Boat Bill of Sale
This Boat Bill of Sale (the "Bill of Sale") is entered into on [Effective Date] (the "Effective Date") by and between
[Seller’s name], [Who Seller], with a mailing address at [Address], [City], [State] [ZIP Code](the "Seller"), and
[Buyer’s name], [Who Buyer], with a mailing address at [Address], [City], [State] [ZIP Code](the "Buyer"), collectively referred to as the "Parties" and individually as the "Party".
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY
The Seller hereby sells and conveys to the Buyer the following boat (the "Property"):
Make: [Make]
Model: [Model]
Year: [Year]
Style: [Style]
Length: [Length]| Width: [Width]| Color: [Color]
Hull identification number (HIN): [HIN]
Registration number: [Registration number]
Condition: [Condition]
LOCATION OF THE PROPERTY
The Property being sold is located at [Address], [City], [State] [ZIP Code]. The Seller affirms legal ownership of the Property, asserts the right and authority to sell it, and assures that the Property is free from arrest or other obligations. The Buyer acknowledges that the Property has been inspected and expresses satisfaction with its condition.
TOTAL PRICE
The purchase price for the Property is $[Price]. The Buyer shall pay the full purchase price to the Seller on or before [Payment date].
The payment shall be made by [Payment Method].
SALES TAX
The sales tax applicable to this sale is [Sales Tax Included Purchase] included in the purchase price of the Property. The Seller shall transfer the sales tax to the relevant tax authority on behalf of the Buyer.
WARRANTY
The Parties further acknowledge and agree that the Seller shall not be liable for any defects or inconsistencies in the Property, except as set forth in the warranty clause.
TRANSFER OF TITLE
Payment arrangement: [Payment Option Choose]. The transfer of the Property from the Seller to the Buyer shall occur [Should Property Be Transferred], on [Date of Transfer](the "Date of Transfer").
GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
This Bill of Sale will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [Governing law], except for its conflicts of laws principles. Any disputes arising from or related to this Bill of Sale that cannot be resolved by negotiations and mutual agreement shall be resolved by courts of the State of [Jurisdiction].
THE SELLER
Name: [Seller’s name]
Date: [Effective Date]
Bank: [Seller’s bank name]| Account: [Seller’s account number]
THE BUYER
Name: [Buyer’s name]
Date: [Effective Date]
Bank: [Buyer’s bank name]| Account: [Buyer’s account number]
Party 1
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Party 2
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Boat Bill of Sale?
A Boat Bill of Sale in the United States evidences a sale of personal property, confirming the buyer's title once the purchase is complete.
Every boat manufactured or imported for sale in the United States after November 1, 1972, must have a Hull Identification Number (HIN) permanently affixed to the hull in accordance with 33 C.F.R. Part 181. The HIN is the boat equivalent of a VIN for automobiles and is the primary identifier used for title verification, registration, theft deterrence, and safety recall tracking. The HIN follows a standardized 12-character format established by the USCG that encodes the manufacturer, serial number, and date of manufacture.
State titling requirements for boats vary significantly. Most states require a title for boats with motors over a certain horsepower (commonly 10 HP or 25 HP), while some states title all motorized watercraft regardless of size. States that participate in the International Association of Marine Investigators (IAMI) hull numbering system allow title verification across state lines. The bill of sale is a prerequisite for title transfer in virtually all states and must accurately reflect the transaction details, including the purchase price on which state sales tax will be calculated.
When Do You Need a Boat Bill of Sale?
A private seller is transferring ownership of a recreational boat, sailboat, personal watercraft (jet ski), or yacht to a buyer and needs documentation for the state title and registration transfer. A buyer is purchasing a boat and must present a bill of sale to the state titling authority along with the signed-over title certificate to complete the registration process.
A boat owner is trading their vessel to a marine dealer and needs to document the trade-in transaction for title transfer and sales tax credit purposes. A person is purchasing a boat from out of state and needs a bill of sale to register the vessel in their home state, which may also be required for the use tax calculation.
An estate executor is selling a boat from a deceased person's estate and needs documentation for the probate court and to transfer the title to the buyer. A marine lender or bank is financing the purchase of a boat and requires a bill of sale documenting the purchase price and vessel details before funding the loan and recording a lien on the title.
A boat owner is donating their vessel to a qualified charity and needs a bill of sale documenting the transfer and the vessel's fair market value for the charitable contribution deduction under IRC Section 170(f)(12), which has special rules for donated vehicles, boats, and aircraft valued over $500.
What to Include in Your Boat Bill of Sale
The seller's and buyer's full legal names, addresses, and contact information must be clearly stated. For corporate or entity sales, the authorized representative must be identified. Both parties' identification (driver's license numbers) may be required by state titling authorities.
