Buying & Selling Boats By Owner
Whether you're transferring a pontoon or documenting a bluewater sailboat, this guide walks through the title, registration, and payment steps for every boat type — state by state.
Boat Types We Cover
Sailboat
Wind-powered vessels ranging from day-sailors to ocean-going bluewater cruisers.
USCG Documentation EligiblePowerboat
Engine-driven boats including center consoles, cuddy cabins, and express cruisers.
USCG Documentation EligiblePontoon Boat
Flat-deck pontoon platforms ideal for lake cruising, entertaining, and fishing.
Fishing Boat
Bass boats, bay boats, and offshore fishing rigs built for angling.
USCG Documentation EligibleSki / Wake Boat
Inboard ski boats and wakeboard towers designed for watersports.
⚓ USCG Documentation for Ocean-Going Vessels
Any vessel that is at least 5 net tons and owned by a U.S. citizen may qualify for U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Certificate of Documentation instead of — or in addition to — state title. Documentation is optional for recreational boats but required for commercial use on navigable waters.
- Advantages: Internationally recognized, simplifies financing (many lenders require it), enables preferred mortgages.
- When it helps buyers: USCG documentation provides a federal lien search through the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC), making title history verifiable.
- States and USCG: Many states still require registration even for documented vessels. Check your state guide.
- 26 ft rule: Most USCG documentation is for vessels 26 ft or longer, though smaller commercial vessels may qualify.
Private-Party Boat Sale Checklist
- 1
Verify the title & run a lien search
Confirm the seller holds a clear title. Use your state's lien search tool or the NVDC abstract-of-title search for documented vessels.
- 2
Agree on price using NADA Guides
Run the hull ID (HIN) and engine specs through NADA to establish fair market value.
- 3
Complete a bill of sale
Even when not legally required, a signed bill of sale protects both parties. Include HIN, make, model, year, and purchase price.
- 4
Arrange secure payment
For transactions over $5,000, consider Escrow.com to release funds only when the title is delivered.
- 5
Transfer title or documentation
File the title transfer with your state DMV/DNR or submit the USCG documentation transfer form within the required timeframe.
- 6
Get insurance before launch
BoatUS offers both on-water towing and liability coverage.
Resources for Boat Buyers & Sellers
Boat Trader
Reach millions of buyers — list your boat today
J.D. Power
Get an instant boat valuation before you buy or sell
BoatUS Insurance
On-water towing, liability, and hull coverage for new owners
Escrow.com
Hold funds safely until title is transferred
Rules differ by state. Browse all 50 state guides for title requirements, sales tax caps, and lien search links specific to where you live or are buying.