Verifying boat ownership

[Hogwild]

Is there a way to search a state's database to see who an owner of a boat is based upon the registration number on the boat's bow? If so, do you guys know if there is a fee involved? I'm trying to verify whether a boat listed online is a fraud and don't know or don't want to pay a fee for a service like carfax for boats.

[willyt]

Really? It's not hard to tell whether it's a scam 99% of the time. Ask for the HIN, usually the ones they give you are invalid

[Jerseydave]

Have him take a picture of it on his cell phone and text you that pic....with today's copy of USA today laying on the swim platform!

AND have him text you a pic of the hull #

[Hogwild]

Maybe I should have asked clearer. I know it is easy most of the time to tell if it is a scam, but he hasn't even responded to an email yet. I just wanted to know if you could look at the registration # on the bow and then run it through a system (even if i have to call the state) to tell me who the actual owner is.

[73blue]

Got any friends in law enforcement? They should be able to run the numbers

[Jerseydave]

Originally Posted by 73blue

Got any friends in law enforcement? They should be able to run the numbers

^ that's what I was thinking. I doubt DMV is going to give you an owner's name, much less any other info about them.

[thatsmrmastercraft]

Originally Posted by Jerseydave

^ that's what I was thinking. I doubt DMV is going to give you an owner's name, much less any other info about them.

In MN, you can call the Department of Conversation (DNR) and they will tell you. It is a public record.

[lettmeknow]

Originally Posted by 73blue

Got any friends in law enforcement? They should be able to run the numbers

Sure, that will get him fired.

[johnlanguab]

If all else fails:

www.assetsearchesplus.com

[CantRepeat]

Originally Posted by Hogwild

Maybe I should have asked clearer. I know it is easy most of the time to tell if it is a scam, but he hasn't even responded to an email yet. I just wanted to know if you could look at the registration # on the bow and then run it through a system (even if i have to call the state) to tell me who the actual owner is.

Well, I wouldn't trust Reg# to be honest, you'll always want to check the HIN.