Tips for Buying a Used Boat 

Avoid purchasing a stolen boat!

Theft and Fraud Prevention Tips:

Make sure you Validate the HIN on www.boatfax.com Check that the information provided by boatfax matches the boat.

Use Check-it on boatfax to verify that the boat is not stolen or reported missing.

Make sure the boat’s HIN exactly matches the HIN listed on the registration and/or title documents.

Carefully inspect a boat and the ownership documentation for the following possible fraud indicators:

• Make sure the HIN number does not appear tampered with or changed.
  • Carefully check the letters B, E, I, O and the numerals 0, 1, 3, 8 for evidence of possible tampering or alteration.
  • If in doubt check the HIN format on www.boatfax.com
• The boat has been rebuilt, salvaged or previously reported stolen, sunk or recovered
• The asking price is well below normal market value
• The seller is overly keen to close a deal
• The proof of ownership is a copy or duplicate and original documents cannot be produced.