate,

Now you should go to the DMV ASP to get the title turn in your name,  I hope this turn out OK for you.

 super pike Nice boat!! 

[HD]

UPDATE                                 UPDATE

I stopped at the DMV...told the lady my story...she ran the numbers off of the boat. It came up as a non-titled boat. So I got it transfered, and new tabs! 


HOW EVER...... the trailer is titled, and still in the fathers name. She gave me 3 forms to have filled out...requiring a copy of the death certificate, a notery republic to stamp the signing of the documents.... 



                                                 

[Lee Borgersen]

If you hit a brick wall you may be able to get bye stating the trailer is a home built.
If you want I can write you an obituary for the old trailer

[HD]

I'm gonna play it like Sgt. Sholts from hogan hero's........."I see nnnuuuuuutttthhhhhhhiiinnnnngg"





                                                           

[beeker]

I have on occasion used the "home built" line... it's worked both times. haven't done it in a while so it maybe they changed the process. both times it was very easy.