BOAT SALE WITHOUT TITLE?

[BRONZEBACK MAINIAC]

I've got a 2004 Triton that I bought from a Marina in South Carolina. I live in Maine. I'm now selling the boat as a private sale and the guy buying it from me said his bank would like to see the Title for the boat. Problem is that I never got a title. If I remember correct when I bought the boat I was told that not every state has a system for titling boats. I remember this because when I bought it my credit union here in Maine wouldn't finance it unless I had it financed through the marina I bought it from first. Once I did that they would refinance it for me when I got the boat home with the sales receipt.
My loan has been paid off for almost a year now and this guys bank did a check to make sure there were no liens on it, All is good and they cut him a check for it. Has anyone gone through this situation before? And What is the reason for some state doing Titles and others don't?

[reclending.com]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by BRONZEBACK MAINIAC &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I've got a 2004 Triton that I bought from a Marina in South Carolina. I live in Maine. I'm now selling the boat as a private sale and the guy buying it from me said his bank would like to see the Title for the boat. Problem is that I never got a title. If I remember correct when I bought the boat I was told that not every state has a system for titling boats. I remember this because when I bought it my credit union here in Maine wouldn't finance it unless I had it financed through the marina I bought it from first. Once I did that they would refinance it for me when I got the boat home with the sales receipt.
My loan has been paid off for almost a year now and this guys bank did a check to make sure there were no liens on it, All is good and they cut him a check for it. Has anyone gone through this situation before? And What is the reason for some state doing Titles and others don't?

</td></tr></table>

We have a form that outlines each state requirement for titles. This form shows SC does title boats and motors and trailers with a scale weight over 2500 lbs., not capacity. From what this shows, there should be a title. They are not always sent to the owner. Here again state law differs, in some states banks hold titles and in others the state office holds them. What makes this easier for you is that this same form shows maine as a UCC only state, no titles. They just wanted to make sure you did not have a lien. Your titles are probably sitting in a desk in the basement of the original bank waiting for someone to tell them where to send them. There is normally a "release of lien" that is given when a titled unit is paid off. If they are not needed anymore, I would not stur up that can of worms. The next guy can always apply for a lost title if needed down the road.
As for why the difference with titles, good question. I am not a big govermnent guy at all but a standard system sure would be a ton easier. We deal with cross state purchases all the time and always fight it.
Hope it all works out.
Ken, Todd & Chris

[BRONZEBACK MAINIAC]

Thanks for your response, I did find the info about Maine not requireing them like you mentioned. I called the buyers Credit Union and explained that I didn't have the title and they said it was no big deal and everything is good. The sale is complete as of yesterday and everyone is happy.But I agree a standard system between states would be much more convienient.