Boat Bill of Sale Template: All Essential Documents

Are you looking for a boat bill of sale template to formalize the transfer of your vessel? Whether you are selling a motorboat, a sailboat, a jet ski, or any other pleasure craft, it is essential to follow legal procedures. Find here all bill of sale templates as well as the complete list of documents to provide for a compliant boat sale or transfer.

Deed of Sale Generator

Bill of sale for engine

Engine removal

Why Is a Bill of Sale Mandatory?

The boat bill of sale is an essential formality to formalize the transfer of ownership between the seller and the buyer. This document must be filled out accurately and signed by all involved parties. Its absence can lead to a refusal of ownership transfer by the Maritime Affairs.

Mandatory Documents for Selling a Boat

When selling a boat, certain documents must be given to the new owner:

  • The boat's bill of sale, completed and signed by both parties.
  • The navigation permit for maritime or inland waters.
  • The French registration certificate, if applicable.
  • A certificate of flag deletion in case of purchase from abroad.
  • A engine disembarkation certificate, if the engine has been changed.

Special Cases: Sale in Co-ownership or Succession

Transfer of a Co-owned Boat

If several owners own a boat, the bill of sale must specify the breakdown of each person's shares. It is imperative that all co-owners, sellers and buyers, sign the document to validate the transaction.

Transfer of a Boat by Inheritance

In the event of inheriting a vessel, the transfer of ownership requires additional documents, including:

  • A certificate of inheritance issued by a notary.
  • Civil status records justifying the succession.
  • The death certificate of the deceased owner.

Buying a Boat Abroad: How to Proceed?

Purchasing a boat outside of France involves several administrative steps:

  1. Obtain a certificate of deletion from the foreign flag registry.
  2. Sign a boat bill of sale between the seller and buyer.
  3. Provide a declaration of conformity for boats built after June 16, 1998.
  4. Register the vessel with the French Maritime Affairs authorities.

Bill of Sale for a Boat Engine

Changing a boat's engine involves administrative procedures. If you purchase a used engine, you must attach a bill of sale for the boat engine to the change of ownership form.

Furthermore, any engine modification requires a certificate of decommissioning for the old engine.

Online Procedures: Simplify Selling Your Boat

Ownership transfer formalities must be completed within a maximum period of one month with the Maritime Affairs office.

Simplify your procedures by downloading a free boat bill of sale template and submitting your request online.

Available Services

Change of ownership

Engine change

Change of Address

Flag change