The Elements of a Boat Bill of Sale

A bill of sale is essential when purchasing a boat, as it serves as proof of the transaction.  As a buyer or seller, you’ll want to review this boat bill of sale as an agreement to ensure that you understand all of the terms and conditions of the transaction.  In a future disagreement, a bill of sale might serve as a safeguard for both parties.  This section will cover some of the most critical components of a boat bill of sale.  If you’re in the market for a boat or simply interested in what goes into a boat bill of sale, keep reading to learn more.  If you own a boat, you already know how vital a bill of sale is when it comes to selling.  Is there anything more that should be included?  As an example, consider the following:

Include The Seller and Buyer Information in The Boat Bill of Sale

With their signatures, buyers and sellers are required to provide information about themselves.  Both sides need to consent to the terms of the sale before it can go forward.  The bill of sale should contain both parties’ full names and addresses and the boat’s registration number if it is registered.  In order to avoid any confusion in the future about their identity, those who sign the document should also provide their Social Security numbers or tax identification number.  (If you are paying with cash, just put your name and the word “cash” next to it; if you are paying with a check or money order, write your home address.) Be sure to provide your contact information, including a phone number, if there are any queries or issues in the future.

Description Of the Boat

A boat bill of sale is a legal document that documents the acquisition of a boat (or other vessels) between two parties.  This form may also be used for other types of vessels.  Important information about the boat, such as its description, year, manufacture, model, hull material, and any other characteristics, are included in the document.  As further evidence of ownership, it contains the names and signatures of everyone engaged in the transaction.  Additionally, the bill of sale might be supplemented with other documents such as a title page or a survey report.  Before you sign any bill of sale, you should ensure that the information you provide is accurate and complete to the best of your ability.  You will be able to steer clear of the typical dangers that are involved with the purchase of secondhand boats if you make sure that you ask the appropriate questions and have your responses recorded on a bill of sale for the boat.

The Purchase Price and Any Additional Terms or Conditions

When selling boats, the purchase price is often the most crucial factor to get right.  If you purchase a used boat from another person, you will want to ensure that you accurately estimate how much it is worth.  You don’t want to wind up paying too much for an older boat in poor shape or not enough for one in excellent condition.  Ensure to have an evaluation (either on your own or at the office of a marine surveyor) to determine what the boat’s fair market worth is before you complete the purchase.  This is necessary because the value of boats may vary greatly depending on the boat’s age, type, and condition.  Remember that the appraised value will almost certainly be lower than what you would be ready to pay for the property if you were purchasing it only for investment purposes.

Warranty Information

Included in the boat bill of sale needs to be a phrase that states explicitly that there are no covert guarantees attached to the transaction in any way.  If the vendor claims that the engine will be guaranteed to work for a certain number of years after the sale, such claims should not be incorporated into the contract.  This sort of commitment may be made orally.  Still, you want to be able to go back to this document if there is ever any disagreement about whether it was made or violated so that you can identify what was said and when it was spoken.  A statement that the boats are being sold “as is” and that there is no implicit guarantee about their status or ability to perform should also be included in the boat bill of sale.

Boat Bill of Sale

Signatures From Both Parties.

The boat bill of sale should ideally be filled out and signed by all parties engaged in the transaction, just as is the case with any other kind of contract.  The buyer must sign the contract to show that they have read and agreed to the terms.  In addition, the seller must sign to show that they are aware of the terms of the agreement and that they are prepared to be bound by them.  Both parties should put their signatures on this paper before it is finalized.  This point cannot be underlined enough.

The Maritime Documentation Center is one of the nation’s leading dealers of boat bills of sale.  They are a reliable, trustworthy source for a bill of sales, registers, and other maritime documents.  If you need a boat bill of sale, contact the Maritime Documentation Center at (800)-535-8570.