How to identify if your potential boat purchase is what it seems?

[Wansworth]

I have been asked to find the serial number on the outboard of a potential purchase and the hull builders serial number.The engine fairly easy but the hull serial number of vessel ,were might I find that on a French Gibsail craft,any ideas

 

[wallacebob]

Usually on stern, stb side. Or maybe not, if older boat.

 

[Tranona]

Standardised identifiers did not become compulsory until 1997 although some builders used them prior to that - or their own identifier, but many did not. It is an old boat. It is what it is and thousands of boats have no formal identity at all. This upsets some officials who want an identity for everything and as the boat is in Spain it will almost certainly have some form of official paperwork that comes with it and describes what it is.

 

[Wansworth]

Standardised identifiers did not become compulsory until 1997 although some builders used them prior to that - or their own identifier, but many did not. It is an old boat. It is what it is and thousands of boats have no formal identity at all. This upsets some officials who want an identity for everything and as the boat is in Spain it will almost certainly have some form of official paperwork that comes with it and describes what it is.

Ok,thanks…..the boat has come from Luxembur with a complete set of official papers but my agent wants to make sure it is correct and that the existing owner actually owns it….before I part with the money

 

[KevinV]

Ok,thanks…..the boat has come from Luxembur with a complete set of official papers but my agent wants to make sure it is correct and that the existing owner actually owns it….before I part with the money

Before you WHAT?!?

 

[Wansworth]

Before you WHAT?!?

Keep knickers on still

 

[Baggywrinkle]

Ok,thanks…..the boat has come from Luxembur with a complete set of official papers but my agent wants to make sure it is correct and that the existing owner actually owns it….before I part with the money

OMG ... I need a drink, this is the end of an era!!!

 

[Tranona]

Ok,thanks…..the boat has come from Luxembur with a complete set of official papers but my agent wants to make sure it is correct and that the existing owner actually owns it….before I part with the money

That is not unreasonable and is known as due diligence. The problem with boats is that unlike land and houses for example they are just chattels so you have to rely on the available paperwork. Fortunately for you most European states do have some form of registration for boats that does give some confirmation of identity but most rely on information provided by the person or entity making the registration. Newer boats with a HIN of course makes linking the paperwork to the specific boat easier, but essentially you have to assess the probability of the boat NOT being the one described on what paperwork there is plus your confidence or otherwise in the body issuing the paperwork,

The acid test used in our legal system is evidence of unchallenged title which usually comes from a trail of Bills of Sale because we have no compulsory register of either title or change of ownership. Hopefully your paperwork will show some form of formal registration of changes of ownership that give you (and your agent) confidence that your title if you buy the boat can't be challenged.

 

[Wansworth]

That is not unreasonable and is known as due diligence. The problem with boats is that unlike land and houses for example they are just chattels so you have to rely on the available paperwork. Fortunately for you most European states do have some form of registration for boats that does give some confirmation of identity but most rely on information provided by the person or entity making the registration. Newer boats with a HIN of course makes linking the paperwork to the specific boat, but essentially you have to assess the probability of the boat NOT being the one described on what paperwork there is plus your confidence or otherwise in the body issuing the paperwork,

The acid test used in our legal system is evidence of unchallenged title which usually comes from a trail of Bills of Sale because we have no compulsory register of either title or change of ownership. Hopefully your paperwork will show some form of formal registration of changes of ownership that give you (and your agent) confidence that your title if you buy the boat can't be challenged.
That is not unreasonable - known as due diligence. Problem with boats is that they do not have any recorded existence like land and property, but are simply chattels. Havig s

Thanks……will be seenin the boat again and will take photos as requested by the agent and I also have to make the final decision on to purchase or not and make a reasonable offer all quite stress ful…..but no rush.

 

[Frogmogman]

Usually on stern, stb side. Or maybe not, if older boat.

That’s where I’d suggest; starboard transom.

If the boat has been painted, it’s always possible that a zealous dollop of filler has obscured it.

 

[LittleSister]

Thanks……will be seenin the boat again and will take photos as requested by the . . .

. . . forumites.

…..but no rush.

As you were, forumites. False alarm.

 

[Poignard]

On my boat the builder's nameplate with serial number is fixed high up on the inside of transom, where it can best not be seen.

 

[Wansworth]

. . . forumites.





As you were, forumites. False alarm.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

On mine it was stamped into the gelcoat on the starboard stern quarter and a builders plate with the Hull ID number was also laminated inside the starboard cockit locker .... but I suspect the boat in question is too old for this.

As you were, forumites. False alarm.

I've put the whisky bottle back in the cupboard .... that was a close one.

 

[Wansworth]

On mine it was stamped into the gelcoat on the starboard stern quarter and a builders plate with the Hull ID number was also laminated inside the starboard cockit locker .... but I suspect the boat in question is too old for this.


I've put the whisky bottle back in the cupboard .... that was a close one.

Thanks all info welcome…

 

[Minerva]

Does the “paperwork” have something approximating a serial number to identify the boat. Failing that, what is the sail number? Could the seller perhaps happen to find that number (perhaps located next to his dusty dremel) carved into the GRP inside of a locker perhaps?

That might help the paper chasers.

 

[greeny]

OMG ... I need a drink, this is the end of an era!!!

I think they've done a deal and Stingo is taking over the search.