How to register or transfer ownership of a boat

Registering and transferring ownership of boats

If you're in the process of registering a new boat or purchasing a used boat, you probably have a lot of questions. One of the more important ones is: what are the steps that are needed to successfully register a new boat, or transfer ownership of a used one? Thankfully, it's not too challenging. To make things even easier, we're going to lay it all out for you. All you have to do is read on.

Transferring ownership of a boat

Maybe you don't want to spend a boatload of money on a brand new vessel, and instead are purchasing a used one. Whether you've found the perfect fit already or are still looking (we've got a link for that, too), you'll have to go through the process of transferring ownership. Here's how:

Transferring a boat that is registered

When transferring ownership of a vessel that already has an existing registration, there are some steps you'll need to take to change the registration over to your name, according to Service NSW. You only have 14 days from the date of purchase to do this before getting charged a late application fee, so make sure to be prepared.

To switch over the registration, a few key things that you'll need include:

• Proof of your identity
• A boatcode certificate (also known as an HIN certificate) if the vessel doens't already have a Boatcode number fitted. All vessels from 1997 and on have this by law but if you are buying a pre 1997 package give Hunts a call and we can issue you a Boatcode number and certificate.
• Completed registration certificate: this means that the respective seller and buyer sections need to be filled out and signed
• Supporting documents to prove your acquisition of the boat (this is only if the sections on the registration certificate are incomplete)

To go through with the transfer process:

• Complete the form "Application for Transfer of Vessel Registration"
• Ensure that all of your required documents are correctly filled out
• Send in your application or schedule a time at your local service centre

Transferring a boat that is not registered

Sometimes your new purchase will not have a valid registration, and you will need to renew or restore the registration from the previous owner. To do this, Service NSW explains that you'll have to update the contact details and renew your registration either on or before the expiry date.

What you'll need to get your registration:

• The registration number
• The renewal number (you can find this on the renewal notice, or you can select "don't have" and just enter your name, birth date and post code)

How to renew:

• You can renew right online - just enter your registration number and renewal number
• Confirm any details
• Enter your payment information
• Read over the documents and confirm

Registering your boat

So you just bought a beautiful new boat, and you can't wait to test it out on the water (or maybe you're still looking for that perfect fit... in which case, click here). But first - it needs to be registered properly.

Don't worry, this process is nice and easy for you. Hunts Marine will take care of the entire task of registration so you don't have to worry about it. All you need to do is drive straight from the dealership to the ramp - and you're good to go.

Whether you just bought a brand new boat or you decided to take the path of a used vessel, you'll have to make sure you properly register it. When buying a new boat, Hunts will do the entire registration process for you. On the other hand, a used boat will require you to transfer or renew registration, which will allow you to enjoy your new vessel out on the water.

Hunts Marine is here to help you find the boat of your dreams - new or used, we have it all. Learn more today.