Buying a boat with zero paperwork.....

[Steady Eddy]

It's a '92 Sea Nymph with a Yamaha 40 on the back. Mint condition. From a person I trust. Problem is, he bought it off his neighbour at his cottage years ago and never registered it. Now the neighbour is long gone. With the paperwork. It could be stolen for all him and I know. Is it as simple as just running the numbers on the side of the boat? I would think not, due to the fact they can be easily changed. I've never owned a boat, so I'm clueless, and he's not much further ahead of me. Haha! As usual, I appreciate any and all advice. Even if I'm not going to want to read it.

[Cyber]

I have been in that situation more than once, with both boats and cars.
You'll have to swear out an affidavit and have it 'stamped' by one from
a list of 'qualified' persons. There are a few different ones, can't remember
the whole list now, but includes a lawyer, a notary public, etc., etc.
I once actually went to Legal Aid and it didn't cost me a cent, and the last
time I did it my wife was working for a lawyer, so again it was 'gratis'.
Transport Canada issued me a vessel permit without ANY hassles, the
Ontario Gov't was a bit stricter with issuing me an ownership for the trailer
so I just used my existing plate and voila! no problem . If you want to register
a boat trailer with a missing ownership, better to just tell them at the DMV
that the trailer is "homemade", and they'll issue an ownership sans hassle.

[Steady Eddy]

Well now! That sounds like it may be relatively quick and painless! Thanks, Cyber!

Scratch that! After 10 minutes of googling affidavits and Commissioners in Ontario, I suspect it won't be painless or quick!

[Cyber]

You just need to have it all written out (yourself) before
you show up to get one of those folks to "stamp" it.

Just something along the lines of: "I declare that I am the
rightful owner of this boat (give particulars) and I've purchased
it from the previous owner who was unable to provide a vessel
licence since he/she never had one either. I swear that the vessel
is not stolen or encumbered in any means that I am aware of and
hereby apply to have it registered in my name" .......blah, blah, blah
I don't know how much you know about the boat OR how much you want
to reveal, that's up to you. Last one I did I knew the Registration #'s off
the side of the boat, the previous owner's name & address (he was deceased),
and I provided all that plus basically what I've written above. Trust me, if it IS
stolen, I'm fairly certain you'll find out right quick!!

[Steady Eddy]

Thanks again for the help, Cyber.
I think I got this. I only get 4 business days per month at home, then it's back to work. Here's hoping I get it right the first time and it's not stolen!