how to write a bill of sale for a boat

3 min read 04-02-2025

Selling your boat? A well-written bill of sale is crucial to ensure a smooth and legal transaction. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating a comprehensive and legally sound boat bill of sale. It protects both the buyer and the seller from future disputes.

What is a Boat Bill of Sale?

A boat bill of sale is a legal document that transfers ownership of a boat from the seller to the buyer. It acts as proof of purchase and is essential for registering the boat under the new owner's name. Without it, transferring ownership can be extremely difficult, if not impossible.

Essential Information for Your Boat Bill of Sale

Your boat bill of sale should include the following key details:

Section 1: Parties Involved

Seller Information: Full legal name, address, phone number, and email address of the boat's current owner.
Buyer Information: Full legal name, address, phone number, and email address of the new boat owner.

Section 2: Boat Details

Boat's Name (if applicable): Include the official name of the vessel.
Hull Identification Number (HIN): This unique identifier is crucial for registration. It's usually found on the transom of the boat.
Year of Manufacture: The year the boat was built.
Make and Model: The manufacturer and specific model of the boat.
Length: The overall length of the boat.
Type of Boat: Specify the type, such as sailboat, motorboat, powerboat, etc.

Section 3: Purchase Details

Purchase Price: The total agreed-upon price in numerical and written form.
Date of Sale: The date the transaction takes place.
Method of Payment: Specify how the payment was made (e.g., cash, check, wire transfer). Include check number if applicable.
Deposit (if any): If a deposit was made, record the amount.
Balance Due (if any): If there's a remaining balance, state the amount and payment terms.

Section 4: Warranties and Disclaimers (Optional but Recommended)

"As-Is" Clause: This clause protects the seller by stating that the boat is sold in its current condition, without warranties of any kind.
Specific Warranties (if any): If the seller offers any warranties (e.g., on the engine), these should be explicitly stated.
Disclaimer of Liability: This clause limits the seller's liability for any issues discovered after the sale. Consult with a legal professional for guidance on appropriate wording.

Section 5: Signatures

Seller Signature: Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale.
Buyer Signature: Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale.
Witness Signatures (optional but recommended): Having witnesses sign adds an extra layer of legal protection.

Where to Find Boat Bill of Sale Templates?

You can easily find boat bill of sale templates online:

Your State's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Many state DMVs offer downloadable templates.
BoatUS: This boating association provides resources and may offer templates.
Legal Websites: Websites offering legal forms frequently have boat bill of sale templates. However, always ensure the template aligns with your state's laws.

Sample Boat Bill of Sale

While you should always use a template specific to your state, here's a simplified example:

Bill of Sale for Boat

Date: October 26, 2023

Seller: [Seller's Full Name], [Seller's Address], [Seller's Phone Number], [Seller's Email]

Buyer: [Buyer's Full Name], [Buyer's Address], [Buyer's Phone Number], [Buyer's Email]

Description of Vessel:

Boat Name: Serenity
HIN: ABCDEF1234567
Year: 2018
Make & Model: SeaRay 240 Sundancer
Length: 24 feet

Purchase Price: $45,000 (Forty-Five Thousand Dollars)

Payment Method: Cash

Warranty: Sold "as is" with no warranties expressed or implied.

Signatures:

Seller Signature Buyer Signature

Printed Seller Name Printed Buyer Name

Remember: This is a simplified example. A comprehensive bill of sale will be more detailed.

Beyond the Bill of Sale: Important Considerations

Title Transfer: The bill of sale is a crucial part of the title transfer process. You'll likely need to submit it to your state's DMV or equivalent agency to officially transfer the title to the buyer. Consult your state's boating regulations for specific requirements.
Insurance: Ensure the insurance is properly transferred to the buyer.
Legal Advice: If you have any doubts or concerns, consulting with a legal professional specializing in boating transactions is always recommended.

By following these steps and using a proper template, you can create a boat bill of sale that protects both you and the buyer, facilitating a smooth and legally sound transaction. Remember to adapt the template to your specific state's laws and regulations.