Boat Bill of Sale

Boat Bill of Sale form with examples and instructions.

The boat Bill of Sale form is designed for transfers of ownership related to boat purchase and sale transactions. This free resource includes a generic version which contains the necessary citations that should satisfy both state boat registration and federal vessel documentation agencies. You will also find a special USCG version as provided by the National Vessel Documentation Center.

Usage Context

State boat registration and title agencies are somewhat more relaxed in their bill of sale requirements as can be determined by visiting the State Registration Overviews. The National Vessel Documentation center is on the other hand, very stringent and their bills of sale must contain specific citations a prescribed by federal regulations.

Forms and Examples

Generic Version - Examples of the Generic Bill of Sale form are available in Adobe PDF format. These can be easily converted into your favorite word processing application for modification and editing purposes. If your system does not already have this capability, there are a number online internet services available that can provide such an accommodation.
USCG Version - The National Vessel Documentation Center also provides a special Bill of Sale (CG1340) form that more closely adheres to their specific requirements. It is available in a fielded PDF format for your convenience and comes with instructions which are supplemented by those shown herein.

Instructions

Vessel Data - Ensure that all known identification numbers are listed as they match both the boat itself and any title or registration certificates.
Seller Name and Address - This should be the full legal name of the grantor and current physical address. However, corrective actions may be necessary if the name does not match any related title, documentation, or registration certificates. Address variations are usually inconsequential for recording purposes.
Buyer Name - These should be the full legal names of the buyers. Any methods of ownership should also be shown such as Joint Tenants, Tenants by the Entirety, etc.
Consideration Received - The consideration is often stated as "One Dollar and Other Valuable Considerations". This prevents the sales price from being exposed on any documentation or title records. It is then later established by other means. However, there may be circumstances where the full dollar value should be stated on the form.
Terms of Sale - This is typical language common to most transactions. However, there may be circumstances where this should be changed. These are not of concern with regard to required citations, although if an attachment is referenced it must accompany the bill of sale. Consult with your attorney with any concerns about such terminology .
Signature - The form must be executed by all sellers. It is generally accepted in counterparts, although you should confirm this with the appropriate recording agency. The current date signed must also be included. Notarization is required for vessel documentation purposes, but this may vary among state registration agencies. In any event, notarization is highly recommended.
Name and Capacity of Persons Signing - This should properly identify all signatory parties.
Acknowledgement - The form should be signed in the presence of a Notary Public. In doing so, an attachment may be used at the notary's discretion. If executed in a foreign country, the form may also need an apostille, especially for vessel documentation purposes. Although notarization requirements may vary by state, it is an absolute requirement for vessel documentation purposes

Conclusion

The bills of sale presented here are generally suitable for most jurisdictions. However, you should check with the respective agency about any such concerns. You may also wish to consult with an attorney about any legal implications of utilizing these forms and examples.

References and Referrals
Comments - Suggestions - Corrections