Finally after years of talking about it, I am buying a boat (13ft Whaler with a 25hp Johnson). I am meeting the seller in the Charleston area to give it a test run, but here is the rub: it has no current registration or numbers. He bought it as a project and refurbished it and the registration is long expired. He does have the title, and I will be registering the boat when I get back to Georgia.
So let’s say that in the 15 minutes or so that we have the boat in the water that a DNR or other LEO comes along and notices that the boat is not registered. If we explain the situation, what is the likelihood they would cut us some slack? We will have the title, purchase contract, certified check, and bills of sale to show that we aren’t just making this story up. I do trust the seller but I also feel like I would be an irresponsible buyer if I didn’t take it for a test ride.
And yes, I know that it would be better if he had the boat registered, but that isn’t the situation. Would particularly like to hear from any DNR guys on here, but also from anyone else that might have any useful information or advice. To recap, what is the likelihood that the DNR/LEO officer would cut us some slack for having the boat on public waters for a very short period of time (under 30 minutes) with no registration?
If you’re lucky enough to be fishing, you’re lucky enough.
Totally up to the agent. No way to predict the outcome if you’re stopped.
Your attitude may have a big impact on how the situation unfolds. I would think he would tell you to remove the boat from the water and that would be the end of it, but no way to tell for sure.
What would make the whole process easier is for the seller to go ahead and register the boat before selling.
Cross-State sells are not complicated especially if the boat is registered already.
I agree. This sale isn’t complicated…just the test-ride part of the equation. And I think my attitude would be fine. My dad is a retired cop, so my default response is to give respect to LEOs of all kinds.
If you’re lucky enough to be fishing, you’re lucky enough.
A new boat dealer takes you on a test ride without the boat being registered! I’ve never seen dealer tags on a boat! I doubt you’ll find DNR out on the water until it warms up a bit! Those guys aren’t stupid, they like to stay warm. You might see one at a ramp sitting in a warm truck:wink: Make sure you have all the required safety gear with you!
PS: Call a dealer and ask them how they get away with it:question:
That is left to the officers discretion make sure you have all safety equipment, ie. vests, whistle, fire extinguisher, etc etc, what i would not have is fishing poles and gear and cooler full of beer or fresh fish, etc etc, all paper work would definitely help the officer make the informed choice, most officers are reasonable treat them with respect and if that does not work “Admit nothing, Deny everything, and Demand proof” and then start screaming “I have been kiddnapped!!”" that always works. at least you will not go to jail…
I don’t think it would be a problem if you handle it as discussed above. The good news is that if you get stopped and the LEO chooses to write a ticket, it will be to the current owner and not to you as the prospective buyer. Don’t complete the transaction until after the test ride.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
Bring a 55 gal barrel and run it in it, or just back it down the ramp and leave it on the trailer. All you are testing for is running the engine under a load.
as dealers we are issued a set of dealer registration numbers and a registration card.
running it in a drum will not be the same load as a true rivertest.
if a ticket is issued, it will be to the seller.
Having done it before: I would not ever ever ever buy a boat without running it on the open water.
Also having done it before: Unless it really was a screaming deal, I probably wouldn’t buy an unregistered boat either. GA -> SC is hard because there is a registration but no title, or something wonky like that. SC->GA might not be as bad. HOWEVER, I would offer the registration fee to add to the purchase price, contingent upon the guy getting it registered. Titles and registrations are the worst. At the very least, you need the last registration and a clear chain of custody in bills-of-sale, but even then you are risking a headache.
As far as unregistered tests go, if you dont plan on running it all day, and just stick near the ramp, AND there is no DNR parked at the ramp I would just do it.
So, 2 points for “be very very careful” and one point for “go raise hell”
No title is required in Georgia on the boat or motor. Just a bill of sale and hull ID number. If the sale was GA to GA somebody would be required to pay back taxes due. SC to GA, I don’t know. The trailer requires a Certificate of Origin to register it.
As Chris and Matt said, there is no substitute for a river test, a barrel won’t do it. I’d go for it and not worry about it even a little bit.
quote:
Cracker, that is the best point made yet Now why didn't I think of that, you old law breaker you
Got to think outside the box, Easy You ain’t got to outrun the bear, just your buddy
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
I wouldn’t worry about it. If you were stopped (very unlikely), be cordial, explain what your doing. I’m sure they will let it ride. In my experience with DNR officers they are very cool if you are too.
I was checked while in my father-in-law’s boat without the registration. I offered to get the registration for the DNR agent within three minutes. We were about 300 yards from the dock. He said since I had a letter of permission to operate the boat that he would only give me a warning. I asked how much the fine was, out of curiosity, and if I recall correctly it was in the hundreds of dollars. Also, he said a copy of the registration will pass inspection, or would at that time. Better to be safe than sorry. I always have a copy with me now.
Thanks, guys. I researched GA registration for the boat and trailer and we should be good to go. He has a clear chain of title (NC title) for the boat, and will give me a notarized bill of sale for the boat, the motor, and the trailer (one for each). He said he would bring all the safety gear for the test ride. Saturday is going to be pretty chilly, so as long as it runs well under load for about 10 minutes in the water I am calling it good.
If you’re lucky enough to be fishing, you’re lucky enough.
Surf, as you know, I own the same boat. Just be prepared that its a “bone shaker” in heavy chop, and its scheduled to blow a gale on Sat out of the WSW. The boat is safe as it gets and seaworthy and tough, but it will shorten your spine in rough water. So, arrange to meet somewhere where you have windward protection. I would think Bushy would be a good choice as you would be able to open it up and stay in the bay, or windward side of the Cooper out of that landing. Leeds will be a choppy mess. Not trying to tell you what to do, just offering a suggestion.
Thanks, Dave. Yeah, we decided to go inland a bit and test run it in fresh water. Should be less choppy and I don’t have to worry about washing everything down afterwards in this cold-a$$ weather. Have been waiting for years to buy a boat and I pick a weekend with an Arctic blast!
If you’re lucky enough to be fishing, you’re lucky enough.
dont know about n.c., but in s.c. all taxes must be up to date, before the d.n.r. will do anything, i know one person who has two boats, but can not get a title change because of past taxes and the title not up to date with the present owner, check your dnr first and be safe. good luck
Make sure you have all the required safety gear with you!