Need to vent...

I purchased a H16 5 days ago, the original owner had lost the title. To get this taken care of, I now have to fill out a form, drop it off personally(30 minute drive each way), then wait 25-30 business days for the original owner to get the title, THEN I have to go back there and get the title put back in my name which will again take time..

I can't let the sailboat touch the water until then. I don't have any options at all...kinda stuck and getting frustrated.

Really. What is your local DNR going to do? Sail it anyway. Give it to the man, man.... Even if you manage to get a ticket, take the day off, go to court watch the judge get angry for the DNR wasting his time, then proceed from the courthouse directly to the lake.

In Texas?

If so, you can get away with using the boat as long as you carry proof of ownership and that you've applied for the title.

Brian C

If that's correct, you just made my summer.

I'm not about to stick it to anyone. Just got done paying a ticket for not having a PFD on a kayak..was testing a new one out with two friends, didn't have a chance to even get my gear from my dad's house so was using their stuff..and they didn't have an extra. I was about 15' max from the dock, am an experienced swimmer, NAUI certified, been like a fish since I was a kid..100$$$$$ for that!

Should I call to verify that I can do this or are you 100% sure? That would mean I could potentially be sailing Tuesday!

We don't have a title for our boat or trailer. Luckily in AZ as long as the boat doesn't have a motor of any kind on it, no registration (and therefore title) is needed. The trailer is another matter.... The previous owner is supposed to be working on getting a duplicate title from CA where boat and trailer originally came from. When he moved out here 10 yrs ago or so he never retitled either, as they just sat in his yard, and then lost both titles evidently. We've sailed her a bunch anyway, luckily so far law enforcement has either not noticed, or not cared... Sounds like it will be a major pain though if I ever move somewhere where I need a title for the boat (or sell it).

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'81 H14T

It depends a lot on where you sail. But if you've made a good faith attempt to get things clear, that should be a defense to any ticket. Notice that I say defense. A harda$$ or dumba$$ TPWD ranger can still give you a hard time. But they can do that for all kinds or reasons.

Basically, it's the same as being able to use a freshly bought used car before you actually have good plates and clear title with your name on it. A bill of sale and copies of the submitted paperwork will keep you driving, though the cop will probably run your data through a system.

The people in the TPWD offices do tend to be a bit on the persnickety side. In fact, it sounds like you dealt with that old battle axe over in the Garland office. She's a piece of work. I don't know why it's like that. Punishing people for trying to do the right thing is just stupid.

You can call if you want, but what I'll tell you over the phone is what I've typed above. Put the paperwork in a ziploc and don't waste time waiting on a bunch of bureaucrats to do the job we pay them to do.

All that said, I'd avoid Lake Lewisville and any body of water heavily patrolled by the Coast Guard. Avoid being seen drinking beer. Wear your life jacket and avoid swim beaches. Basically, blend in.

These are my opinions and not those of Mariner Sails. And they might even get me in trouble with my boss. But petty pencil pushers piss me off and can kiss my big ole butt.

Brian C

Very few officers like to try and mess with sailboats, just don't cause a scene and they will probably leave you alone. Also in Oklahoma you have 3 months to get the boat registered before you are in trouble.

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Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

Do What now?

Man do I love florida. I dont have a tag on my trailor and nothing but a receipt of sale that I keep in my truck (tow vehicle). Privet lake, public lake, never been bothered.

When we have been "pulled over" on the St. Johns in our power boat they didnt even check that the registration was up to date (sticker on the front) just that the boat was ours.

I guess with so many boaters on the water down here they dont have time to "dilly daddle"

That does sound good.

I read somewhere that Texas was 2nd behind Florida in either boats per capita or total number of boats. I forget which. But out Parks and Wildlife department is becoming an embarrassment. There's just no end of horror stories.

I've been trying to find the actual regs and exemptions for "lost title" boats. But everytime I start looking, a customer calls or comes through the door... Like now.

Bye

Brian C

Just tell'em it's a transient boat out of a state which doesn't require registration of sail only vessels! One thing to remember, though- many enforcement actions are really about taking your $! Kind of surprising that my home base of MD doesn't require registration for sail only- guess they are missing out on it!
Dave