How do I sell a boat with two names on title?

[whitewater7]

I am thinking about selling my sailboat.

I bought it 18 years ago under partnership and after the first two years I got tired of sharing the boat with a control freak, so I bought my partners half. I don’t think we had anything in writing about the transaction.

Although I have been the registered owner in the state of PA for the last 16 years, the title is still under his name and address. My signature does appears along with his as one of the owners

Am I going to have a problem getting the boats title transferred to another owner? I don't really want to deal with my former partner, if I don't have to.

[arbarnhart]

I think you have to, but it should be easy enough to ask the office that issues titles. Well, at least on Monday it will be...

[sailingdog]

You will probably need a notarized letter from your original partner which says something to effect that you have full ownership of the boat since such-and-such a date and have full authority to sell the boat. This letter will probably allow you to change the title over to just yourself, and then you can sell it normally.

[Watermelon]

I had the case with my boat where the husband and wife were both on the old title. I had to get both signatures on the bill of sale as well as other assorted paperwork. A notarized letter may also be another valid approach.

[whitewater7]

I just recently received an insurance claim settlement for the boat (it was damaged by another persons boat).

Would my former partner have any legal right to some of that money?

He’s the type who is always sueing someone, so I am reluctant to tell him what happened.

We used to be good buddies, and although we presently treat each other cordially, and even shake hands these days, I don’t trust him anymore.

Maybe I just won’t tell him about the insurance settlement and hope he agrees to the notarized letter.

Thanks

[sailingdog]

Whitewater-

If you bought out his share of ownership, he no longer has any rights to the boat, or to any damage settlement arising out of damage to your boat.

Just tell him that you're looking to sell the boat, and ask for a notarized letter saying that you bought out his half of the partnership on such a date and that you have full authority to sell the boat.

Originally Posted by whitewater7

I just recently received an insurance claim settlement for the boat (it was damaged by another persons boat).

Would my former partner have any legal right to some of that money?

He’s the type who is always sueing someone, so I am reluctant to tell him what happened.

We used to be good buddies, and although we presently treat each other cordially, and even shake hands these days, I don’t trust him anymore.

Maybe I just won’t tell him about the insurance settlement and hope he agrees to the notarized letter.

Thanks

[whitewater7]

I'm trying to avoid asking him to prepare a notarized letter, and was going to fax him the letter and ask him to sign it, fax it back and then get it notarized. Do you think that will work?

I might take a walk down to the local notary and ask them about this.


Thanks

[Stillraining]

How do I sell a boat with two names on title? ...


Twice...

Heee Heeee

[arbarnhart]

A notary signs to indicate they saw the signature made.

[sailingdog]

It wouldn't be legal for a notary to notarize a letter, or a fax copy of a letter, without seeing the person who is supposed to be signing it, actually sign it AFAIK. Kind of defeats the purpose of getting it notarized, doesn't it??? (ummm... you really aren't this clueless, are you??)

There's no way for the notary to know if the fax was actually signed by your ex-partner unless he is in the office and watches him sign it.

Originally Posted by whitewater7

I'm trying to avoid asking him to prepare a notarized letter, and was going to fax him the letter and ask him to sign it, fax it back and then get it notarized. Do you think that will work?

I might take a walk down to the local notary and ask them about this.


Thanks