Boat registration
 

I'm new to this forum but been fishing as long as I could remember. I'm from south la and about to purchase my 3rd boat. I recently found a aluminum bass boat that I'd like to buy but it doesn't have any paper work. The owner of the boat agrees to do a bill of sale. Could I register it under my name after doing so?

Probably not. Can't be of much help with this because I make sure everything I buy, boats trailers, or vehicles have up to date paper work. If it's never been registered you might be alright


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You're in for a BIG pain in the butt to try to get it registered. If he is the only owner you may get it, but if he says he's original owner and never registered the boat i would get all the numbers checked out before buying.

There is a lost title form that can be filled out. It is a pain but it would pay off in the long run.

Tell him to take it to the LWF and get a title in his name and you will buy it. He probably has tried and failed and is playing dumb.

Agreed. Unless you plan on using the boat (and trailer) on private property where it will never be seen by the authorities, I'd steer clear.

If you do decide to move forward, keep in mind that without proof of sales tax paid on the boat, motor, and trailer AND they are willing to let you register it, you'll need to pay the sales tax on the NEW purchase price as if you were registering it new, plus LATE FEES.

I recently went through a purchase of a trailer that was never registered, but had the bill of sale and statement of origin (manufacturer's "title"). I thought I had it all figured out to the dime until the late fees hit at the DMV. Still got a good deal on the trailer though. :)

Thanks for the help. I think I'm going to keep looking instead of buying something I'm not 100% sure on

I think that's a wise choice.