I may be in some doo-doo here. VIN issue...

Glocker

Member
Sep 7, 2019
39
Boat Info
Boat: 2000 Sea Ray 185
Tow Vehicle: 2019 Ford Ranger XLT FX4
Engines
4.3 Mercruiser
I bought my boat with EZ Loader trailer from a buddy at work. I cannot find the VIN on the trailer at all. The boat is a 2000, so I assume the trailer would be the same year. Any ideas?
 
In 2000, Sea Ray was, indeed, using EZ Loaders. There is ALWAYS an info sticker/plate on the trailer frame. Usually up near the front - sometimes on the outboard side of the frame, sometimes the inboard. Roughly 3"x6" - give or take. It may, however, now be unreadable. Look again - if not, someone removed it.

The VIN is on the title, of course.
 
In 2000, Sea Ray was, indeed, using EZ Loaders. There is ALWAYS an info sticker/plate on the trailer frame. Usually up near the front - sometimes on the outboard side of the frame, sometimes the inboard. Roughly 3"x6" - give or take. It may, however, now be unreadable. Look again - if not, someone removed it.

The VIN is on the title, of course.
I have scoured the trailer pretty good looking for the decal or evidence of the decal. Annnnndddddd of course my friend can't find the title!!!! He lost the folder with all of the boat paperwork! Arghhhhh!
 
How well do you know this friend? No title, no easily identifiable VIN.....something is amiss....
 
Them stickers fall off. You could probably trace it through the license plate he was using. If he lost that too, his insurance co. would have a record of that.

Then there is always plan B. :cool:
 
Depending on where you live, it is fairly easy to get a new VIN and title. Look it up for your state specifically. Happens all the time.
 
Where are you located?

In New York State, the registered owner can file for a replacement title if the original is lost.

It takes a few weeks to get it but if it’s a friend, what’s the issue.

Have him apply for a replacement title, when it comes in, use that to transfer ownership.
 
Depending on where you live, it is fairly easy to get a new VIN and title. Look it up for your state specifically. Happens all the time.
Exactly... Long story but I ended up with a trailer for the boat at the time without a title, vin or license plate... Skipper Buds MI ..if that helps.
In Indiana we just applied for a new title, created a new vin number and permanently fastened it to the trailer. A police officer comes out and verifies everything and you are all set...
You still feel like you stole a trailer but the guilt subsides over time :)
 
What state you are in matters. Oklahoma doesn't title trailers. If you buy/sell a used trailer from an individual on craigslist, there isn't even necessarily a bill of sale. That can be a hassle if you move out of state.
 
The VIN should also be on the registration card... unless he lost that, too. In addition the info provided above, you could also call a local notary, explain the situation, and they can tell what they need to get it figured out.
 
I once owned a trailer that I could not find the VIN number on anywhere, but I did have the number and I actually stamped it into the frame and no one ever said a word.

MM
 
Our Sea Ray had a 1986 custom built trailer but there was no title, only registration. We bought the boat in Ohio and they don't require titles for trailers. I got a bill of sale and the original manufacturers statement of origin. I tried to title it in PA and had trouble. In the end there was a form to print out from the DMV then take it to an enhanced inspection station (they re-certify salvage titled cars here in PA). They had to verify the axle weights. There were no stickers on the trailer anywhere but the VIN was on the registration so I found a seller on eBay that custom made new VIN plates. Ordered one of those and attached it. Also had to have a police officer look at it to verify it wasn't stolen. After the police and the inspection station signed the form I had to take it to a notary. Done deal.
 
As Randmhall said, you must have bought it from your friend in Oklahoma. Your bill of sale should confirm that:D
 
Well here is where I'm at:
  • He can't find the tag.
  • We can't find the VIN.
  • He can't find the title.
  • There in no insurance requirement in GA for trailers.
  • They can't find it in his records under his, nor his wife's drivers' license numbers.
  • His original bill of sale has no VIN listed.

