Boat paperwork is not the exciting part of buying a boat, but it matters.
A boat can look right, survey well, and still become a problem if the ownership, registration, inventory or written conditions are unclear. Before you commit, do the paper trail.
Confirm the seller can sell the boat
Start by checking that the person selling the boat has authority to sell it. This is especially important if the boat is being sold by a family member, business, estate, partnership or someone acting on behalf of the owner. Ask who legally owns the boat and what documents confirm that.
Check registration and identifying details
Check the boat’s registration, Hull Identification Number (HIN) or other identification details and make sure the names and numbers match the paperwork.
Look for consistency between:
- registration documents
- HIN or similar ID numbers
- bill of sale
- insurance documents
- survey documents
- broker or seller information
If the details do not line up, ask why before going any further.
Review receipts for major work
Receipts can help you clearly see what work has actually been done to the boat. Ask for receipts or records for major items such as:
- rigging
- engine work
- sails
- batteries
- electronics
- antifoul
- insurance repairs
- structural repairs
- safety gear
A verbal “it was done recently” is not the same as evidence.
Confirm what is included
Make sure the inventory is clear. Boats often come with gear, tools, spares, safety equipment, tender, outboard, electronics, sails and, sometimes, personal items. Some things onboard when you’re viewing may not be included. Do not assume. Get the inventory in writing so there is less room for confusion later.
Ask about finance, encumbrances and claims
Before buying, ask whether there is any money owing on the boat or any finance, encumbrance, dispute or insurance claim connected to it. This may not apply in every case, but it is worth asking before money changes hands. And check with the Personal Property Securities Register (Australia), Vehicle Title (USA), Vehicle Registry Check (EU).
Get agreements in writing
Put it in writing including who is paying for what at haul out time.
That includes:
- price
- deposit
- subject to survey
- sea trial
- haul-out
- repairs
- inclusions
- settlement date
- handover
- insurance conditions
- paperwork still to be provided
A friendly conversation is not enough when there is a lot of money involved. Good paperwork does not make a bad boat good, but poor paperwork can make a good boat difficult. So, before you commit, check the ownership, registration, receipts, inventory, finance questions and written conditions.
It is much easier to clarify the paper trail before you buy than after the money has changed hands.
Want a clearer way to assess a boat before you buy? The Buying a Cruising Sailboat course walks you through paperwork, survey, sea trial, red flags and final decision checks before you commit.
Continue Your Boat-Buying Research
Before making a final decision, complete What Should I Check on a Boat Sea Trial?
Bring all your findings together with How Do I Know Whether to Buy a Boat or Walk Away?
If you decide to proceed, read How Do I Prepare to Make an Offer on a Boat?
