Free Boat Story and Question

[PapaHog]

I was given a boat. Free no charge.

A acquaintance from years ago called me out of the blue and asked if I wanted a free boat. I said tell me more. Well it seems that there is a warrant out for his arrest (DUI probation violation) and he was moving to live with his son in Georgia. Sound fishy yet?

However I did know that he had bought a boat as he told me about it a few years ago.

It is a nice boat (ski fish) 60 horse Johnson, kicker, nice trailer etc.

He was to send me the title that he said was a clear title in his name. I gave him my mailing address and he gave me the address where the boat was stored (son's ex girl Friends house) and could I go pick it up as she wanted it out of there?

I went and picked up a nice but dirty boat with blue tarp over the top and hooked up and pulled it home.

That was a couple months ago.... still no title.

No way to contact him. Phone disconnected etc. Gone from last known address. POOF just gone. (wonder why)

Thats the story, now the Question.

What can I do now? Is there a procedure that I can go through to get this in my name? Abandon boat or something?

What if it turns up to be stolen? Will I be in trouble?

You know about as much about this whole thing as I do. Bill is a nice guy however he is a drug addict and real good drinker. I don't think he would steal a boat but I don't know.

[Adofish]

I wondering if you can get in touch with the marine board and do a title search. That way you could find out if the boat was titled to him. If it is not, than I think I would contact the police to see if it has been reported stolen. At least those actions could keep you out of trouble.

[Jsail]

I would get hold of a county cop and tell him the story. He can run the boat numbers to see if you are holding stolen or mortgaged property.
If you are, at least the cop knows you are being up front about it and they can handle the issue from there.
If it's free and clear and in Bills name you'll know it and not be at risk of being an accomplish.
Back to your original question, I believe that you can post a notice on the boat and in the news paper saying claim it (with proof) or loose it after 30, 60 or 90 days. If it's abandon it's up for grabs after the notice and time.

[thresher]

THere is a procedure. Long story short contact the marien board they will walk you through it. To summarise it what you have to do is fill out a form and mail it via certified mail to his last address on file. From there they have said number of days to respond if not the boat is yours. If the letter comes back un deliverable for any number of reasons same story. Boat will be yours. Trick is remember not to open this sealed letter expressing you now own the boat and need bills of sale. As once its open its not offical.

Once its yours you can register it get a new title, etc... as you will be the owner of said boat

[baltz526]

seek legal advise. since you volluntered to store the boat till title was mailed with no time limit. ?

[feisty's wife]

Originally Posted by Jsail

I would get hold of a county cop and tell him the story. He can run the boat numbers to see if you are holding stolen or mortgaged property.
If you are, at least the cop knows you are being up front about it and they can handle the issue from there.
If it's free and clear and in Bills name you'll know it and not be at risk of being an accomplish.
Back to your original question, I believe that you can post a notice on the boat and in the news paper saying claim it (with proof) or loose it after 30, 60 or 90 days. If it's abandon it's up for grabs after the notice and time.

Good advice...never trust a druggie who is using.

[HntnFsh]

Sounds like some good advice.
In Washington,you can run an ad or get a certified letter.Then after following the procedure file for a lost title.
Hope it works out for you.

[PapaHog]

Thank you everyone. I will contact the marine officer at Washington County Sheriff's office and tell my story, get the officer to check it out and ask for advice.

Thanks again