I almost had the tag office ready to issue a fresh VIN plate as if it were a home made trailer, but when I went back with the law enforcement VIN inspection stating it didn't have a VIN plate affixed, the rep at the counter stated I couldn't do this process for this kind of trailer.

My doo-doo just seems to get deeper. :( The good news I just submitted for the boats registration today. Yay! I just registered my first boat! Boooooo!!!! I wont be able to trailer it home!

ETA:
Just as a by-the-way; I'm a police officer and my buddy is a co-worker! And here I sit trapped in the same circle of bureaucratic red tape that people get stuck in and feel like they can't ever get out.
 
This is great. Here in Wi I bought a trailer from a friend to move my tractor if I needed. Based on weight, I didn't need a title/registration. I sold it to someone else who wanted to title it. I had no title to give him. The original owner got the trailer in her divorce, and the original title was in her husbands name, and he's in jail. So even going to the judge who threw him there didn't work to unlock all of the bureaucracy. Good luck!
 
Well here is where I'm at:
  • He can't find the tag.
  • We can't find the VIN.
  • He can't find the title.
  • There in no insurance requirement in GA for trailers.
  • They can't find it in his records under his, nor his wife's drivers' license numbers.
  • His original bill of sale has no VIN listed.

I almost had the tag office ready to issue a fresh VIN plate as if it were a home made trailer, but when I went back with the law enforcement VIN inspection stating it didn't have a VIN plate affixed, the rep at the counter stated I couldn't do this process for this kind of trailer.

My doo-doo just seems to get deeper. :( The good news I just submitted for the boats registration today. Yay! I just registered my first boat! Boooooo!!!! I wont be able to trailer it home!

Just a few questions.

Did he ever have a tag for the trailer? It would seem odd to remove it from the trailer.

Doesn't he have some old photos that show the boat on the trailer with the tag?

DMV in Virginia can pull up any license plate I have ever had plus look it up by my name, SSN or address.

Just based on what you have said.....it just seems unlikely it was ever titled and tagged.

I would reach out to EZ-Loader and ask them how to resolve the trailer's VIN.
 
Does his town charge a yearly excise tax ? Do you live in Ga. ? Did he have it legally reg. with a VIN ?
 
Just a few questions.

Did he ever have a tag for the trailer? It would seem odd to remove it from the trailer.
He says he did, but the boat sat unused for two+ years at his dad's house. Prior to that, it was wet slipped at a marina and the trailer was in storage. So now I'm wondering if he was mistaken and the trailer was never tagged because it was basically never used.

Doesn't he have some old photos that show the boat on the trailer with the tag?
Good idea! I'll ask!

DMV in Virginia can pull up any license plate I have ever had plus look it up by my name, SSN or address.
Yep! Same here in GA. They can't find anything under his or his wife's name. He needs to maybe get his dad to go try? There is a chance it was registered under his dad's name as he did the same for his camper.

Just based on what you have said.....it just seems unlikely it was ever titled and tagged.
I'm thinking the same!

I would reach out to EZ-Loader and ask them how to resolve the trailer's VIN.
EZ Loader was of no help. He told me where to look for the VIN. I already looked where they suggested. I do VIN inspections on trailers multiple times during a duty rotation and I am completely baffled how a manufacture, such as EZ Loader, can affix VIN information to a product in such an irresponsible and NOT PERMANENT way!
See above answers in red!
 
Glocker, where are you in Georgia. I am in Hall County and have a friend at the tag/tax department that can help you. I was surprised to find my trailer for my waverunner didn't have a vin number. I contacted the manufacturer, they gave me a certificate of origin and I was able to help out the second owner who was having a hard time registering in Canada. If you want to go to Hall Co, I can help.
 
In Cansda when this happens many simply register as home built.
I'm about to do the same and its almost true . I got it with my last boat without a title and have changed it significantly.
Lengthened 6 ft
New heavier axles and springs
The only things original are the fenders and the rectangular frame that carries the axles so I'm thinking I'm safe calling it home built
 

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