Used 1983 Hobie Cat 16 No Title

Hi All,

I recently bought a 1983 Hobie Cat 16 and trailer without a title from my grandmother's neighbor so I'm not worried about it being stolen. He bought it without a title as well (Price was too low to refuse). So he is currently trying to track down an original owner with some paper work. I am based in California so I would like to get it titled and am very envious of states where Hobie 16's don't need a title. If he comes back and isn't able to track down an original owner with paper work, what are my options to get it retitled? I have read about people buying title's from people junking their Hobie Cats and re-doing hull numbers or selling to someone in a state without title regulations then buying it back with a notarized bill of sale. I am trying to do this legally and have the time with Corona going on, any other options?.

Another big problem is the DMV's are mandatory appointments only. So I haven't been able to get through and talk to anyone and they said they will reopen to the public in July. Any advice would be greatly appreciated .

Try calling a Hobie Sailboat dealer. They may have dealt with this before.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I spoke to Fast Lane Sailing in San Diego.

Join AAA and use their DMV service is what they suggest.

The seller can fill out a "Statement of Facts" that the boat has no title and explain the history. AAA can search the DMV files for prior registration and can then get the boat titled.

Or wait for the DVM, but AAA is sweet.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

You probably figured this out by now but I also bought an untittled Hobie 16 for $400 in Riverside county, CA.

To get it tittled you need a simple bill of sale and a DMV form, don't recall the #, where you declare that you bought the boat from the rightfull owner.

You can do this for any vehicle or vessel under ~ $5000.

Go to the DMV website and find the form, fill it out and bring your original bill of sale. May require an office visit or perhaps you can mail in everything and get it done without an office visit.