Hobie 18 Registration

Over the years I've had and sold two Hobie 18's. My last one was 10 years ago. I'm looking to get one again and ran across something I didn't think of much in my younger days.... Technically, being over 16 ft, the 18 has to be registered / titled here in Florida. I have to admit in my younger days I didn't really even think of it and never did. I've looked at a few recently and none of them are registered either. I don't for a minute think there's anything sinister in the boats such as being stolen, but how would I go about registering a boat I might buy if the owner never titled it, and he bought it years before the same way?

skenn158

I am going through that exact scenario right now with an 18 that was given to me. Depending on who you call and talk to you are going to get a different answer. The easiest option I have been told will work is to have the person you buy it from get a notarized affidavit stating that the boat was never titled or registered and that the boat is not stolen. Along with that you will also need a bill of sale. I have not yet tried to get my boat titled this way but I was told this today by the DMV. I asked the lady if she could have her supervisor confirm that for me and she did. I am hoping it is that easy, but I have heard some different accounts. If you can find a boat with a title or certificate of origin that would probably be the easiest route. As far as the trailer goes you can just get a certified weight ticket and say that it is home made if you don't have the original paperwork. I know a few people who still do not have their 18's registered and sail them here in Florida with no problem. While I doubt you will get stopped, I would hate to get stopped and have no proof of ownership what-so-ever, so I am trying to get a title. Also a good idea to get some proof of ownership for insurance reasons. Good luck with your search.

Here in SC registration is required, however where I bought my boat in NC its not required. All I had to do for the lack of a title was tell SCDNR that I bought my boat in NC and one was not needed there. That said, I have yet to see a registered hobie here. I plan on just using my boat in FL, and not registering it there as it will not be parked on the beach or anything.

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2010 AHPC C2 #218

I have a feeling that in the last 10 years or so the law has changed regarding <20 foot motorless boats. (read: more tax $).

Makes me kind of weary to spend 2-3k on a hobie/prindle/nacra and wonder if i will get stuck with a boat i can't register/resell if something happens.

here in the Garden State, there is no doubt about titling and registration. it is mandatory. the state is so broke they want every dime and then some.

here's an almost horror story:
I bought my H18 new in 1988, sold it in 1995 along with the trailer. I bought it back in 2008 from a fellow who owned it only for one year, having bought it from the guy i sold it to. 13 years after selling it, upon getting it back home and reviewing the documents I discovered the trailer's registration had never been changed from being in MY name!

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Chris
'88 H18SE Arís