When should I use the odometer exempt page?
Use this page when your yacht sale in Oregon fits a odometer exempt scenario. It walks you through the specific disclosures and details that apply to this type of transaction.
Odometer exempt — Oregon
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What to know about odometer exempt sales in Oregon
Under 49 CFR § 580.17, vehicles that are 10 or more model years old are exempt from federal odometer disclosure. You still must not knowingly falsify mileage. Even if federally exempt, some states have their own mileage disclosure requirements — document the known odometer reading in the bill of sale regardless.
What to include in your bill of sale
- Full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller.
- Yacht make, model, year, VIN, and current mileage.
- Agreed sale price, payment method, and transaction date.
- Any odometer exempt-specific disclosures required in Oregon.
Seller guidance
Under 49 CFR § 580.17, vehicles that are 10 or more model years old are exempt from federal odometer disclosure. You still must not knowingly falsify mileage. Even if federally exempt, some states have their own mileage disclosure requirements — document the known odometer reading in the bill of sale regardless.
Buyer guidance
While the seller may not be legally required to provide a federal odometer statement, you should still request the actual mileage and note it in the bill of sale. High-mileage vehicles command lower prices, so confirming the reading protects you from misrepresentation claims later.
Legal considerations
49 CFR § 580.17 exempts vehicles 10 or more model years old from the odometer disclosure requirement of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (49 U.S.C. § 32705). Gross-weight exemption applies to vehicles with a GVWR exceeding 16,000 lbs. Despite the federal exemption, knowingly falsifying mileage on any document is still fraud under 49 U.S.C. § 32709.
Oregon Yacht transfer fees and requirements
In Oregon, the title transfer fee is $98.5 and registration costs $122 - $306 for 2-year registration. Yacht sales are subject to No sales tax; 0.5% statewide transit tax on new vehicles. Oregon does not require notarization for private-party yacht transfers. Emission testing is required in Oregon — verify the yacht passes before completing the sale.
- No state sales tax on vehicle purchases
- DEQ emissions testing required in Portland and Medford areas
- Title transfer within 30 days of purchase
- Use fuel tax applies to electric vehicles
Oregon sales tax on yacht purchases
Oregon has a 0% state sales tax rate. No sales tax; 0.5% statewide transit tax on new vehicles only. Private-party yacht sales in Oregon may be exempt from state sales tax. Oregon has no state sales tax on vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $99.
Yacht market data and safety information
The most common yacht makes in private-party sales are Sea Ray, Beneteau, Boston Whaler, Grady-White, Viking. Average private-party yacht prices range from $50,000–$500,000+. Yachts average 1 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Fuel System, Electrical, Engine.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used yacht
Before completing a yacht bill of sale in Oregon, verify these safety items:
- Require a professional marine survey before purchase — standard practice for vessels over 26 ft
- Inspect engine hours, service records, and oil analysis reports
- Check hull condition with moisture meter and visual inspection below waterline
- Verify USCG documentation or state registration status
- Confirm life-raft service is current and EPIRB is registered/within battery date
- Verify USCG-required PFDs for max passenger count plus throwables and signals
- Test bilge alarm system and high-water sensors in each compartment
- Inspect fire-suppression system in engine room (FE-241 or equivalent)
Yacht insurance and depreciation in Oregon
Yacht insurance is 1–2% of hull value annually. Agreed-value policies are standard. Navigation limits and crew requirements affect premiums. Yachts depreciate 10–15% per year for the first 5 years. Well-maintained vessels from premium builders hold value best. Peak season for private yacht sales is fall/winter boat shows drive buyer interest for spring delivery, with an average of 90 days on market.
Yacht registration and titling
Yachts are classified as "USCG-documented vessel (over 5 net tons) or state-registered vessel" for registration purposes. Yachts are classified by length overall (LOA), not weight. Vessels over 65 ft may require a licensed captain. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to yachts.
Oregon requirements for odometer exempt yacht sales
For odometer exempt yacht transactions in Oregon, the buyer must pay No sales tax; 0.5% statewide transit tax on new vehicles and a $98.5 title transfer fee. Notarization is not required. Odometer disclosure is required.
- No state sales tax on vehicle purchases
- DEQ emissions testing required in Portland and Medford areas
- Title transfer within 30 days of purchase
- Use fuel tax applies to electric vehicles
Safety tips for odometer exempt yacht transactions
When completing a odometer exempt yacht sale in Oregon, always verify the vehicle against NHTSA recall databases. The most common yacht recall categories are Fuel System, Electrical, Engine. Check recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls before signing the bill of sale.
Checklist for odometer exempt yacht sale in Oregon
- Confirm the vehicle qualifies for the federal exemption (10+ model years old or GVWR >16,000 lbs)
- Check your state's mileage disclosure rules — some exceed the federal minimum
- Record the actual known mileage in the bill of sale voluntarily
- Note on the bill of sale that odometer disclosure is exempt under 49 CFR § 580.17
- Retain a copy of the bill of sale showing the exempt-disclosure notation
Need the printable workflow?
Use the main Oregon yacht bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.
Open Oregon Yacht bill of saleThe Private Vehicle Sale Market
17.5M private sales/yr
About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.
Source: Cox Automotive 2024
Frequently asked questions
Why does the odometer exempt scenario have its own page?
Different sale scenarios — such as private party, dealer, or gifted transfers — have different documentation requirements. This page focuses on what buyers and sellers need for a odometer exempt transaction specifically.
What should be included in this bill of sale?
Include the buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers, sale price, date, signatures, and any notes specific to the odometer exempt transaction.
What are the Oregon fees for a odometer exempt yacht transfer?
Oregon charges a $98.5 title transfer fee. Registration costs $122 - $306 for 2-year registration. Sales tax: No sales tax; 0.5% statewide transit tax on new vehicles. Notarization is not required for most transfers.
What yacht makes are most commonly sold in Oregon?
The most popular yacht makes in private-party sales are Sea Ray, Beneteau, Boston Whaler, Grady-White, Viking. Average private-party prices range from $50,000–$500,000+.
Do I pay sales tax on a odometer exempt yacht sale in Oregon?
Oregon has a 0% state sales tax rate. Oregon has no state sales tax on vehicle purchases
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