Boat Bill of Sale Template, Free Download 2026
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When Do You Need a Boat Bill of Sale?
You are purchasing or selling a recreational watercraft or vessel through a private party transaction and the state DNR or marine agency requires a written bill of sale to register the boat and calculate applicable sales or excise tax on the transaction.
The vessel is federally documented with the USCG through the National Vessel Documentation Center and the transfer requires a completed CG-1340 form accompanied by a notarized bill of sale to properly convey the documented vessel to the new owner.
You are buying a boat that comes with a trailer and need separate documentation for each asset because the state DNR registers the vessel while the DMV registers the trailer. Our vehicle bill of sale template can be used for the trailer portion of the transaction.
A marine survey has been completed on the vessel and you want the bill of sale to reference the survey findings, including the hull condition, engine hours, and fair market value determination used to negotiate the final purchase price.
You are transferring ownership of a vessel that was inherited, gifted, or won in a contest and need a bill of sale or transfer document to establish the value for tax purposes and to satisfy state registration requirements for the new owner.
The boat does not have a clear title due to an outstanding lien, missing registration, or chain-of-title issue, and you need a bill of sale to document the terms of the transaction while title issues are resolved with the lienholder or the state DNR.
What Should a Boat Bill of Sale Include?
Buyer and Seller Information
Include the full legal names, mailing addresses, and contact information for both parties. If the seller is a business entity such as a marina or dealer, include the business name, EIN, and dealer license number. The names should match the current vessel registration or USCG documentation.
Vessel Description and Hull Identification Number
Record the vessel's make, model, year of manufacture, length, hull material, hull color, and hull identification number (HIN). The HIN is a 12-character serial number required on all watercraft manufactured after 1972 under the Federal Boat Safety Act and 33 CFR Part 181. This vessel bill of sale section should match the HIN on the transom to the registration documents.
Engine and Propulsion Details
Document the engine make, model, horsepower, serial number, fuel type, and number of engines. If the engine is outboard, note whether it is included in the sale or sold separately. Include the engine hours if known, as this affects the vessel's value and is typically verified during a marine survey.
Trailer Information (If Applicable)
If a trailer is included in the sale, list the trailer make, model, year, VIN, and license plate number in a separate section. The boat trailer requires its own registration and title transfer through the DMV rather than the state boating agency.
Sale Price and Payment Terms
State the total purchase price for the vessel (and separately for the trailer if applicable). Specify the payment method and whether the full amount was paid at closing. If financing is involved, note the lender's information. Under 46 USC Chapter 125, federally documented vessels must have all liens and mortgages recorded with the National Vessel Documentation Center.
Condition and Warranty Disclosure
State whether the vessel is sold as-is or with specific warranties. Disclose any known defects, damage history, or insurance claims. Reference the marine survey if one was performed and whether the buyer had the opportunity to inspect the vessel prior to purchase.
Signatures and Notarization
Both parties must sign and date the bill of sale. For USCG-documented vessels, the bill of sale must be notarized and submitted with the CG-1340 to the National Vessel Documentation Center. For state-registered vessels, check whether your state requires notarization. E-signatures are accepted for most state-level boat transactions.
Legal Details: Key Clauses in a Boat Bill of Sale
Parties
This Boat/Vessel Bill of Sale is made on [____________] by [____________] ("Seller") and [____________] ("Buyer").
Vessel Description
Seller hereby sells and transfers to Buyer the following vessel (the "Vessel"): Year: [____________]; Make: [____________]; Model: [____________]; Length: [____________]; Hull Identification Number (HIN): [____________]; Registration Number: [____________]; State of Registration: [____________]; Engine Make/Model: [____________]; Engine Serial Number: [____________].
Purchase Price and Payment
The Purchase Price is [$__________], paid by [cash / certified check / wire transfer / other: ____________]. Seller acknowledges receipt of the full Purchase Price.
Title Transfer
Seller shall deliver a properly endorsed certificate of title (or certificate of documentation) free and clear of all liens and encumbrances. Buyer shall transfer registration with the appropriate state agency within the required time period. If the Vessel is documented with the U.S. Coast Guard, Seller shall execute all documents necessary to transfer documentation.
