Seacraft Title Question

[peterb]

I think that I got a pretty good deal on a 1977 23' Seacraft CC.

One thing that caught me offguard. The owner said that since it is a 1977 boat there is not a title for it. This is a New Jersey boat. He said all I have to do is go to the dept of motor vehicle and give them the hull ID number
(to get the title). Does this make sense?

I hope it does, but if not, I would rather know now.

Thanks

[Finster]

Sorry PeterB, that makes no sense. If there is no title then you/they need to trace it back to the last titled owner and they need to sign it over. NJDMV is a pain in the butt, as are all, and they do require a signed title, or notorized letter from the current or last registered owner for registration.
Is the registration currently in NJ? And was that person the last registerd owner?

[peterb]

Thanks for the response. I do have a signed letter from the last owner (whose name it was registered in), turning the boat over to me.

His point was that a 1977 boat does not have a title. Is this possible or would the DMV create one as a matter of course for the latest registrant.

I do have the boat under lock and key. Any input would be appreciated.

[Finster]

You should be fine. Just do your self a favor and have the letter noterized before brining it to DMV.
And yes a '77 would most diffinatly have a title. I am not sure where this guy is coming from, if he registered it in NJ than a title would have been issued to him during registration.

[peterb]

Thanks for your help. I will let you know how it works out.

I will be reviewing this site with a fine tooth comb for good ideas as what i should do with this boat.

[Scott]

Peter
I’m curious why he says it has no title ?? Between the registration numbers and the HIN they should be able to verify the last owner/owners.

To reiterate what Finny said...

I do have a 1976 / 77 SeaCraft 23 (New Jersey) and it does ( I do have) the title. You need that to register the boat ??

I had issues with a trailer but with a notarized document from the broker and "Motor vehicles" was much more cooperative. They even traced back through old plates the model of the trailer. There was no VIN on the trailer, which caused problems. If your dealing with a motor vehicle agency that is familiar (sees a high volume of them) with boats and trailers it helps a lot.

[Capt Chuck]

I will be reviewing this site with a fine tooth comb for good ideas as what i should do with this boat.

Yes Sir! Get that title and remember all ideas on a SeaCraft are Good... Enjoy the site searching!

[Abe's Rocket]

Did you buy the 23 in Cape May with twin 150 yamahas?

[peterb]

Yes, it is. Do you know the boat at all?

[JAL]

Some states do not issue "titles" on boats, but just issue a registration card yearly.

I lived in MD and had my boats registered there... MD issues a title just like you would have on a car. Recently moved to DE, and they do not issue titles on boats, but just give out a paper registration card.

I like titles for obvious reasons...