Boat registration question

[gldearman]

Hi all,

I've never owned a boat, so I hope y'all don't mind answering a newbie question.

A relative of mine in Mississippi has offered to sell me a boat at a pretty good price.

Problem is, he doesn't have the title for either the boat or the trailer. He bought them used, and never got a title. I guess registration in Mississippi is a little easier, or enforcement is more lax, or both.

Is there any feasible way for me to buy this boat and trailer and get them registered in the state of Florida? Or should I give up and tell him to find a buyer in Mississippi?

Thanks

[mjsigns]

This should steer you in the right direction.

http://www.dmv.org/fl-florida/boat-registration.php

[gldearman]

Well, it at least gave me some things to Google.

From what I can tell (and I'll check with the county tax collector's office tomorrow), boats in Mississippi are not titled. So I need a copy of his registration and a bill of sale. Not too bad, assuming he's registered the boat. I can ask tomorrow. The boat's not in seaworthy shape right now, so it may not be registered in Mississippi, which would make things more difficult.

If the trailer has a GVW of less than a ton, I don't need a title in Florida, so I essentially submit the same documents as for the boat, with the same complications. If the trailer has a GVW of a ton or more, my truck can't tow in, anyway.

Anyone else here ever registered a boat they bought out-of-state that didn't have a title? This is going to be an enormous pain in my @$#!, isn't it?

[bman]

It is a pain!

You will need an official weight on the trailer...
Take the boat off and drive the trailer to the landfill or flying J to get an official weight slip.
Pain in the rear.

[gldearman]

With any luck, I'll found out that the trailer is registered in Mississippi, and therefore already has an official weight.

[DEMON]

If you have to get it weighed, you have a scale right there in Lloyd at the truck stop.