When should I use the seller financing page?
Use this page when your yacht sale in Wisconsin fits a seller financing scenario. It walks you through the specific disclosures and details that apply to this type of transaction.
Seller financing — Wisconsin
Wisconsin Yacht bill of sale for seller financing
Complete your Wisconsin yacht bill of sale for a seller financing transaction. Enter buyer and seller details, vehicle information, and generate a signed PDF in minutes.
WisconsinYachtSeller financing
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What to know about seller financing sales in Wisconsin
Seller financing is a regulated credit transaction under the federal Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Regulation Z (12 CFR Part 1026). You must provide the buyer with a written disclosure of APR, finance charge, total amount financed, payment schedule, and total of payments before the contract is signed. Perfect your security interest by recording yourself as a lienholder on the title with the DMV.
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 seller financing-specific disclosures required in Wisconsin.
Seller guidance
Seller financing is a regulated credit transaction under the federal Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Regulation Z (12 CFR Part 1026). You must provide the buyer with a written disclosure of APR, finance charge, total amount financed, payment schedule, and total of payments before the contract is signed. Perfect your security interest by recording yourself as a lienholder on the title with the DMV.
Buyer guidance
You are entitled to a written TILA disclosure before signing. Review the APR and total cost carefully — seller financing often carries higher rates than traditional lenders. The seller retains a lien on the vehicle until you pay in full; failure to make payments can result in repossession under the terms of your agreement and your state's repossession laws.
Legal considerations
TILA (15 U.S.C. § 1638) and Regulation Z require written disclosures for any credit transaction. A separate promissory note and security agreement should accompany the bill of sale. The seller must file a UCC-1 financing statement or record the lien on the title to perfect the security interest under UCC Article 9. State usury laws cap the maximum interest rate for private installment sales.
Wisconsin Yacht transfer fees and requirements
In Wisconsin, the title transfer fee is $164.5 and registration costs $85 per year. Yacht sales are subject to 5% sales tax plus 0.5% county tax in most counties. Wisconsin does not require notarization for private-party yacht transfers. Emission testing is required in Wisconsin — verify the yacht passes before completing the sale.
- Emissions testing required in southeast Wisconsin counties
- Title transfer at DMV within 60 days
- Wheel tax applies in some municipalities
Wisconsin sales tax on yacht purchases
Wisconsin has a 5% state sales tax rate. 5% state plus 0.5% county tax in most counties. Private-party yacht sales in Wisconsin are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $165.
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 Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin
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.
Wisconsin requirements for seller financing yacht sales
For seller financing yacht transactions in Wisconsin, the buyer must pay 5% sales tax plus 0.5% county tax in most counties and a $164.5 title transfer fee. Notarization is not required. Odometer disclosure is required.
- Emissions testing required in southeast Wisconsin counties
- Title transfer at DMV within 60 days
- Wheel tax applies in some municipalities
Safety tips for seller financing yacht transactions
When completing a seller financing yacht sale in Wisconsin, 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 seller financing yacht sale in Wisconsin
- Prepare a written promissory note specifying principal, APR, payment schedule, and total cost
- Provide TILA disclosure box (APR, finance charge, amount financed, total payments) at signing
- Record the seller's lien on the vehicle title at the DMV
- Include default and repossession terms in the financing agreement
- File a UCC-1 financing statement if relying on UCC Article 9 (varies by state for titled vehicles)
Need the printable workflow?
Use the main Wisconsin yacht bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.
Open Wisconsin 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 seller financing 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 seller financing 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 seller financing transaction.
What are the Wisconsin fees for a seller financing yacht transfer?
Wisconsin charges a $164.5 title transfer fee. Registration costs $85 per year. Sales tax: 5% sales tax plus 0.5% county tax in most counties. Notarization is not required for most transfers.
What yacht makes are most commonly sold in Wisconsin?
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 seller financing yacht sale in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has a 5% state sales tax rate. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases
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