Simple form contract for selling a boat

[mtbdudex]

Hi;
Sadly I'm selling my 1996 Four Winns 170 Horizon with the trailer.
I'm looking for a simple form contract for selling that boat, one that will cover everything needed.
Also, is there a simple "check list" of things to remember for a smooth sale for both seller and buyer?

I have a buyer coming over Thursday 8/18, I live in Michigan and he lives in Ohio.

I appreciate the help, and have enjoyed the various advice forum members have given me over the years with my boat.

 

[MH Hawker]

my way is to hand over all of the needed paper work and he hands over the cash

 

[mtbdudex]

my way is to hand over all of the needed paper work and he hands over the cash

Well I'm a first time seller to a person I don't know, so having a clear document that protects both of us is best from mutual win-win viewpoint.

When I look on the web I'm simply overloaded by so many, surely others here have crossed this bridge before and can help.

 

[ThomW]

A simple typed letter that sates "X hereby sells Y a 1996 Four Winns 170 Horizon , VIN # XYZ; trailer, VIN # XYZ; and motor, serial # XYZ, for the agreed upon price of $______________. This sale is for all the above named items as is, and includes no warranty, neither stated or implied." Then both sign and date the letter. Give him a signed copy of the boat title, and transferable trailer title or registration, and get the cash. That should be more than enough. He will need a bill of sale, and that letter will work for a bill of sale for him as well. Each keep a copy of the letter and go on your merry way. Be weary of personal checks. Take either cash or a certified bank check.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

All you need is a bill of sale. Depending on what state you live in they might make one available online, I know that Georgia does - there's a link to it where you go to do boat registrations. If you want to you can add to the bill of sale that the boat is being sold AS-IS WITH NO WARRANTY.

 

[bruceb58]

If you do take a certified bank check, make sure you accept the check only during banking hours so you can call the bank that issued the check to verify it.

 

[wahlejim]

BILL OF SALE

VESSEL IS BEING SOLD 'AS IS' WITH NO WARRANTY OFFERED OR IMPLIED

Date:

Year:

Make:

Model:

HIN:

Registration #:

Price:

Signature:

I know in WI there is a form to fill out on the back of the title in order to pay sales tax and re-title the boat. Don't know if that is the case in Michigan or what Ohio requires. Have the buyer do homework in their state to find out what is required to title and register the vessel and tell you what he needs.

As mentioned above, if it is a certified check, verify with the bank that it is valid. Don't be afraid to walk away if something seems off.

 

[GA_Boater]

You should give a separate BOS for the trailer as well. Don't combine the boat and trailer on the same BOS. Some states use two different agencies for titling and registration. You don't need a BOS for the I/O, only for outboards for some states.

 

[JoLin]

You should give a separate BOS for the trailer as well. Don't combine the boat and trailer on the same BOS. Some states use two different agencies for titling and registration. You don't need a BOS for the I/O, only for outboards for some states.

Yes. In NY the boat gets a transferable title and non-tranferable registration. The trailer gets no title but a transferable registration. When I bought my 16'er I had the seller split the sale between 2 separate BOS. It made things simpler for me at the DMV.

And yes, all you need to protect yourself is the 'As is, with no warranty either expressed or implied" comment. You don't need to protect the buyer. That's his responsibility.

My .02

 

[hemi rt]

Also the bill of sale should state that there are no Liens or Encumbrances on what is being sold. This protects the buyer more than the seller.

 

[mtbdudex]

You should give a separate BOS for the trailer as well. Don't combine the boat and trailer on the same BOS. Some states use two different agencies for titling and registration. You don't need a BOS for the I/O, only for outboards for some states.

Ok, thanks for feedback, so seperating the BOS among the boat and trailer is desired?
I'm selling "everything" for $5200, boat + trailer + 3 person tube + spare alum prop + soe other loose stuff.
So if a seperate BOS do I just determine "fair" value for trailer, say $500, and then the boat/gear is $4700 and trailer is $500?

Aaron from Ohio and I have spoke and txt back and forth, he's coming up tomorrow 6pm to buy it with his father inlaw.
I'll be sending him draft purchase agreement for him to fill out his address/personal info and see it prior to purchase so no issues.

 

[airshot]

I am an Ohio resident and he will need a clean title or a bill of sale with proper serial numbers on it and signed by you (owner) I understand that some water craft in Michigan does not require a title but here in Ohio they all do. If you have a clear title then a simple bill of sale with numbers on it and the "no warranty implied" is satisfactory. If your boat does not have a title then you may be required to furnish one for an out of state sale. The buyer will have to arrange for a title transfer to Ohio unless he plans on keeping it docked in Michigan. The local Ohio license bureau will be able to direct him (buyer) as to what he needs to do.