Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat?

Most U.S. states require a bill of sale when transferring ownership of a boat or watercraft. Even in American states where it is not strictly required, a bill of sale is strongly recommended because it creates a written record of the transaction, protects both the buyer and seller, and is typically needed when registering the vessel in the new owner's name with the United States state agency.

What is a Hull Identification Number (HIN)?

A Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique 12-character serial number assigned to every boat manufactured or imported into the United States since 1972. It is typically found on the upper right area of the transom (the flat back end of the boat). The HIN is required on a bill of sale and is used by state agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard to identify and track vessels.

Does a boat bill of sale need to be notarized?

Notarization requirements vary by U.S. state. Some American states require that a boat bill of sale be notarized for the ownership transfer to be valid, while others do not. States like Florida, Texas, and New York, for example, may require notarization depending on the vessel's value or type. It is best to check with your United States state's department of motor vehicles or wildlife agency for specific requirements.

What is the difference between state registration and USCG documentation?

State registration is required for most boats and is handled by the state's wildlife, natural resources, or motor vehicle agency. USCG (United States Coast Guard) documentation is a federal form of registration available for vessels measuring five net tons or more. Documented vessels receive an official documentation number instead of state registration numbers. Documentation is required for vessels used in coastwise trade and is preferred by many owners for financing and international travel purposes.

Should I include the trailer in the boat bill of sale?

If a trailer is included in the U.S. sale, it should be listed in the bill of sale along with its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Some American states require a separate title transfer for the trailer since trailers are titled independently from boats. Including the trailer in the bill of sale documents that it was part of the transaction and helps the buyer with the trailer title transfer process.

What does "as-is" mean on a boat bill of sale?

When a U.S. boat is sold "as-is," it means the seller makes no warranties about the vessel's condition, performance, or seaworthiness. The American buyer accepts the boat in its current state and assumes all risk. The seller is not responsible for any defects discovered after the sale. Buyers should always conduct a thorough inspection or hire a marine surveyor before purchasing a boat sold as-is in the United States.

How do I transfer boat registration to a new owner?

After completing the U.S. bill of sale, the American buyer must register the boat in their name with the appropriate state agency, which is typically the department of natural resources, wildlife agency, or department of motor vehicles depending on the state. The buyer will need the signed bill of sale, the previous registration or title (if applicable), proof of payment of sales tax, and a completed registration application. For USCG documented vessels, the buyer must also file transfer forms with the National Vessel Documentation Center.

Legal & BusinessUnited States

Free Boat Bill of Sale Template

Document the sale and transfer of a boat or watercraft with a professional bill of sale. Covers vessel details, HIN, engine specs, condition, trailer, and warranty terms for U.S. private sales — valid in all 50 American states.

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BOAT / WATERCRAFT BILL OF SALE

State Of Texas

SELLER

Robert Fischer

814 Lakeshore Dr, Austin, TX 78701

By: (512) 555-0237, DL: TX-30982145

BUYER

Karen Watkins

2290 Marina Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550

By: (409) 555-0183, DL: TX-55103948

VESSEL / TRANSACTION DETAILS

VESSEL	Lake Runner 24 — 2020 Bennington SX 24 SSRX
HIN	BWCE2134K920
LENGTH / BEAM	24 ft × 8.5 ft
HULL	Fiberglass — White / Navy Blue
ENGINE	Outboard — Mercury (150 HP)
FUEL	Gasoline
ENGINE HOURS	347
REGISTRATION	TX 4821 AB (TX)
CONDITION	As-Is
SALE PRICE	$32,500.00
SALE DATE	March 10, 2026
PAYMENT	Cash
TRAILER	Included (VIN: 1MDAAHB20MH502199)

SALE OF VESSEL

Robert Fischer ("Seller") hereby sells, transfers, and conveys to Karen Watkins ("Buyer") the above-described vessel, including all equipment, accessories, and appurtenances thereto, in exchange for the total sum of $32,500.00, payable by Cash, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged by Seller.

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

The vessel that is the subject of this sale is described as follows: 2020 Bennington SX 24 SSRX, known as "Lake Runner 24", bearing Hull Identification Number (HIN): BWCE2134K920 (HIN format and placement as required by 33 C.F.R. Part 181, Subpart C, applicable to all boats manufactured on or after November 1, 1972). Hull material: Fiberglass. Engine type: Outboard, make: Mercury, horsepower: 150 HP. Fuel type: Gasoline. Engine hours at time of sale: 347. State registration number: TX 4821 AB (TX), issued pursuant to the Federal Boat Safety Act, 46 U.S.C. §§ 4301–4311, and the titling/numbering laws of the issuing state (e.g., Cal. Veh. Code §§ 9850–9930; Fla. Stat. §§ 327.40–.73; Tex. Parks and Wildlife Code ch. 31).

