My dad passed away several years ago and his boat was in the carport for years. It is a 87 Duracraft 17 ft 10 in long. 90 guage aluminum all welded. I think the motor is the same year a Mariner 80 hp with tilt and trim. The trailer has been redone but I have no idea what to ask or where to get a value. Any suggestions?

If your mother is the co-owner on the titles, get her to sign them over to you. File your paperwork with TPWD so the titles are in your name. Find the trailer paperwork. Take the boat to get serviced or have someone knowledgeable you trust help you.

Without a Texas title in your name and a serviced motor with good compression, you may a lot of trouble determining the value because not many would be interested.

If you decide to sell, just look for nationwide search (search tempest) for similar year and make and see what they are listing for. Start a little high and negotiate. If you get 15 calls in less than 24 hours, you probably could have sold it for more, but the market is interested. If you get 0 calls in the first week, you are priced too high, regardless what you think the boat value could or should be.

Do not put it in your name. It will cost you a bunch in sales tax, and won't increase the value of the boat one bit.

I think if it is done as a gift, which I would assume that would apply here, no sales tax would be paid, just the title transfer fees.

I am just trying to put some ideas up for this person to review. I am sure if they research more they will learn very quick what will be the right solution to their problem.

You are correct. Simply go up to the office and they have a form for a family member "gifting" the boat to you. Bring your mother and do it in one trip or you may be able to download the form from the TPW website. Small fee but no sales tax. Same with automobiles.

Thanks. I have it at the shop now where the mechanic can go through it. I told him to fix whatever needs to be fixed.
Thanks for your responses.

Try NADA for boat values.

http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats

Hay Toby: Your boat is like me. It is too old to put a price on.

Send me some pics. and I will tell you what it is worth.

+1

They say my boat is worth 25,000 but if I were to sell it today I would ask 27,000 or 28,000. If I don't sell it then o well but a boat that's paid for is priceless.