I am scouting around on Craigslist and found a boat I liked at a good price.

Further negotiations revealed that he did not have a title.

Just recently he emailed with the information that the boat had never been registered with Texas Parks and Wildlife.

He stated that all I had to do was apply for a "lost title" to the boat, no problemo.

Is this true? How do I KNOW that the boat has never been registered, etc.?

Do I run on this one also?

Ps....I have ran into this situation 5 times since seeking a boat on Craigslist.

Any advice appreciated.

Chuck - it is very simple. Just get the hull ID off the boat and call the TPWD. They will tell you if it has ever been titled. The first thing you need to do is make sure the boat is not STOLEN!!

If it has not been titled, then you need to do a pencil trace of the hull ID or take the boat to the field office. I did that once with no problems on an old aluminum boat.

https://apps.tpwd.state.tx.us/tora/legal.jsf

Look for your self if it has been titled

I emailed him asking for the serial number of the boat.

He should be able to supply that shouldn't he?

If he can't, I will just keep using my little 12 foot Jon Boat....but it sure is "wet" in any kind of waves.

If it's as easy as applying for a lost title then the seller needs to do that and secure a title before he sells the boat. Tell him you'll buy it once he receives the clear title.

Craigslist is full of guys that bought boats on ads just like you're responding to. Once they find our what a jam they're in and how hard it is to title/register the boat, where do you think they advertise them?? That's right; they go right back on Craigslist.

If a seller doesn't have clear title, walk away. Even if the boat is free it's not worth the headaches you're about to encounter with TP&W.

Thanks.......I'm outta here.