MAKE THE DOCUMENT WORK FOR YOUR SITUATION
About this boat bill of sale
Record the sale of a vessel with hull identity, ownership documents, engine and equipment details, and any separately included trailer. State registration/titling and federal documentation can require distinct transfer records.
When to use it
- Use to record the vessel and sale terms and identify whether the engine or trailer is included in the price.
- For a federally documented vessel, consult the Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center’s transfer process and current official sale form.
- If the boat is sold with a trailer, identify the trailer separately and confirm its own title, registration and lien requirements.
What to gather before completing it
- Match the HIN with ownership and registration records. Obtain the seller’s authority and check any recorded lender or ownership interests.
- Record engine identification, hull condition, known damage, included safety/navigation equipment and the inspection or survey findings.
- Determine the state title/registration or federal documentation route, then agree on berth/storage, launch or transport arrangements and the documents delivered.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating a state-registered vessel and a federally documented vessel as the same paperwork case.
- Using the boat HIN as the trailer VIN or omitting a separate engine or trailer from the document.
- Assuming marina or berth rights, insurance, vessel documentation or a lender’s interest automatically transfers with a bill of sale.
After you complete the document
- Complete the applicable vessel ownership/documentation and registration changes through the responsible agency.
- Process any trailer transfer separately, and retain the signed sale, survey, payment and delivery evidence.
- Check the keys, equipment, engine and documents delivered against the agreement before accepting handover.
What the template includes
The online builder and downloaded documents use the same fields. A selected state can add relevant research prompts. Complete only applicable items; add explanations for exceptions rather than assuming a blank entry resolves them.
Document details4 inputs +
Set the date, jurisdiction, and your internal reference.
- Document date *
- US state *
- County
- Document reference
People & organizations8 inputs +
Use legal names and current contact information.
- Seller legal name *
- Seller address *
- Seller email
- Seller phone
- Buyer legal name *
- Buyer address *
- Buyer email
- Buyer phone
Property identification9 inputs +
Use identification details from the title, registration, or manufacturer records.
- Vessel year
- Vessel make *
- Vessel model
- Hull identification number (HIN) *
- Registration number
- Vessel length
- Engine make, serial, and horsepower
- Trailer VIN and description
- Navigation / safety equipment
Sale & payment11 inputs +
Record the exchange, delivery, and any liens or promises.
- Purchase price (USD) *
- Sale date *
- Payment method
- Deposit received (USD)
- Balance remaining (USD)
- Delivery place and date
- Condition and known defects *
- Warranty arrangement
- Written warranty / exceptions
- Liens and payoff arrangements
- Included accessories / documents
Additional details & signing7 inputs +
Add attachments, exceptions, and the names of authorized signers.
- Attachments / supporting records
- Exceptions / additional terms
- First signer printed name
- First signer title
- Second signer printed name
- Second signer title
- Signing date
Practical tips
- Be specific. A clear description is easier to verify than a broad label.
- Download Word if you need to add an attachment or adjust the layout.
- Keep the completed document and supporting records together.
Before signing or submitting
This bill of sale does not replace a required title, registration, tax, or odometer disclosure form. Check the relevant state agency before transfer.