Boat and Watercraft Bill of Sale

A bill of sale documents the transaction but is not universally sufficient to transfer legal ownership. Most states require a separate title transfer or registration application. For Coast Guard documented vessels, federal documentation procedures apply. The bill of sale is evidence of the transaction — it does not, by itself, complete the ownership transfer with the state or federal agency.

A hull identification number (HIN) is a 12-character serial number assigned to the vessel by the manufacturer. It is typically located on the starboard side of the transom (the flat rear surface of the hull). On vessels without a transom, it may be on the starboard side near the stern. The HIN is required for registration and titling in most states. Always verify that the HIN on the vessel matches the HIN on the title and registration documents.

A vessel with an active Coast Guard certificate of documentation is federally registered, not state-titled. Transferring a documented vessel involves federal procedures — a bill of sale, a completed Coast Guard transfer form, and satisfaction of any outstanding preferred mortgage. The standard form does not complete Coast Guard documentation transfer. If the vessel is documented, confirm the documentation status and any recorded liens before the sale.

In many states, a boat trailer is treated as a separate vehicle requiring its own title, registration, and bill of sale. The standard form includes a trailer section for convenience, but a separate trailer-specific document may be required by your state DMV. Check whether your state titles and registers boat trailers independently. If the trailer has a separate title, a separate transfer document is recommended.

Outboard motors typically have their own serial numbers and may be titled or registered separately in some states. The standard form includes motor identification fields so the motor is described as part of the transaction. In states that title outboard motors separately, a separate motor-specific document or title transfer may be required. Record the motor's make, model, serial number, and horsepower in the bill of sale.

Yes. Personal watercraft (PWC) such as Jet Skis, WaveRunners, and Sea-Doos are supported. PWCs have a HIN and are typically titled and registered similarly to other vessels. Use the standard form to record the PWC description, HIN, and trailer if included. The same state-specific titling and registration considerations apply.

The standard form records whether a lien exists but does not release it. If the vessel is subject to a security interest or outstanding loan, the seller should resolve the lien before the sale or disclose it in writing. A bill of sale alone does not extinguish a lender's security interest. For vessels with active liens, the gold-standard guided package (planned) will include lien-release coordination.

"As-is" means the buyer accepts the vessel, motor, trailer, and equipment in their current condition with no warranty from the seller. The seller should disclose known defects — a cracked hull, engine issues, soft spots in the deck, electrical problems, or trailer issues — in writing. "As-is" does not permit the seller to conceal known material defects. A sea trial or marine survey is recommended before purchasing any used vessel.

Common included equipment includes life jackets, anchors, lines, fenders, fire extinguishers, flares, navigation lights, electronics (GPS, fish finder, radio), covers, bimini tops, batteries, oars, and safety gear. List included items specifically in the bill of sale. If equipment is excluded, note it. A detailed equipment schedule prevents disputes about what was supposed to come with the boat.

A marine survey is not required for the bill of sale itself, but it is strongly recommended for any used vessel purchase above a modest value. A surveyor inspects the hull, deck, machinery, electrical systems, and safety equipment and provides a written report. The survey can reveal issues not visible during a casual inspection. Lenders and insurers often require a survey. The bill of sale does not replace a survey.

Yes. The form supports canoes, kayaks, and other small paddle craft. These vessels may not have a HIN, motor, or trailer — those fields can be left blank or marked not applicable. In many states, non-motorized vessels are not titled or registered, but a bill of sale is still recommended as a receipt and record of the transaction.

Yes. Inflatable boats, including rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), are supported. Record the manufacturer, model, and HIN if available. If the inflatable has a motor, include the motor details. If it is registered, include the registration number. RIBs with a solid hull may have a HIN on the hull itself.

The form applies general contract principles recognized across the United States. It does not include state-specific forms, disclosures, or requirements. Vessel titling, registration, and tax rules vary significantly by state. Some states require notarization. Others require a separate state-issued bill of sale form. Check your state's boating agency or DMV for specific requirements.

Yes. Both the seller and the buyer should sign the bill of sale. The seller's signature confirms the transfer. The buyer's signature acknowledges receipt. Each party should keep a signed copy. Some states require notarization of the seller's signature for titled vessels. If the vessel is titled and the state requires notarization, have the seller's signature notarized on both the bill of sale and the title assignment.

Vessel titling requirements vary by state. Some states title all motorized vessels. Others title only vessels above a certain length or horsepower. Some do not title vessels at all and rely on registration. If the vessel is in a state that requires a title, the seller should obtain a duplicate title before the sale. A bill of sale without a title in a title state is generally not sufficient to transfer ownership. Check your state's requirements.

The standard form is designed for private-party recreational vessel sales. Commercial fishing vessels, charter boats, and inspected passenger vessels involve additional federal and state requirements — permits, licenses, safety inspections, and Coast Guard regulations beyond the scope of this form. For commercial vessels, consult a maritime attorney or a specialized documentation service.