SELLER'S REPRESENTATION AND TITLE

Seller represents and warrants that: (a) Seller is the lawful owner of the above-described vessel; (b) Seller has full right and authority to sell and transfer the vessel under UCC § 2-312; (c) title and risk of loss pass to Buyer upon physical delivery under UCC § 2-401; (d) the vessel is free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, security interests, and claims of any kind, including any preferred mortgage recorded with the U.S. Coast Guard under 46 U.S.C. § 31321 or any state-law lien or UCC-1 financing statement; and (e) Seller will defend the title to the vessel against the claims and demands of all persons. Seller further certifies that there are no outstanding debts, maritime liens, or obligations secured by the vessel. For a new vessel, Seller shall deliver the original Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO); for a previously-titled vessel, Seller shall deliver the original certificate of title properly endorsed.

CONDITION AND WARRANTY

The vessel is sold in "As-Is" condition. THE VESSEL IS SOLD "AS IS, WHERE IS," WITH ALL FAULTS, WITH NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY (UCC § 2-314), FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE (UCC § 2-315), OR SEAWORTHINESS. This conspicuous disclaimer is made under UCC § 2-316(3)(a). Buyer acknowledges that Buyer has had the opportunity to inspect the vessel (including, where applicable, to engage a marine surveyor) and all its systems, and accepts the vessel in its present condition.

Known Defects/Damage: Minor gelcoat scratch on starboard bow, approximately 4 inches. Bimini top zipper needs replacement.

TRAILER

This sale includes one (1) boat trailer with Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): 1MDAAHB20MH502199. The trailer is included in the total sale price stated above and is transferred to Buyer as part of this transaction. Seller represents that Seller has the right to transfer ownership of the trailer and that it is free from all liens and encumbrances.

ADDITIONAL TERMS AND DISCLOSURES

Sale includes: Bimini top, boat cover, four life jackets, fire extinguisher, anchor with 100ft rode, dock lines, and fenders.

GOVERNING LAW AND APPLICABLE STATUTES

This Bill of Sale shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas (including the Uniform Commercial Code Article 2 as enacted therein) and applicable federal law, including the Federal Boat Safety Act, 46 U.S.C. §§ 4301–4311, U.S. Coast Guard documentation rules under 46 U.S.C. §§ 12101–12152 and 46 C.F.R. Part 67 (for vessels of at least 5 net tons), and general federal maritime law. Buyer is responsible for any applicable state sales or use tax and for completing all required state titling and registration within the governing state's statutory window. Any cash payment of $10,000 or more received in the course of Seller's trade or business must be reported on IRS Form 8300 under IRC § 6050I. Both parties agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the state or federal courts located in Texas for any disputes arising from this agreement.

By signing below, each party acknowledges reading, understanding, and agreeing to the terms of this Bill of Sale.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date indicated.

SELLER

Robert Fischer

Seller

Date: ____________________

BUYER

Karen Watkins

Buyer

Date: ____________________

Available as a print-ready PDF or an editable Microsoft Word (.docx) file.

What Is a Boat Bill of Sale?

A boat bill of sale is a legal document that records the private sale and transfer of ownership of a boat, yacht, personal watercraft, or other vessel from one party to another. It serves as written proof that the transaction took place, details the terms of the sale, and identifies the vessel being transferred. Both the buyer and seller should retain a signed copy for their records.

This document is required or recommended in most U.S. states when transferring ownership of a recreational or commercial watercraft. American state agencies use the bill of sale along with a title (where applicable) to register the vessel under the new owner's name. It also protects the seller from future liability by establishing a clear date of transfer and documenting the condition at the time of sale in the United States.

A well-prepared boat bill of sale includes the Hull Identification Number (HIN), vessel specifications, engine details, sale price, payment method, condition disclosures, and warranty terms. For vessels documented with the United States Coast Guard, additional information such as the official documentation number is also recorded. Including thorough details helps prevent disputes and simplifies the registration process for the buyer.

