Bill of Sale — Boat (New Zealand)
BILL OF SALE — VESSEL (NEW ZEALAND)
This Bill of Sale for a Vessel (the “Agreement”) is made on [Sale Date] by and between:
[Seller Name], [Seller Type], NZBN: [Seller NZBN], of [Seller Address], [Seller City], [Seller Region] [Seller Postcode], New Zealand (the “Seller”); and
[Buyer Name], NZBN: [Buyer NZBN], of [Buyer Address], [Buyer City], [Buyer Region] [Buyer Postcode], New Zealand (the “Buyer”).
1. VESSEL DESCRIPTION
1.1 The Seller agrees to sell, transfer, and deliver to the Buyer the following vessel (the “Vessel”):
- Vessel name: [Vessel Name]
- Vessel type: [Vessel Type]
- Manufacturer / make: [Vessel Make]
- Model: [Vessel Model]
- Year of manufacture: [Vessel Year]
- Overall length: [Vessel Length] metres
- Hull material: [Vessel Hull Material]
- Hull colour: [Vessel Hull Colour]
- Hull Identification Number (HIN): [Vessel HIN]
- NZ vessel registration number: [Vessel Registration Number]
1.2 Engine(s) details: [Engine Details].
1.3 Trailer: [Trailer Included]. [Trailer Details].
1.4 The Vessel is sold in the following condition: [Vessel Condition].
1.5 Known defects or issues disclosed by the Seller: [Known Defects].
2. MARITIME SAFETY AND REGISTRATION
2.1 Safety equipment: [Safety Equipment].
2.2 Survey status: [Survey Status].
2.3 The Parties acknowledge that the operation of vessels in New Zealand is regulated under the Maritime Transport Act 1994 (MTA) and the Maritime Rules issued thereunder by Maritime New Zealand. Relevant rules include Maritime Rule Part 40 (Design, Construction, and Equipment of Pleasure Vessels) and Maritime Rule Part 91 (Safe Ship Management — Domestic). The Buyer is responsible for ensuring the Vessel complies with all applicable Maritime NZ rules before operation.
2.4 The Buyer is responsible for transferring the vessel registration (if applicable) to the Buyer’s name through Maritime NZ following completion of this sale.
2.5 The Hull Identification Number (HIN) stamped on the Vessel is a unique identifier assigned in accordance with Maritime New Zealand requirements under the MTA. Any alteration of the HIN is an offence.
3. PURCHASE PRICE AND GST
3.1 The total purchase price for the Vessel (and trailer, if included) is NZD $[Purchase Price] (the “Purchase Price”), which is [Gst Treatment].
3.2 Where the sale of the Vessel is a taxable supply under the Goods and Services Tax Act 1985 and the Purchase Price is stated exclusive of GST, the Buyer must pay to the Seller, in addition to the Purchase Price, an amount equal to 15% of the Purchase Price representing GST payable, subject to receipt of a valid tax invoice.
3.3 The Buyer shall pay the Purchase Price [Payment Method].
3.4 Title to the Vessel shall not pass to the Buyer until the full Purchase Price has been received by the Seller.
3.5 Time is of the essence in respect of payment of the Purchase Price.
4. TRANSFER OF TITLE AND RISK
4.1 Upon payment of the full Purchase Price and delivery of the Vessel to the Buyer, title to (ownership of) the Vessel shall pass from the Seller to the Buyer, in accordance with Part 1 (Sale of Goods) of the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (CCLA).
4.2 Risk of loss, damage, or destruction to the Vessel (and trailer, if included) shall pass to the Buyer upon delivery of the Vessel.
4.3 The Buyer is responsible for arranging appropriate maritime insurance for the Vessel from the date risk passes under clause 4.2.
5. SELLER’S WARRANTIES AND TITLE
5.1 The Seller warrants that:
- the Seller has full legal right, title, and authority to sell the Vessel in accordance with section 15 (implied condition as to title) of Part 1 of the CCLA 2017;
- the Vessel is free from any mortgage, charge, lien, encumbrance, or security interest (other than as disclosed in writing to the Buyer before execution of this Agreement);
- the Hull Identification Number (HIN) stated in clause 1.1 is, to the best of the Seller’s knowledge, the correct and unaltered HIN for the Vessel;
- the Vessel has not been reported as stolen or as a total loss to any insurer (other than as disclosed);
- there are no outstanding marine finance or hire purchase agreements secured against the Vessel (other than as disclosed); and
- the Seller is not aware of any structural, hull, engine, or equipment defect in the Vessel that has not been disclosed to the Buyer under clause 1.5.
