Hi All,

I'm going to be purchasing my first bass boat here soon (going to look at one tomorrow) and since this is my first boat purchase, I wanted to make sure my expectations match others. Is it perfectly acceptable to ask the seller to meet at my local TPWD office to transfer boat/motor title? Or does filling out the PWD 143/144 and/or Bill of Sale by both parties when I check out and test drive the boat acceptable? What have you guys done in the past and which method do you prefer?

I want this transaction to be as smooth as possible for both me and the seller and at the same time assure that I will not encounter any bumps in the road. I'm curious to see everyone's thoughts on this. Thanks!

I just recently bought a boat from a private seller, all we filled out was the bill of sale on the back of the titles and made sure he signed front and back of both titles. I took both titles to TPWD office and paid the taxes and it was mine.

What all did you need to transfer the trailer ownership? TxDMV site says Bill of Sale and Registration receipt for trailers under 4000lbs gross weight

I would use the TPWD forms, signed and filled out plus the signed titles for the boat and motor. Get a signed bill of sale for the trailer and get the registration receipt for the trailer if he has it....no need for the seller to go to the offices if he has clear titles to sign over.

Be sure to seperate the cost of the trailer from the boat and motor so you won't be paying tax on the trailer twice...

That is what I will probably end up doing. Thanks for the replies. Hopefully tomorrow I come home with a new boat

Yeah, it is easy. Just keep good contact info for the seller just in case you need him. Have the prices separated for the boat, motor and trailer. If he is willing to meet you there then even better but you have a few days to get it done after purchase.

Get the forms at the parks and wildlife office and get the lady to highlight everything you need to fill out in one color and the seller in another color. My first boat I totally screwed up the paper work and it was a pain in the you know what. On my second boat I asked the lady to do that and it was way easier. Take the paper work with you when you buy the boat. I dont see any problems with meeting at the tpwd to do it either.

I took a picture of the license plate and went to the DMV. They asked me to confirm who i bought it from and had to show proof that i transferred the boat and motor into my name. They looked up the plate and confirmed all details with me and i paid $2.50 to transfer it into my name.