Selling a boat in Canada is not as simple as finding a buyer, taking the money and handing over the boat. Boating can be a truly enjoyable experience, but it pays to understand the paperwork and documentation requirements that go along with buying or selling a boat. While that may not be as much fun as hitting the water with your fishing pole and a picnic, it’s a vital part of being a responsible boat owner. For that reason, we’ve put together this guide that will help you through the process of selling your vessel.
Do I Need a Lawyer if I’m Selling a Boat in Canada?
Even if you’re a seasoned boater and feel like you understand the selling process, it can make your life infinitely easier to work with a marine lawyer during the sale. It’s especially smart to hire a marine lawyer if this is the first time you are selling a boat. There are plenty of requirements that go along with the sale and you want to be sure you follow the steps correctly so the transaction is valid and legal. Instead of spending hours upon hours researching all the requirements, save yourself time, hassle and effort by hiring someone who is an expert at the process.
What is a Marine Lawyer?
How does a marine lawyer differ from other types of lawyers? Put simply, he or she specializes in laws that relate to boating and being on the water. They should have a degree in maritime law to prove this knowledge and specialty. Hiring someone who knows all the details of boating law will serve you well if you’re selling a watercraft and aren’t sure what the process entails. A maritime lawyer can handle the following situations, in addition to helping you sell your boat:
- Dealing with cargo that has been lost at sea
- Facilitating relationships between seafarers and their crew
- Leisure travel, such as on cruise ships
- Navigation issues
Sometimes, boating can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to have an expert professional on your side, should anything out of the ordinary affect you or your boat.
Why Hire a Marine Lawyer?
Clearly, having a maritime lawyer comes in handy when you decide to sell your boat, but having one on retainer at all times could be the right choice for any boaters in Canada. Here’s why:
- They assist with boat collisions and accidents.
- They can help you work through incidents that occur on the dock.
- They will deal with injuries and the legal repercussions that go with them.
- They are also trained to help you work through legal transactions, including buying and selling a vessel.
Having a good marine lawyer on your side is particularly valuable when you are working on a sale transaction. Some of the duties they can take on for you include the following:
- Contract negotiations
- Lien investigation
- Authenticate titles
- Draft bills of sale
Would you like to know more about hiring a maritime lawyer or the boat sale process? We’re here to help. Contact the Canadian Vessel Registry today for the assistance you’re looking for with selling a boat in Canada.