5.2 The Seller acknowledges that, under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA), where the Seller is in trade and the Buyer is a consumer, the Buyer has statutory guarantees including acceptable quality (section 7) and fitness for particular purpose (section 8). Nothing in this Agreement limits or excludes any rights the Buyer has under the CGA that cannot lawfully be excluded.
5.3 The Seller recommends that the Buyer obtain an independent marine survey of the Vessel by a qualified marine surveyor before completing the purchase, particularly for vessels over five years old or where the purchase price exceeds NZD $20,000.
6. PERSONAL PROPERTY SECURITIES REGISTER (PPSR)
6.1 PPSR search status: [Ppsr Searched].
6.2 The Seller warrants that there are no security interests registered on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) maintained under the Personal Property Securities Act 1999 (PPSA) in respect of the Vessel as at the date of this Agreement, except as disclosed in writing to the Buyer.
6.3 If a security interest is registered against the Vessel that was not disclosed by the Seller, the Seller must procure the discharge of that security interest at the Seller’s cost promptly after the Buyer gives written notice to the Seller.
7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
7.1 To the maximum extent permitted by law and subject to any rights the Buyer may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986 that cannot be excluded, the Seller’s total liability to the Buyer under or in connection with this Agreement (whether in contract, tort including negligence, statute, or otherwise) is limited to the Purchase Price.
7.2 The Seller excludes all liability for indirect or consequential loss or damage arising from the sale of the Vessel to the maximum extent permitted by law.
8. GENERAL PROVISIONS
8.1 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties in relation to the sale of the Vessel and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, and agreements.
8.2 Amendments. This Agreement may only be varied by a written document signed by both parties.
8.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is void, voidable, or unenforceable, that provision shall be severed and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
8.4 Governing Law. This Agreement is governed by the laws of New Zealand, including the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (CCLA), the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA), and the Maritime Transport Act 1994. The parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New Zealand.
8.5 Dispute Resolution. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall first be referred to mediation in good faith before either party commences court proceedings.
EXECUTED as an agreement on the date first written above.
SELLER
Full name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Seller Address], [Seller City], [Seller Region] [Seller Postcode]
NZBN: [Seller NZBN]
BUYER
Full name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Buyer Address], [Buyer City], [Buyer Region] [Buyer Postcode]
NZBN: [Buyer NZBN]
Seller
________________
Signature
Buyer
________________
Signature
What Is a Bill of Sale — Boat (New Zealand)?
A Bill of Sale — Boat in New Zealand transfers ownership of the goods from seller to buyer, records the price and any warranties, and provides the buyer with proof of title under the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017.
In New Zealand, the sale of boats and other vessels is governed by a combination of legislation. The Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (CCLA) is the primary statute governing the sale of goods, including vessels. Part 1 of the CCLA sets out the rules for the formation of contracts of sale, the transfer of title and risk, and the implied conditions as to title (section 15). The Maritime Transport Act 1994 (MTA) and the Maritime Rules issued by Maritime New Zealand govern the registration of vessels, safety equipment requirements, and the Hull Identification Number (HIN) system. The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA) provides mandatory statutory guarantees for vessels sold in trade to consumers. The Personal Property Securities Act 1999 (PPSA) governs security interests in vessels registered on the PPSR. The Goods and Services Tax Act 1985 determines whether GST of 15% applies to the sale.
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of boat ownership per capita in the world, with more than half a million registered recreational vessels. The country’s extensive coastline, harbours, lakes, and rivers make boating a central part of New Zealand leisure culture. This high level of marine activity means that vessel sales are common transactions, and a properly documented Bill of Sale is essential for both buyer and seller protection.
When Do You Need a Bill of Sale — Boat (New Zealand)?
A New Zealand Vessel Bill of Sale is needed whenever a boat is sold and the parties require written evidence of the transaction, the transfer of ownership, and the terms on which the vessel was sold.
Private vessel sales. Most recreational boat sales in New Zealand are between private individuals. A signed Vessel Bill of Sale provides both parties with documentary evidence of the agreed purchase price, the condition of the vessel, the HIN, engine details, and any included trailer, protecting both parties if a dispute arises about what was sold and at what price.
