Choose Your Boat Bill of Sale Type

A warranty bill of sale means the seller guarantees the vessel is in the condition described, has no hidden structural or mechanical defects, is seaworthy, and has clear title. The seller can be held liable if these claims prove false. An as-is bill of sale means the buyer accepts the boat in its current condition with all faults, known or unknown. The seller makes no promises about seaworthiness or condition, and the buyer assumes all risk. As-is sales typically reflect lower prices due to this increased risk.

Use warranty if you have maintenance records, the vessel has been recently surveyed, all systems are operational, and you have clear title. This is standard for well-maintained boats under 20 years old. Use as-is if the boat is older, needs significant repairs, has been stored for years, you inherited it without knowing its condition, or it has structural issues. As-is protects sellers from liability for unknown problems, but expect buyers to request a marine survey or negotiate a substantially lower price.

A complete boat bill of sale must include: buyer and seller names and addresses, vessel Hull Identification Number (HIN) or registration number, make/model/year of the vessel, length, engine details (make, model, serial numbers), purchase price and payment method, sale date, warranty terms or as-is statement, and signatures of both parties. Many states also require notarization. For documented vessels (Coast Guard documentation), additional information may be required. Our state-specific templates include all required fields for legal compliance and vessel registration.

Yes, our boat bill of sale forms are state-specific and fully compliant with each state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), or equivalent marine registration authority. They include all mandatory fields (Hull ID Number, engine details, watercraft description) and notary blocks where required, ensuring smooth vessel title transfer and registration.

Notarization requirements vary by state. Many states (including Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and others) require notarization for boat sales to register the vessel. Other states accept a bill of sale signed by both parties without notarization. Check your state's marine registration requirements - our templates include notary signature blocks when needed. Even when not required, notarization provides extra legal protection against fraud and is highly recommended for boats valued over $10,000.

Yes, our forms are available in editable PDF or Word formats, allowing you to fill them out digitally on any device (desktop, tablet, or mobile) before printing or saving as a PDF. Your download link arrives instantly after purchase—no delays, no subscriptions.

State registration is required for most recreational boats and is handled by your state's DMV or marine authority (like a car registration). Coast Guard documentation is federal registration for larger vessels (typically 26+ feet) used in commercial activities or international waters. Documented vessels don't need state registration but still require a bill of sale for ownership transfer. Our bill of sale forms work for both types - just indicate the vessel's registration/documentation status. For documented vessels, you'll also need to file paperwork with the National Vessel Documentation Center.

With an as-is sale, the buyer generally has no legal recourse for defects discovered after purchase - this is the purpose of the as-is clause. However, the seller can still be held liable for: (1) actively concealing known major defects like hull damage or engine failure (fraud), (2) misrepresenting the Hull ID Number or vessel specifications, (3) failing to disclose salvage or total loss history when required by state law, or (4) lying about ownership or lien status. The key is honest disclosure - an as-is sale protects sellers from unknown problems, not from deliberate deception. Always document known issues in writing.

Absolutely yes - when buying any boat as-is, always hire a certified marine surveyor to inspect the vessel before purchase. A marine survey typically costs $15-25 per foot ($300-750 for most boats) and can save you tens of thousands by identifying hull damage, engine problems, electrical issues, osmotic blistering (fiberglass boats), or hidden structural defects. Most reputable sellers will allow a survey; if a seller refuses, walk away. Many insurance companies and lenders also require a recent survey. A survey doesn't change the as-is nature of the sale, but it helps you negotiate a fair price and avoid buying a disaster.

Yes, both types are legally valid and widely used in all 50 states and for Coast Guard documented vessels. The choice between warranty and as-is is a business decision about risk allocation, not about legality. Warranty sales are standard for newer, well-maintained vessels; as-is sales are common for older boats, project vessels, or estate sales. Both must include accurate information (Hull ID Number, vessel specifications, known defects, lien status) to be legally enforceable. Our attorney-reviewed templates ensure compliance with state marine laws and federal vessel documentation requirements for both types of sales.

You can re-download and edit the form at no extra cost via your confirmation email or account page. For assistance, contact our support team—we're here to help with form-related questions. Plus, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if it doesn't fit your needs.

Yes, our boat bill of sale templates work for all types of watercraft requiring title/registration, including powerboats, sailboats, yachts, fishing boats, pontoon boats, jet skis, personal watercraft (PWC), and even documented vessels—just update the vessel description and specifications. For motor vehicles like cars or trucks, explore our motor vehicle comparison page .