What is a Bill of Sale?

[Swampyhotdog]

I'm looking at buying a Bayliner privately in Spain (from a Belgian).

As the bill of sale is quite important to prove ownership, how do I go about getting one? My other boat was bought through an agent, so he took care of it.

Is it a simple matter of writing out a receipt type of thing with the old and new owners signing, or would it have to be notarised by somebody? Or merely witnessed?

Advice would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Stu

 

[BlueChip]

I think this is only relevant for a British Registered vessel, but you can download one from here

 

[CodStewart]

Ah! Bills of Sale! I never thought one would play such a tragic role in my life.

 

[smee]

Bills of sale are relevant whether the boat is registered or not, and are important documents for the Ships Papers, and the chain of ownership.

 

[Observer]

A Bill of Sale is a document that conveys (transfers) ownership of movable goods from one person to another. It is a very useful document because, if properly drafted, the transfer of ownership is absolute and not subject to (for example) contractual terms or performance of contractual or other obligations. A simple Bill of Sale need only contain the following.

BILL OF SALE

In consideration of payment of the sum of [price] [if the transfer is a gift or the price is not to be disclosed, use "£1 and other valuable considerations"], receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, [full name of seller] hereby unconditionally conveys, assigns and transfers to [full name of purchaser], with full title guarantee, all of his right, title benefit and interest in and to [description and identification of goods].

Signed by:
[signature of seller]
[date]
[witness' signature, name and address] [optional]

In the case of a British registered ship, the ownership is divided into 64 shares so the Bill of Sale should specify how many shares are to be transferred (e.g. "64/64 shares in the vessel [name, official number]")

 

[Ben_e_Toe]

Anyone know the origin of the 64 shares? Why not 65 or 100 etc?!!

 

[capsco]

Originated from when the old trading ships had multiple owners,64 is divisible much simpler than 65 for instance.