Quote Originally Posted by cantcatchafish View Post
I didn't know the difference between registrations and a title when I asked for advice.
Here's a way to keep it straight in your mind:
A boat TITLE: Also called a Certificate of Origin, is like a person's birth certificate. It shows that thing exists and is assigned some specific identification number, like a serial number. For a boat, that's called a Hull Idendtification Number (HIN), for a car, its a VIN Vehicle ID number. (SAYS THIS THING EXISTS AND CAN BE IDENTIFIED)

A boat registration, connects the title (the boat exists) to a specific owner (you) and to a specific place the boat resides or is used. (A country, state, a county, a city). The resgistration is your proof of legal ownership. (SAYS THIS THING THAT EXISTS, DOES SO IN SOME LOCATION, AND IS OWNED BY SOMEONE)

The bill of sale is the tie between a Boat TITLE, and the registration. The bill of sale shows who bought the boat, and so has the right to register ownership of it in their name. (also shows value for tax purposes). If you gain a boat as a gift or thru private sale, and have no bill of sale, you just sign a "Affadavit of Ownership and Transfer", that documents that you own the boat, and therefore have the right to claim ownership, and can then register the vessel. (SAYS HOW YOU CAME TO OWN THIS THING THAT EXISTS SOMEWHERE)