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Registering old boat & trailer

ctwo

ctwo

Merely Rhetorical
Joined
Feb 5, 2015
Location
auf der motobahn
Moto(s)
motato
Name
Heyou
It is my late grandfather's, trailer last registered in '66, boat was probably never registered.

I think the boat has some kind of ID plate and the trailer has the old black lic plate, and a number cast into the ACME MFG CO. receiver.

I found these forms, but am I likely to be able to register without any paperwork of ownership?


https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/c...e11-48832af0e72d/reg227.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/c...95-6f492b857594/boat101.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/c...5b-a86ff473717c/reg4017.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=


I started at this site.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/d...R7rz0yZ62Wu92G86j/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/
 
The trailer needs an ID plate as well, separate from the license plate.
I would bring any paperwork that shows you inherited the trailer if you have it. The DMV is super strict on issuing pink slips (cuz it could be stolen).
I don't think you can register it without some type of proof of ownership. When I got my new trailer, they went over the paperwork before they issued me a pink slip.
 
There is no paperwork. My mom inherited the house and the boat and trailer have just been sitting in the back for about 10 years (or probably since 1966 due to the last trailer registration). I'm sure it would not have been itemized or identified in the will and may have just been considered however they consider misc. belongings. They've always said I could have it (as did my grandfather). I'm not sure if certificates of ownership were issued when the boat was initially acquired, probably in the 50's.

It's just a small aluminum boat and I had the idea that if it is not motorized, then it does not need registration. I actually have a 2-stroke that would work and thought of taking it to a lake that allows 2-strokes, or using a trolling motor. Last time the paddles just weren't doing it (I tossed it on my car last year). I'll look again but I didn't see any tag on the trailer. It is a cheap light trailer, can't make it any lighter. Might not even be worth fixing either.

I thought I was gonna rent a boat at the lake but they want like $900/day.
 
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So, I spoke with a buddy, who's CHP, and another, who's an attorney and knows a bit about probate.

It's gonna be mostly about money. The state wants it. That said, you'll have jump through some hoops...

  • If you're Mother was executor, or received the boat as part of the estate (regardless if the boat was explicitly named or not), have her write a declaration stating the facts and get it notarized. This might help once you get to the DMV, but isn't absolutely required. I was told it just might make it easier for DMV to process.
  • Take the license plate to the DMV, let them know that the last time it was registered was 1967, and you're trying to get title and registration for both the trailer and the boat. They'll help you fill out the correct forms, or maybe some other BARFer knows them already and can share that with you. Might save some time being able to download them, fill 'em out in advance, then go in to the DMV.
  • DMV will more than likely confiscate the plate and issue you a one day permit to take the trailer and boat to a CHP office, where they will look for serial numbers and other markings to make sure it isn't stolen. You'll be able to tow it legally if it's road worthy, or you can have it flat towed in. At the end f that inspection you'll take the trailer and boat back home.
  • You will, more than likely, have to wait 30 days for the DMV to see if anyone (banks, previous owners, other family members, etc.) make a claim to the trailer or boat. If no one does, the DMV will reissue a new plate, titles and registrations.
  • Oh ya. You'll have to bring checks, cause the state want's its money.
 
The death certificate and a statement of facts should be all you need. Check the trailer for any kind of number or plate or you can order one. Same thing with the boat.
 
Thanks all. I might have to scrap the trailer. It's a lot more rusted than I thought. I might try AAA first for the boat.

I'm also thinking of a HF folding trailer to carry other stuff. I should have bought one of the ones that went up for sale here...
 
ctwo said:
Thanks all. I might have to scrap the trailer. It's a lot more rusted than I thought. I might try AAA first for the boat.

I'm also thinking of a HF folding trailer to carry other stuff. I should have bought one of the ones that went up for sale here...
Click to expand...

Some of those old boat trailers are worth serious money to those who have vintage boats, and want a period correct trailer.

Poke around a bit before you scrap it.

Good luck.
 
Thanks for that. I was just looking up the boat and it's likely an early 50's AlumaCraft - seems to be a collectors item. I might have to bust out the welder and see about rebuilding hubs. This trailer's "axle" is funny. There are no numbers on the boat, just these tags.
 

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Oh, you cannot write over anything on any of the forms, no cross outs either, or they will make you redo the entire form. Ask me how I know.
 
MrIncredible said:
We have different definitions of rusty, sir.
Click to expand...

I'm thinking the same thing. Looks like surface rust to me. Fairly easy to clean up, but it'll take some elbow grease. Looks smallish though. You might be able to disassemble it, have the parts blasted (or rent a blaster and blast it yourself), paint it, or have it powder coated. Rollers are easy to replace if they need to be. The suspension might be a challenge if you find you need any replacement part. I don't know how hard they'd be to find or have made. Could be a fun, or at the very least a very satisfying project... resurrecting your Grandfathers trailer and boat. Not about the investment. All about the sentiment. :thumbup
 
MrIncredible said:
I would just coat it in POR-15 and be done with it. ...
Click to expand...

Interesting stuff! I've never heard of that product. Looked it up and seems to be a pretty versatile product line. I've got a project I think I'm going to use some on. Thanks for the heads up! :thumbup
 
Coroseal is an amazing product as well
 
DReg350 said:
Interesting stuff! I've never heard of that product. Looked it up and seems to be a pretty versatile product line. I've got a project I think I'm going to use some on. Thanks for the heads up! :thumbup
Click to expand...

I've been using it for years with good results-just remember the POR stands for "Paint Over Rust." Don't clean the metal.

Don't spray it.

Do it outside-it's nasty shit.

If you get it on you, it'll stay there. For weeks.

Weeks.
 
The hand winch support collapsed and you can see the end of the suspension arm is mostly rotted away. I'm mostly concerned about the suspension just collapsing after some bumping down the road. I don't think I'll get it done by the end of June but that would be fantastic.

The biggest obstacle is the reg, so maybe a statement of facts at AAA for both of 'em and then I can look for a fuel tank for that old 2-stroke motor. That would be a blast. Way more fun than paddles anyway.
 
ctwo said:
There are no numbers on the boat, just these tags.
Click to expand...

Boats didn't get Hull ID numbers (like a VIN for boats) until ~1974 so you won't find one. Totally normal, and the DMV (should) know that.
 
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