Recovering a title

[sfef84]

I posted a WTB ad on 2cool and CL a while ago for twin 70-90hp and I got a call from a place in Austin called Action Marine that had what I needed. They have a matched pair of 1988 Johsnon 70s that were traded in for new power. 2 months have passed and the purchaser gave them one title and said she lost the other. She refuses to answer their phone calls and/or go to TPWD to get a replacement.

I am trying to buy these motors but cant until the 2nd title is in Action Marine's hand. I called them yesterday and they said that the law is basically in the purchaser's side because there is not a time limit a customer has to hand over the titles.

WTF???? There has to be SOME LAW/WAY to get this woman to file a replacement title or the dealership to claim ownership. Anyone have advice I can relay to Action Marine? They are at a loss as well.

[Robalo]

Call TPWD and ask them-there are pretty helpful folks. Seems to me Action should have had/got a Bill of sale and as such maybe could use that to show TPWD to get a "replacement title" and then send the former owner the replacement title and have same signed. It aint that importatnt IMO to have engine title-it's Boat registration that is always asked for-never had anyone ask about motor(s) except when buying/selling.

Sounds like Action don't want to mess with the paperwork maybe????

[sfef84]

I think that action marine has to have title to legally sell them. Especially since they are a dealer

[sfef84]

Yeah, titles on motors are not important to me either, the only thing I worry about are the one or two stories you hear of boaters being pulled over with a "by-the-book" USCG and having motors confiscated.

The above and resale value are the two big differences. Potential buyers use it as leverage to low-ball the shiznizzle out of the asking price.

[JT]

You should be able to get you some sort of "Affidavit of Title" or whatever its called if the original is lost. I did that on an old jeep at the ranch and after a couple of years you can apply for the original. Id also call TPWD like jerry advised.

But I'd also probably just find another buy.

[corndog]

I posted a WTB ad on 2cool and CL a while ago for twin 70-90hp and I got a call from a place in Austin called Action Marine that had what I needed. They have a matched pair of 1988 Johsnon 70s that were traded in for new power. 2 months have passed and the purchaser gave them one title and said she lost the other. She refuses to answer their phone calls and/or go to TPWD to get a replacement.

I am trying to buy these motors but cant until the 2nd title is in Action Marine's hand. I called them yesterday and they said that the law is basically in the purchaser's side because there is not a time limit a customer has to hand over the titles.

WTF???? There has to be SOME LAW/WAY to get this woman to file a replacement title or the dealership to claim ownership. Anyone have advice I can relay to Action Marine? They are at a loss as well.

They can file a lien on the motor and she will have to respond. It may be 60-90 days and if she does not respond to the regitered mail then they can claim it. Like a mechanics lean on a car.