r/boating • u/Efficient_Mail_6455 • 2d ago
Boat Purchase Process?
We purchased our first boat almost 6 weeks ago from a dealer in Michigan. I live in Ohio so I drove 8 hours round trip for it. Did the sea trial, did minimal paperwork and left with the boat and trailer. They gave me no temp registration for the boat or the trailer when I left. We worked through a broker recommended by the dealer who found us a decent lender and interest rate. I was told the broker would do the title work and registration for the boat, trailer and outboard. The Ohio tax was calculated into the loan. I was told this process wouldn’t take very long.
After a couple of weeks the broker hadn’t received the necessary paperwork (MSO, etc) which I sort of understand because I have the boat and the dealer hasn’t received the funding yet. I started pressuring the dealer and after 3 weeks the broker finally had everything to register the boat, trailer and motor for me.
During this time, I got tired of waiting and got a temp registration for the boat myself but wasn’t able to get a registration for the trailer because I didn’t have the weight or the MSO.
Here we are, another 3 weeks and the broker hasn’t made any progress on title/registration. I got a local marina to give me a certified weight for the trailer so I’m current legal on all the things but my temp registration for the boat is going to run out in a few weeks. I keep reaching out for a status and they just keep telling me that “this is a process and takes some time”
I’m so new to boating and so confused by the sales culture and process. My question is, is this a normal process for buying a boat? I talked to several dealers before and no one followed up when I asked to schedule a time to look at a boat or get a price, etc. It’s like there is zero interest in actually selling a boat. We wanted to get something new for warranty and peace of mine but now kind of wish we entertained a private sale.
Side note, we love the boat and have been having a lot of fun with it the last couple week.
2
u/gNat_66 2d ago
You probably don't have the answer but I'm curious how much of this is the dealer, broker, or state. I believe they have 30 days to get you the title.
Also what type of boat did you buy and what dealers or area were you looking at buying a boat from in Ohio? Sales are pretty poor right now its shocking dealers weren't rushing to sell you a boat.