what is the regulation on having a motor titled. If you have a motor with out a title what happens when a game warden checks you? is it worth buying a motor that has not been titled or if someone doesn't have the title when they sell it

I wouldn't buy it, But that is just the way I am. Been burnt toooooo many times.

Could really stir tha pot with this one but I won't. "Best thing in Texas is a title" for tha normal boat guy but not cause of gettin' checked by tha Warden which ta my knowledge is never done. I haven't ran a titled motor in years...........

I have never been asked for the title to my engine. I do have one outboard that I do not have a title but didn't know about the laws back then. The state makes it impossable to get one so I don't worry about it. My current rig I brought in from out of state and made the dealer do the paper work and have the title for it, but who carrys it in the boat??? I think it's mostly fund raising for the state and to prove ownership if you go to sell it.

it is not only fund raising for the state it provides proof of ownership.

The reason you need the title to the motor...resale and proof of ownership. If you never plan to sell the boat, then no title shouldn't be an issue.

Follow up question for those with titled boat but not motor... does your ID card still say "Titled" in the bottom right hand corner? My ID card also says "FBGLS" and "OUTBD", but only gives HIN, Make, Yr of boat. Other than the "OUTBD", it makes no mention of the motor.

Unless the certificate is printed differently from TPWD if no motor title is present, then it would have to be just proof of ownership (and dues associated with the record keeping)?

So if you get a great deal and a guy only signs a bill of sale you are probably ok.but it better be worth the problems you may come across when you go to sell.Thanks it's nice to get some general answers when I don't have a clue about something.

Actually yes.......BUT 95% of tha folks ya might sale it to later down tha road will "WANT A TITLE" for it. Then you have ta jump thru a lotta hoops for TP&W ta get one..jmo

if a motor of any kind does not have a title an is not titled in the persons name receiving payment it is best to walk away there are too many legit deals out there to get in without having this problem.