Boat Closing Checklist (Printable)

A general process checklist for the deal, the paperwork and the first steps after you buy, new or used. Fees, tax and deadlines depend on your state: look them up in the State Rules tool or your state page.

Not a survey. This checklist is not legal or tax advice and not a marine survey. Rules, forms, fees and deadlines vary by state; confirm them with your state’s boating agency.

Before you sign

All-in budget: tax, title, registration, insurance, storage, repairs True Cost tool
Your state’s sales or use tax rule checked, including private-sale and trade-in treatment State Rules tool
Financing pre-approval (if financing); lender age limits checked for a used boat
Dealer: itemized out-the-door quote in writing (boat, engine, trailer, options, freight and prep, documentation fees, taxes, title and registration)
Compared deals on the total, not the monthly payment
Used boat: written offer subject to survey and sea trial

Paperwork at closing

HIN on the boat matches every document
Bill of sale: buyer and seller names, date, price, HIN, make, model, year, engine and trailer details, both signatures
State bill-of-sale form used, if your state has one State Rules tool
Signed title free of liens, if your state titles the boat
Lien payoff and release arranged through the lender
Documented vessel: documentation transfer handled with the USCG NVDC
Paid by a traceable method; full payment only with the signed title (or documentation transfer) and lien release

New boat delivery

Asked whether the dealer files title and registration for you
Owner’s manuals, warranty registration cards and engine break-in instructions collected
On-water orientation: systems, controls, bilge pump, fuel and electrical switches, trailering or docking

Boat Closing Checklist (Printable)

Before you sign

Paperwork at closing

New boat delivery

After closing

Notes

Sources