Change of vessel registration. A signed Bill of Sale is the key document for notifying Maritime NZ of the change of ownership of a registered vessel. The Bill of Sale confirms the date of sale and the identities of the buyer and seller, enabling the registration to be updated.
Marine finance and insurance. Lenders providing marine finance (boat loans) require a copy of the Bill of Sale as evidence of the purchase price, the vessel’s details, and the HIN for security registration purposes. Marine insurers also require the Bill of Sale to determine the sum insured for the vessel.
Dealer and brokerage sales. Licensed marine dealers and boat brokers use Vessel Bills of Sale as part of their transaction documentation. Where the dealer is subject to the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003 (which can apply to dealer sales of vessels), the Bill of Sale documents compliance with disclosure obligations.
Overseas vessel purchases. Where a vessel is purchased overseas and imported into New Zealand, a Bill of Sale from the foreign seller is required to establish ownership and the purchase price for customs and import duty purposes.
Establishing ownership for moorings and marina berths. Marina operators and harbour authorities in New Zealand often require evidence of vessel ownership before allocating a berth or mooring. A signed Bill of Sale is acceptable evidence of ownership where the vessel is not yet registered in New Zealand.
What to Include in Your Bill of Sale — Boat (New Zealand)
A well-drafted New Zealand Vessel Bill of Sale must address several critical elements to be legally effective and protect both parties.
Complete vessel identification. The vessel must be precisely identified using all available identifiers: vessel name, type (runabout, sailing yacht, fishing boat, jet boat, etc.), make, model, year, overall length, hull material, hull colour, Hull Identification Number (HIN), and New Zealand registration number. The HIN is the most critical identifier and should be physically verified on the vessel before signing.
Engine and equipment details. The engine(s) (make, model, horsepower, type, year, and serial number) and any significant equipment (electronics, outboard motor, anchor windlass) included in the sale should be described. This prevents disputes about what was included in the purchase price.
Trailer details. If a trailer is included in the sale, it should be identified separately with its make, year, and registration number, as the trailer is a separate item of personal property from the vessel.
Condition and defect disclosure. The vessel’s condition and all known defects must be accurately described. The Seller’s disclosure of known defects protects the Seller from Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and Fair Trading Act 1986 claims, particularly for trade sales.
Maritime safety and survey status. The Seller should confirm the vessel’s safety equipment status and survey status under the Maritime Transport Act 1994 and Maritime Rules. The Buyer should obtain a pre-purchase survey if the vessel is valuable or more than five years old.
Purchase price and GST treatment. The total purchase price in NZD and the GST treatment (inclusive, exclusive, or GST-exempt for private sales) must be clearly stated. For dealer sales, a tax invoice is required for the buyer to claim any GST input tax credit.
PPSR search and security interests. The buyer’s PPSR search result and the seller’s warranty that there are no undisclosed registered security interests over the vessel are essential. PPSR registration of marine finance is common in New Zealand.
Title warranty. The Seller’s warranty of title under section 15 of Part 1 of the CCLA 2017, including that the vessel is free from undisclosed encumbrances, is fundamental to the Buyer’s ability to obtain clear title.
Governing law. The Agreement must specify that it is governed by the laws of New Zealand, including the CCLA 2017, the CGA 1993, and the Maritime Transport Act 1994. The forms-legal.com Bill of Sale — Boat (New Zealand) provides a ready-to-use template that meets New Zealand legal requirements.
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Bill of Sale — Boat (New Zealand) (New Zealand) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/personal/bills-of-sale/bill-of-sale-boat-new-zealand
"Bill of Sale — Boat (New Zealand) (New Zealand)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/personal/bills-of-sale/bill-of-sale-boat-new-zealand.
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author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Bill of Sale — Boat (New Zealand) (New Zealand)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/personal/bills-of-sale/bill-of-sale-boat-new-zealand}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Selling a boat in New Zealand involves obligations under the Maritime Transport Act 1994 (MTA), the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (CCLA), and the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA). The Maritime Transport Act 1994 provides the framework for the registration of vessels and the regulation of maritime safety in New Zealand waters. Maritime New Zealand (Maritime NZ) is the regulator responsible for administering the MTA and the Maritime Rules. For recreational vessels (pleasure craft), compulsory registration in New Zealand is generally not required for vessels under 6 metres that are not used commercially, but registration is recommended for identifying ownership and for insurance purposes. For vessels used commercially or over 6 metres, registration and compliance with Maritime Rules (particularly Part 40 for design and equipment and Part 91 for safe ship management) is required. The seller must require that the Hull Identification Number (HIN) is accurately stated in the Bill of Sale, as the HIN is the vessel’s unique identifier. The seller should also disclose any known defects, outstanding finance secured on the vessel, and the vessel’s survey status. A PPSR search is strongly recommended to check for any registered security interests before purchase.
A Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique 12-character alphanumeric code that identifies a specific vessel, similar to a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for motor vehicles. In New Zealand, the format and requirements for HINs are set by Maritime New Zealand under the Maritime Transport Act 1994 and Maritime Rule Part 40 (Design, Construction, and Equipment of Pleasure Vessels). For New Zealand-built vessels, the HIN generally follows the ISO 10087 format. The HIN is permanently affixed to the transom (the rear vertical surface of the hull, above the waterline) on the starboard (right) side. A duplicate HIN plate may also be located in a concealed location (such as inside a storage compartment) as a secondary identifier. For imported vessels, the HIN from the country of origin may be retained if it meets applicable standards. Before purchasing a boat, the buyer should verify the HIN on the vessel physically matches the HIN stated in the Bill of Sale and in any Maritime NZ registration documents. Altering or removing a HIN is an offence under the MTA. A VIN or HIN check through Maritime NZ can confirm the vessel’s registration history.
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA) in New Zealand applies to goods and services supplied in trade to consumers. For boat sales, the CGA applies where the seller is in trade (such as a marine dealer, boat broker, or a person who regularly buys and sells boats as a business activity) and the buyer is a consumer (an individual acquiring the boat for personal use). For purely private sales between individuals who are not in trade, the CGA does not apply. However, even in private sales, the Fair Trading Act 1986 prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct in trade and the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (CCLA) implies a condition that the seller has the right to sell the vessel and that it is free from undisclosed encumbrances. Where the CGA applies (dealer or trade sale), the buyer has statutory guarantees of acceptable quality (section 7), fitness for particular purpose (section 8), and correspondence with description (section 9). These guarantees cannot be excluded in a consumer transaction. Remedies available to a consumer under the CGA include repair, replacement, and refund. In a private (non-trade) sale, the buyer should seek to negotiate express warranties or conduct a pre-purchase survey by a qualified marine surveyor to protect their interests.
The minimum safety equipment required on a recreational boat in New Zealand depends on the size of the vessel and the waters in which it will be operated. Requirements are set out in the Maritime Transport Act 1994 and the Maritime Rules, particularly Maritime Rule Part 40 (Design, Construction, and Equipment of Pleasure Vessels) and the Small Vessel Code. For coastal and offshore vessels, the requirements are more extensive than for sheltered water or inland vessels. Generally, for most recreational power boats, the minimum safety equipment includes: a life jacket for every person on board (meeting current Maritime NZ standards, typically ISO 12402-3 or equivalent); distress signals (flares, EPIRB, or PLB depending on operating area); a fire extinguisher(s); a means of bailing (pump or bucket); a sound signal (horn or whistle); a VHF radio (required for vessels operating offshore); an anchor and line; and navigation lights for night operation. Maritime NZ’s SafeRec system and the Coastguard New Zealand website provide detailed guidance on minimum equipment requirements by vessel type and operating area. A buyer should verify that the vessel’s safety equipment meets current standards before taking the vessel out on the water.
A pre-purchase marine survey is strongly recommended before purchasing any second-hand boat in New Zealand, particularly for vessels over five years old, fibreglass vessels (which may have osmotic blistering), wooden vessels, larger vessels, and any vessel where the purchase price is significant. A marine survey is conducted by a qualified marine surveyor who inspects the vessel’s hull (including the underwater section), structure, deck, engine(s), electrical systems, safety equipment, and general condition, and produces a written report identifying defects and recommending remedial work. Marine surveyors in New Zealand may be members of the Survey Association of New Zealand (SANZ) or the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS). The cost of a survey is typically a fraction of the purchase price and can save significant costs by identifying hidden defects before purchase. A survey report also supports insurance and financing arrangements. If the survey reveals defects, the buyer may be able to renegotiate the purchase price, require the seller to rectify the defects before completion, or withdraw from the purchase. A Bill of Sale can be made conditional on a satisfactory survey result.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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