What Is a Boat Bill of Sale?
A boat bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of a boat. It outlines the buyer and seller’s details, describes the boat, and sets the terms of the sale, including the price and payment method.
Some states make this document a requirement, while others do not. Even when it isn’t mandatory, it’s still worth having because it confirms the sale took place, protects both parties, and helps with the next steps, such as:
- Registering the vessel
- Transferring the title
- Handling tax obligations
To keep everything accurate and compliant, many people use a boat bill of sale template. It makes the process easier and makes sure the document covers all the necessary details.
How a Bill of Sale for Boat Motor and Trailer Works
A bill of sale doesn’t just apply to the boat itself. Buyer and seller can decide exactly what the sale covers:
- The boat only
- The boat with its motor
- The boat with both motor and trailer
With Legal Templates, you don’t need multiple forms. Our vessel bill of sale template brings everything together, keeping the paperwork simple while recording every part of the deal in one place.
If you need a boat motor bill of sale or a boat and trailer bill of sale form, the process works the same. The document shows what’s included, records the details, and protects both parties in the transaction.
Boat Bill of Sale – By State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How to Write a Boat Bill of Sale
A proper boat bill of sale captures every part of the transaction. That includes the boat, the parties, and the price agreed on. It should also account for any other details that may come with the sale, starting with the trailer.
1. Add Trailer Details (If Part of the Sale)
If the sale includes a trailer, include the:
- Make, model, year, color, and body type
- Vehicle identification number(VIN), license plate number, and empty weight
- Condition and any notes
- Extra trailers if more than one is sold
This extends the main bill of sale for boat sales. You don’t need a separate bill of sale for boat and trailer.
2. Add Motor Details (If Part of the Sale)
If the boat comes with a motor, record the:
- Type (inboard or outboard)
- Make, model, year, and color
- Horsepower and serial number
- Condition and notes
This also extends the main boat bill of sale. You don’t need a separate boat motor bill of sale. These details are simply added to the main form.
3. Include Buyer and Seller Information
List names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails for both parties. This shows who took part in the deal and provides contact details if needed later.
4. Describe the Boat Clearly
Add the boat’s identifying details:
- Make, model, year, and color
- Registration number and state
- Vessel type, hull ID, and hull material
- Condition and any notes
5. Record the Sale Terms
The bill of sale should clearly show the terms of the deal. This includes:
- Gift or sale, and the price
- If sales tax is included
- Payment method (cash, check, credit card, PayPal, payment plan, etc.)
- Warranty information and date of sale
6. Decide on Notarization
Notarizing a boat bill of sale isn’t required in most states, but some buyers and sellers still prefer to do so. A notary checks IDs, confirms both parties signed willingly, and stamps the document. Use our notary acknowledgment form for confirmation. This extra step makes the bill of sale more difficult to dispute and can be useful for registration or title transfer in certain states.
Selling a Jet Ski?
A jet ski bill of sale form works just like a boat bill of sale, but is designed for personal watercraft.
Sample Bill of Sale for Boat
Take a look at our sample boat and trailer bill of sale to see how the document works. When you need one, you can customize and then download a free printable bill of sale for a boat and trailer in PDF and Word.
