I just bought a small flatbottom aluminum boat that came with no title. TPWD told I need to check the serial #s to see if the boat is stolen and/or whose name is on the title.

Conundrum: The boat is covered in about 5 layers of paint and I am guessing that the boat is quite old. I haven't been able to locate any serial numbers yet. And, I've been told that some manufacturers used to put stickers on the hull with the serial #s, load capacity, etc.

What can I do from here? Sand the entire boat? Give up and buy another boat? Call the Game Warden to come inspect it and perhaps confiscate it?

I really need some help. Thanks.

Sorry DONT BUY BOAT WITHOUT TITLE dont really need motor title but MUST have boat.cost $25 for inspection

Thanks for the reply. I was looking for more advice besides the obvious. Anyone else?

The serial number should be located on the transom either inside or outside. On metal boats, it should be a metal plate that is pop riveted to the transom.

I just ran into the problem of trying to title a boat that was never titled because it never had a motor on it and was not required to have a title. It also does not have a hull number and was not manufactured with one.
I had to sent form 143 for registering the boat in my name plus an affidavit in which the previous owner tells why it never had a title.
I also has to send a form 144 to the individual i bought the motor from to get the motor title transferred to me.
When I get that part done I then have to take the paper work to one of the three regional TPWD offices in East Texas and get the paperwork approved.
Then I have to make an appointment with the one game warden in East Texas that does boat inspections and issues ID numbers.
Finally I go to the Courthouse Tax Office and pay the fees, taxes, and fines (there is a fine if you don't register with in 15 days of buying the boat) and get the numbers.
Only then will I be legal to put a motor on the boat and put the boat in the water.

I knew someone had been in this situation before! Thanks Grandpa! Let me know how your deal turns out, and especially how much that fine is! Thanks again!

Sorry but you pay taxes,fees,fines at TP&W only thing you pay at courthouse is trailer.boats and motors go to TP%W I wouldnt mess with titleing a small motor cost more than its worth. In 40 yrs never been asked for motor title

Schedule a date to have it inspected by the warden. In the meantime, you might strip the paint off the transom. They usually want a pencil trace, but I had an old sears boat that just had a sticker. If you do find the sticker, just show it to the game warden on the inspection date.

NoMinners, thanks for the advice. I plan on stripping the paint and really searching hard for the serial #s before I call the game warden. I really don't want him to confiscate my boat for whatever reason.

In the meantime, I guess I just have to hope for the best. Anyone else had experience with this situation?