A boat bill of sale records who sold the boat, who bought it, how to identify the hull and engine, and what is included. It is the paper both people can point to if questions come up after the sale.
What it is
A boat bill of sale is a short document that both people sign. It names the seller and the buyer, describes the boat with its hull identification number (HIN), size and engine details, states the price and how it was paid, and lists what comes with the boat, such as a trailer or equipment. It supports the title or registration paperwork and does not replace it. A boat that is documented with the US Coast Guard uses the Coast Guard's own bill of sale form for that part of the process.
What to include
- The full names and addresses of the seller and buyer.
- The boat's type, year, make, model, length, hull material and color.
- The HIN and the registration number.
- The engine make, model, horsepower and serial numbers.
- Trailer details, if a trailer is included.
- The price, the date and how it was paid.
- Whether it is sold as is or with a warranty, and a statement about liens.
- The equipment that comes with the boat.
- Signatures from both people, with the date.
How to fill it in
- Find the HIN on the hull, usually on the right side of the transom, and check it against the title or registration.
- Enter the boat's type, size and hull material.
- Enter the engine details and serial numbers from the engine itself.
- Answer the documented question and enter the number that applies.
- Add the trailer details if one is included, and list the equipment.
- Enter the price, the date and how the buyer is paying.
- Check the preview, download the file, print two copies and sign both.
Common mistakes
- Using the registration number in place of the HIN.
- Leaving out the engine serial numbers, especially on outboards that can be swapped.
- Not saying whether the trailer is included.
- Forgetting to ask about a loan or lien on the boat.
- Skipping the notary when your state asks for one.
- Assuming a plain bill of sale is enough for a boat that is documented with the Coast Guard.
- Not listing equipment such as electronics, life jackets and covers.
Selling something else?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat?
In most places the buyer needs one to register or title the boat. Some state boating agencies accept a simple bill of sale and others ask for a notary. Check your state's boating or motor vehicle agency.
What is a HIN?
A hull identification number is a 12-character serial number that identifies the boat. On most boats it is fixed to the right side of the transom. Older boats may not have one.
What does documented mean?
A documented boat is recorded with the US Coast Guard's National Vessel Documentation Center and has an official number. Documentation is optional for many recreational boats. When a documented boat is sold, the sale is filed using the Coast Guard's bill of sale form.
Does a boat bill of sale need to be notarised?
Some states ask for it, especially when the boat has no title, and many don't. Check your state's agency before you sign.
Do I need a separate bill of sale for the trailer?
Often yes. A trailer is a separate vehicle with its own VIN and, in many states, its own title or registration. Quicklet has a trailer bill of sale you can use.
What does as is mean?
The buyer accepts the boat in its current condition, and the seller isn't promising repairs afterward. Local consumer laws can still apply, so honest descriptions matter.
Should we both keep a copy?
Yes. Each person should keep a signed copy.
Official sources
Last reviewed October 5, 2026
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Quicklet provides general document templates, not legal advice. Rules about boat titles, registration, documentation and notaries vary by state and change over time.
Quicklet provides general document templates, not legal advice. Laws vary by location.