The vessel description must include the boat's official name (if any), year of manufacture, make (manufacturer), model, length overall (LOA), beam, hull material (fiberglass, aluminum, wood, composite), hull type (mono-hull, catamaran, pontoon), propulsion type (inboard, outboard, I/O, sail), and the Hull Identification Number (HIN). The HIN must match the HIN on the existing title certificate and the physical HIN on the hull.
Engine and motor information must be specified separately, including the engine make, model, serial number, horsepower, fuel type, and number of engines. For outboard motors, each motor's serial number must be documented as outboard motors may be separately titled or registered in some states.
Trailer information, if a trailer is included in the sale, must be listed with its own make, model, year, VIN, license plate number, and weight capacity. The trailer may have its own separate title that must also be transferred.
The purchase price, payment method, and date of sale must be stated. The sales tax obligations should be acknowledged. For financed purchases, the lender's information and the existence of a lien should be noted. The seller should disclose whether the title is clear or whether existing liens must be satisfied before transfer.
The condition of the vessel should be described, including warranty status (as-is or with warranty). The seller should disclose any known material defects, prior damage, insurance claims, or environmental issues (such as fuel system leaks). The USCG vessel documentation status, if applicable, must be addressed. Both parties must sign and date the document. Notarization may be required by the state for boat title transfers.
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Boat Bill of Sale (United States) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/usa/personal/bills-of-sale/bill-of-sale-boat
"Boat Bill of Sale (United States)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/usa/personal/bills-of-sale/bill-of-sale-boat.
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title = {Boat Bill of Sale (United States)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/usa/personal/bills-of-sale/bill-of-sale-boat}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Uniform Commercial Code (UCC §2)}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
A boat bill of sale is legally binding once the seller and buyer sign it with accurate details about the vessel and the sale. The document records the transfer of ownership and is generally required to register or title the boat with the state and, for larger vessels, to document it with the U.S. Coast Guard. A complete boat bill of sale identifies the vessel by make, model, year, length, hull identification number (HIN), and any included motor and trailer, states the purchase price, and includes the sale date and signatures. State boating agencies use the document to register the boat and assess tax, and many states issue a separate title for vessels above a certain length or horsepower. The seller must assign any existing title to complete the transfer. Because the bill of sale records price, condition, and what equipment is included, it protects both parties if the sale of the boat is later disputed.
Most states require a boat to be registered with the state boating agency, and many also issue a title for vessels above a certain length or motor size, so registration and titling are usually necessary after purchase. The buyer typically presents the signed boat bill of sale, the assigned title if one exists, and proof of paid tax to register the vessel and receive registration numbers and a validation decal that must be displayed. Larger commercial or recreational vessels of five net tons or more may instead be documented with the U.S. Coast Guard, which provides a federal certificate of documentation in place of state titling. A trailer sold with the boat usually requires its own title transfer. Because length and horsepower thresholds for titling and registration vary by state, the buyer should confirm the requirements with the state boating or motor vehicle agency before operating the boat.
A hull identification number (HIN) is a 12-character code permanently affixed to a boat's transom that uniquely identifies the vessel, much like a vehicle identification number identifies a car. Federal law has required HINs on boats manufactured since 1972, and the number encodes the manufacturer, serial number, and date of production. Recording the HIN on the boat bill of sale ties the document to the specific vessel and helps the buyer confirm the boat matches its title and registration. Before buying, the buyer should locate the HIN on the starboard side of the transom, verify it matches the seller's documents, and check it against stolen-vessel databases where available. A missing, altered, or mismatched HIN is a warning sign of theft or fraud. Because the HIN is essential for registration and titling, the buyer should confirm it is intact and consistent before completing the purchase.
Buying a boat 'as-is' means the buyer accepts the vessel in its current condition with no warranty from the seller about its seaworthiness, mechanical state, or hidden defects. Under Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code, conspicuous 'as-is' language generally disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose in private sales, though some states limit such disclaimers. The boat bill of sale should state the as-is term clearly so the buyer's acceptance of the risk is documented. Because boats can conceal expensive problems such as engine damage, hull osmosis, or electrical faults, the buyer should arrange a marine survey before purchasing a higher-value vessel. An as-is clause does not protect a seller who conceals a known defect or misrepresents the boat's condition, since fraud claims survive the disclaimer regardless of the as-is term written into the bill of sale.
Buying a boat from a private seller generally triggers sales or use tax, which the buyer pays to the state when registering or titling the vessel, with rates and rules set by each state. Most states calculate the tax on the purchase price shown in the boat bill of sale, so an accurate figure is important, and some states scrutinize low prices against fair market value. A handful of states impose no sales tax, and some cap the tax on boats or offer reduced rates for vessels used in commercial fishing or interstate commerce. Certain states also assess an annual personal property tax on boats. The boating or motor vehicle agency uses the bill of sale to verify the price and assess any tax due. Because rates, caps, and exemptions vary considerably, the buyer should confirm the local tax treatment before completing the purchase of the boat.
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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