It is essential to have a boat bill of sale as evidence of any transaction involving a boat, whether you are buying or selling the vessel. A bill of sale is a legally binding document that outlines the transaction of a boat purchase, including the buyer’s and seller’s names and contact information, the purchase price, the boat’s brand and model, and other pertinent information. The bill of sale may be used as evidence in case of any disputes about the transaction in the future. There are a few scenarios where you could want a bill of sale for your yacht. Here are some of the most frequent ones:
To Prove Ownership
A bill of sale is a legal document that may be used to show official institutions that you are the rightful owner of a boat. It usually includes details on the yacht and the owner and seller. Boats, kayaks, sailboats, and anything else you can imagine are all fair game. A boat bill of sale is required if the buyer or seller cannot present the original title documents for any reason, according to in.gov.
A bill of sale may be used as evidence of ownership if one of you gets your boat stolen or damaged. The boat and its cargo are also vulnerable to sinking and other mishaps. If this occurs when a bill of sale for the boat is on file with the appropriate authorities, they will have evidence of ownership at the time of the sinking. Then, should anybody on land come upon these objects, they will know exactly who they belong to and be able to get them back to their rightful owners.
As Proof of Purchase in Case of Theft or Loss
These documents are often more easily obtained when purchasing from a company since such an entity is more likely to maintain meticulous records. The boat’s purchase price and the names, addresses, and signatures of the buyer and seller should all be included on the bill of sale. Obtaining evidence of ownership (such as a boat registration number or title paperwork) is also a good idea. Even if you don’t intend to register your boat with the local maritime office immediately, it’s a good idea to have this information handy in case you change your mind.
If your boat is stolen, you may use the bill of sale as evidence of purchase when making an insurance claim. A bill of sale may also be used to legally transfer ownership when buying a boat from an individual seller. You will require this paperwork to demonstrate the prior owner’s signature and the proof of purchase price when you acquire a pre-owned boat, even if this information has not changed since the boat was first purchased.
To Apply For a Loan against Your Boat
There are several good reasons to consider getting a loan against your yacht. In reality, nowadays, financing a boat purchase is relatively standard. You may accomplish this by taking out a second mortgage on the boat itself or by getting a loan to buy a new yacht that you will pay off in monthly payments. Numerous financial institutions specialize in providing boat loans. Famous examples include banks and credit unions, although they are far from the only financial institutions available.
A vehicle dealer loan is another option, and the dealer’s finance division may act as a go-between for you and your bank (if they do this). Peer-to-peer lending platforms and local lending networks may also provide loans to boat owners. A fixed-rate monthly payment loan is the most accessible financing since it allows you to pay for the boat’s total price over time. These loans often have low-interest rates and convenient monthly payment schedules to help you stick to your budget.
A Boat Bill of Sale Helps Establish the Value of The Boat
You may need a boat bill of sale for a variety of transactions. It is an everyday practice to acquire a boat with the expectation that the title will be transferred to the buyer later. The transfer may be handled in one of two ways under these circumstances. Instead of creating a bill of sale later, agree on a price and sign a boat purchase contract. A bill of sale serves as legal documentation of boat ownership and permission to operate the vessel as you see fit. In the event of theft or damage, knowing the boat’s worth as of the date of purchase is essential. How you got your boat is vital for several reasons, including finance and insurance.
The requirement for a boat bill of sale is defined by state law, meaning the document will be required in all states. Contact the Maritime Documentation Center today at 800-535-8570 for more information or to see if you need to obtain a boat bill of sale.