Need some help finding a boat

[MWBoatFan]

Here's a twist on this over used thread title.

I have said previously on here that we sold my late father's boat some years ago at the request of my recently passed grandmother. Longer story shorter, boat was the last thing my father purchased prior to his untimely death in 1972. (I was a year old). Boat was in the family for all these years and after my grandfather passed a few years back my grandmother wanted to sell it much to my horror.

So the boat sold a few years back since I was in no position to oppose the wishes of my grandmother.

I came across the registration information today (ok in truth I searched through piles of old documents and finally found it) so I have the KS registration number. I called KDWP and it is currently registered in the state (WHEW at least it's not in the dump somewhere) but they can not or will not give me info on who owns it.

How do I go about tracing this?

I have ads in CL asking for information, I also ran ads about a year ago looking for the boat with no luck. I would really like to get this boat back...any ideas?

THANKS A MILLION!!!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Need some help finding a boat

I read your posting 3 times and I am still totally confused about what the issues or what you are trying to do . . .

Keep in mind that as a boat changes hands even within the state, it will most likely get a different registration number. So, the boat that now has your previous registration number may not be your boat at all.

If you are tracing by HIN number, then it would be the same boat . . . BUT in 1972 there were no HIN numbers.

 

[eavega]

Re: Need some help finding a boat

Keep in mind that as a boat changes hands even within the state, it will most likely get a different registration number.

Dunno about that. Here in GA, the registration stays with the boat, ownership is transferred. Same in NC (bought a boat once there, too).

Rgds

 

[kawakx125]

Re: Need some help finding a boat

same in missouri, the registration numbers stay with the hull, only ownership transfers

 

[MWBoatFan]

Re: Need some help finding a boat

The law in KS is the reg numbers are assigned to the hull not the owner. So hopefully since it is currently registered it's alive and well and most likely within 25 miles of my front door.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Need some help finding a boat

Yep, PA is the same, registration stays with the hull.

Now, how to find the owner ... do you have a friend in law inforcement would be willing to stick their neck out a little for you and do you a favor? They could trace the registration number and give you the current owners name and particulars?

 

[still afloat]

Re: Need some help finding a boat

I suppose you could find some info using one of those history check sites like Boatfax.com?
It may cost a few bucks but even if it don't lead you directly to it, you may be able to find out where its been serviced or stored.
Having someone in law enforcement run a check is illegal, they would be taking a huge chance in releasing that information. Plus, if for some odd reason the number you have them check turns out to be crime related, and they themselves don't know where that boat is....get the picture.

I've gone round and round with boats with lost titles trying to find owners, most states won't give up any information due to privacy rules.

 

[emoney]

Re: Need some help finding a boat

Go make friends with a cop, it's that simple! Well, maybe that's a little "old" information because that's how we used to do things like these. Today, I don't know how strict the privacy laws have changed scenarios such as these, but it's probably not that simple. As someone above mentioned, you could probably pay an online service to track them down. Usually, these things tend to end up "not too far from home". Good question and even better "quest" and I hope you find the boat and are able to buy it back. Good luck!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Need some help finding a boat

Yep, PA is the same, registration stays with the hull.

I wonder how many states are that way, becuase in Massachusetts I have transferred my boat registration number to the 2 boats that I have owned and will be transferring the reg # again to my soon to be 3rd boat. So, the registration number has stayed with ME and not the boat.

I could have also taken out a new registration number in those cases and my 'old' reg # would get moth-balled and probably re-used at some point.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Need some help finding a boat

Perhaps write a nice letter to the current owner.

Shouldn't take but 2 sentences to say it was your father's, that you would like to see it, and possibly buy it, please contact me.

THen take it to the KDWP and ask them to address the envelope and mail it to the current owner.