Coast Guard Documentation
[If applicable:] The Vessel [is / is not] documented with the U.S. Coast Guard. Documentation Number: [____________]. Seller shall execute a Bill of Sale in the form required by the Coast Guard (46 CFR Part 67) and any additional documentation necessary to transfer the Vessel's documentation.
Condition
The Vessel is sold "AS IS" without warranty. Buyer has inspected the Vessel and accepts it in its current condition. Seller makes no warranties regarding condition, seaworthiness, fitness, or merchantability. [OR: Seller provides the following warranty: ____________.]
Trailer
[If applicable:] The sale [includes / does not include] a trailer. Trailer Description: Year: [____________]; Make: [____________]; VIN: [____________]. Separate title transfer may be required for the trailer.
Liens
Seller represents the Vessel is free from all liens, maritime liens, encumbrances, and security interests. Seller shall indemnify Buyer against any pre-existing liens discovered after sale.
Taxes and Fees
Buyer is responsible for all sales tax, use tax, registration fees, documentation fees, and any other charges related to the transfer.
Governing Law
This Bill of Sale is governed by the laws of the State of [_____________] and applicable federal maritime law. This document constitutes the complete agreement regarding the sale of the Vessel.
Signature Requirements
Electronic Signature
Both buyer and seller must sign the boat bill of sale. Electronic signatures are valid under ESIGN Act and UETA for most state registrations; however, USCG documented vessel transfers require notarized bills of sale submitted to the National Vessel Documentation Center.
Related Contracts & Agreements Templates
A boat bill of sale is often used alongside other contracts & agreements documents. Depending on your situation, you may also need:
How to Fill Out a Boat Bill of Sale
Enter Party Information
Fill in the full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller. If either party is a business, include the business name and tax ID. Verify names match the existing registration or USCG documentation.
Describe the Vessel
Enter the year, make, model, length, hull material, and hull identification number (HIN). The HIN is located on the transom (rear) of the vessel. Cross-reference the HIN with the registration or documentation to confirm the numbers match.
Enter Engine and Equipment Details
Record each engine's make, model, serial number, horsepower, and fuel type. Note the engine hours if available. List any additional equipment included in the sale, such as electronics, anchors, safety gear, or canvas covers.
Add Trailer Details If Included
If a trailer is part of the sale, enter the trailer year, make, VIN, and current registration number in the designated trailer section. The trailer will need to be transferred separately at the DMV, so keeping its information distinct from the vessel is important.
State the Sale Price and Condition
Enter the purchase price for the vessel and trailer separately. Select the condition (as-is or with warranty). Disclose any known defects. If a marine survey was performed, reference the surveyor's name, date, and report number.
Sign and Complete Transfer
Both parties sign and date the printable boat bill of sale. If the vessel is USCG-documented, have the document notarized and submit it with CG-1340 to the National Vessel Documentation Center. For state-registered boats, take the signed bill of sale to the state DNR or boating agency to complete the transfer.
Free Template vs Custom Boat Bill of Sale
| Feature | Free Template | Custom (AI or Attorney) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic vessel and party identification fields | ||
| HIN and engine detail sections | ||
| USCG documentation compliance languageCG-1340 reference | - | |
| Trailer section with separate pricing | - | |
| Attorney review and customization | - | |
| Printable boat bill of sale (PDF/Word) |
Key Facts About Boat Bill of Sale Documents
USCG CG-1340 must be notarized for federally documented vessel transfers.
HIN is a 12-character serial number required on all vessels manufactured after 1972.
Boat trailer requires separate bill of sale from the vessel itself.
Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 established HIN requirements for manufactured boats.
46 USC Chapter 125 governs vessel documentation and transfer through USCG.
Key Legal Terms in a Boat Bill of Sale
When a Free Template Is Not Enough
Free templates cover standard situations, but a professionally drafted boat bill of sale accounts for state-specific requirements, unusual circumstances, and enforceability considerations that generic forms miss. If your situation involves significant assets, complex terms, or potential disputes, request an attorney-drafted boat bill of sale with a custom quote based on your situation.
Boat Bill of Sale Template FAQ
Do you need a bill of sale to register a boat?
Does a boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
What is a hull identification number?
What should be included in a boat bill of sale?
Can I sell a boat without a title?
What is the difference between USCG documentation and state registration?
Do I need a bill of sale for a boat trailer?
How do I transfer ownership of a boat?
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