Boat Bill of Sale

Boat-specific legal information

Transfer notes

Boat ownership transfer uses a Hull Identification Number (HIN), not a VIN. Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (typically over 26 feet) transfer through federal documentation, not state title. State-titled boats transfer like vehicles with a signed title and bill of sale.

Odometer disclosure

Boats are exempt from federal odometer disclosure requirements. There is no mileage or engine-hour disclosure mandate, though documenting engine hours on the bill of sale is considered best practice.

Applicable federal law: 46 CFR Part 67 — USCG Documentation of Vessels

Title and registration

State-titled boats use a certificate of title similar to a vehicle. USCG-documented vessels use a federal Certificate of Documentation. Buyers should verify which system applies before closing.

Special disclosures

• USCG documentation status — vessels over 5 net tons may be federally documented instead of state-titled.
• Hull condition and any history of submersion, grounding, or hurricane damage should be disclosed.
• Trailer inclusion — if the boat is sold with a trailer, the trailer requires its own title transfer in most states.