What's Covered in This Template

Doxuno's boat bill of sale template covers every detail needed for a complete and legally sound vessel transfer. Each section can be customized to match your specific boat, watercraft, or yacht transaction.

Seller & Buyer Details

Hull Identification Number

Vessel Specifications

Engine & Propulsion

State Registration

USCG Documentation

Sale Price & Payment

Condition & Defects

Warranty Terms

Trailer Information

Notary Acknowledgment

Governing Law & Signatures

How to Create a Boat Bill of Sale

Creating a boat bill of sale is straightforward with our template. Fill in the required fields, review the live preview, and download the completed document as a PDF. Follow these five steps to complete your vessel transfer document.

1
Enter Seller and Buyer Information
Provide the full legal names, mailing addresses, phone numbers or email addresses, and driver's license numbers of both the seller and buyer. Accurate identification details help verify the parties involved and prevent future disputes over the transaction.
2
Describe the Vessel
Enter the Hull Identification Number (HIN), year, make, model, length, beam, hull material, and hull color. If the vessel has an engine, include the engine type, make, horsepower, fuel type, and engine hours. Add the state registration number, and if the vessel is documented with the U.S. Coast Guard, provide the official documentation number.
3
Set the Sale Terms
Specify the total sale price in USD, the date of sale, and the payment method used (cash, personal check, cashier's check, bank transfer, or financing). Select the governing state whose laws will apply to the transaction and any disputes that may arise.
4
Define Condition and Warranty
Select the vessel's condition (as-is, good, fair, or poor) and disclose any known defects or damage in writing. Choose whether the vessel is sold as-is with no warranty or includes a limited warranty with specific terms. Record the engine hours at the time of sale for reference.
5
Add Additional Terms and Download
Indicate whether a boat trailer is included in the sale and provide the trailer's VIN if applicable. Specify if notarization is required by your state, add any extra terms or disclosures (such as included equipment), then download the completed bill of sale as a PDF for both parties to review and sign.

Why Doxuno documents are different

Four things that make our templates more thorough than AI-generated drafts and more current than static template libraries.

Accurate

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Drafted with legal expertise for each jurisdiction, far more thorough than AI-generated drafts that copy generic clauses across borders.

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Always current with the law

Templates carrying statute references are continuously updated as the law changes. Your document always reflects the current legal framework.

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Free to download. Vector text, embedded fonts, statute citations baked in. Print, sign, file. Ready for any signing flow including electronic signature.

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Continue editing in Word after download. Add custom clauses, reuse the template for similar agreements, or share with a colleague for collaborative review.

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Legal Considerations for US Boat Sales

Selling or buying a boat in the United States involves several legal requirements that vary by state. Understanding these requirements helps ensure a smooth ownership transfer and protects both parties from potential liability after the sale is complete.

This template is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Boat registration and titling requirements vary by state. Consult your state's wildlife or natural resources agency for specific requirements.

Reviewed by legal professionals. The content on this page and the template clauses have been reviewed by licensed attorneys in the United States to ensure accuracy and legal soundness for standard boat sale transactions.

State Registration Requirements

Most U.S. states require boats with motors to be registered with a state agency, typically the Department of Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife agency, or Department of Motor Vehicles. After a sale, the American buyer must transfer the registration into their name, usually within 15 to 30 days depending on the state. A signed bill of sale is one of the primary documents required for this United States transfer. Some states also issue titles for boats above a certain length or value, and the title must be transferred separately from the registration.

USCG Documentation vs. State Registration

Vessels measuring five net tons or more may be documented with the United States Coast Guard instead of, or in addition to, state registration. USCG documentation provides a federal record of ownership and is required for vessels engaged in coastwise trade. When selling a documented vessel, the seller must complete and submit transfer forms to the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC). The buyer should verify the vessel's documentation status through the USCG abstract of title before completing the purchase.

Sales Tax and Use Tax

Most U.S. states impose a sales tax or use tax on boat purchases. The tax rate and rules vary by American state. In private sales, the buyer is typically responsible for paying the applicable tax when registering the vessel in the United States. Some states offer exemptions for vessels purchased out of state or used primarily in interstate waters. Keep the bill of sale as proof of the purchase price, as the U.S. state may use it to calculate the tax owed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Create a professional U.S. boat bill of sale in minutes. Our American template covers vessel details, engine specs, condition disclosures, trailer information, and everything needed for a legally sound ownership transfer in the United States.

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