Hello, newbie here

[Sethbcole]

Hi all. I’m a newbie here and a newbie to boating. Last week I purchased a 1960 Arkansas Traveler Rocket. I’m 52 and this is my first boat. The boat is in excellent condition and so is the trailer. I haven’t tried starting the motor yet as I still need to get a new battery. The motor is a Johnson 40 and as far as I can tell it was original to the boat. I got the boat, trailer and motor for $600 and it was exactly 10 minutes from my house. I am looking forward to learning from all you salty dogs and getting this on the water ASAP.

So, neither trailer or boat had a title. I assume this isn’t unusual with these older boats. I’ve been researching the process and think I can get it done. However, the serial number is not where it is supposed to be according to the manufacturer stamp on the transom. It says it can be found on the starboard side of the stern. It simply isn’t there. Can anyone provide information on where else I can find it? Thanks so much!

Seth in North Carolina

 

[mr 88]

Boats and trailers from that era had transferable registrations , not Titles. Boats did not have to have HID numbers until the early 70's. At that point they were embedded,stamped, put on a metal plate in the upper starboard side of the transom. Yours could be located anywhere on the hull. Under the splashwell ,front deck. dashboard or who know where. Might be able to go off the numbers that are currently on the bow of the hull. Good Luck !

 

[Sethbcole]

Thank you Mr 88. So can I take that to mean that it still is a transferable registration and all I need to provide is the make model and serial number to get it registered? That would be great news. And yes, the most current registration is on the starboard side of the bow. It was last registered in 2012.

 

[mr 88]

Generally speaking you need the transferable registration signed by the seller. So , it's not as easy as you think unless you have the correct documentation. This has been covered multiple times, and depending on your state requirements you may have to register it another state,then register in your state after getting that states paperwork. Try searching it on this site.

 

[mr 88]

If you bought it from the person that last had it registered have them get a duplicate of the reg. A quick note before trying to start the motor you may want to change the water impeller as it may be dry rotted by now. Check info on the Johnson Forum located on this site , way below the general forum that this is posted on.

 

[Sethbcole]

Thank you. I really appreciate the advice. I’ll report on progress.

 

[tpenfield]

If the previous owner had the boat registered back in 2012, then you may need to get the registration from them in or to register it in your name. If the seller is only 10 minutes away, hopefully, they can get you what you will need.

If the 2012 registration is from a prior owner to the seller, then you have problems.

Check the NC regulations on boat sales, titling, registration, etc.

 

[Sethbcole]

Update - I had the registration all along. It was in the floatation cube in the keychain. I’ve done more digging and have learned that the man who owned the boat when it was last registered is deceased. I have the name and address of his widow. She is local to me. Can she sign the registration over to me? Thanks in advance.

And as as this is my 4th post I decided to include a picture.

 

[briangcc]

You'd need to check with your state as to what is required. That's the best way to determine what is going to be needed.

Nice looking boat - congrats!

 

[Sethbcole]

Thanks Brian!

 

[garbageguy]

Cool boat! Yes, these things are usually State-specific, I am not familiar with NC requirements. But I suggest making sure you get all the paperwork in order for the boat and trailer - before putting any $ into them.

 

[Sethbcole]

Thanks To everyone. All I’ve done since bringing her home is clean her up. I definitely won’t be spending any money until everything is legal. Wish me luck.

 

[tacx]

Seth,

Congrats on your new boat. Hope everything goes well and you enjoy your new toy.

Tom

 

[tpenfield]

Sounds like the person you bought the boat from did not register it :noidea:

If you can make it look like the widow sold you the boat, then it might all work out. I wonder if the widow has a title document to the boat as well.

 

[Sethbcole]

Thanks To everyone. All I’ve done since bringing her home is clean her up. I definitely won’t be spending any money until everything is legal. Wish me luck.

 

[Sethbcole]

Thanks Tom and Ted. Yes, I did some investigation today and located family members. I reached out to someone I believe to be the owner’s sister-in-law. Fingers crossed that she will return my message.
Min the meantime, I did more cleaning after work today. I’m amazed at the quality and condition of this 59 year old boat. I took the cowling off the outboard for the first time and I swear it looks like new. I’ll get this paperwork stuff figured out even if I have to register it in Tennessee first. Thanks to all for the encouragement.