Boat Bill of Sale | Commission Online

A Boat Bill of Sale provides evidence of a transaction. It shows that the seller acknowledges receipt of payment from the buyer, and that the payment was made in full. It protects both the buyer’s and the seller’s interests, preventing potential issues and disputes.

This document is also required for various procedures, like registering a boat, proving ownership, or obtaining a licence. In Ontario, some buyers may need a Boat Bill of Sale to obtain a pleasure craft licence. Any vessel with at least one engine, whose power is 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) or more, must have a licence in Canada.

• Establish Proof of Ownership: Records the legal transfer of ownership of a vessel from the seller to the buyer.
• Confirm Selling Authority: Confirms the seller’s authority to sell and transfer the boat.
• Document “As Is” Condition: Proves that the buyer has purchased the boat knowing of any flaws.
• Declare No Known Hidden Defects: Confirms that the seller hasn’t omitted or hidden any defects.
• Demonstrate Loan Payments Are Settled: Declares that the boat is free of all liens, loans, encumbrances, and liabilities.
• Offer Legal Protection: Documents the sale terms and conditions to ensure both parties understand their rights and responsibilities.

To create a Boat Bill of Sale, simply gather the information outlined below, and add it to our fillable template. You’ll want to provide some basic information about the buyer and seller, and a few details about the boat.

A Boat Bill of Sale should contain basic information about both the buyer and seller, such as the:

• Buyer’s full legal name and address
• Seller’s full legal name and address
• Date of the transaction
• Boat’s purchase price
• The seller’s signature
• The buyer’s signature

Details About the Vessel

You’ll need to provide some information about the boat to help identify it, including the:

• Make / brand
• Year
• Model
• Colour
• Hull identification number (HIN)
• Style
• Length in feet
• Pleasure Craft Licence number

In Canada, there is no mandatory five-day title transfer rule for boats, unlike some provinces that have one for motor vehicles. For boats with a Pleasure Craft Licence, the licence stays with the craft, and the buyer applies to have it transferred into their name.

Licence processing timelines for boats can vary. However, licence transfers are generally completed within 90 days of the sale, provided a Bill of Sale and required documentation are submitted.

Note: Requirements may vary by province and by whether the vessel is licenced, registered, or documented.

We recommend commissioning your Boat Bill of Sale, even though commissioning isn’t legally required. A commissioned Bill of Sale shows that the buyer and seller’s identities were verified and that the document was signed voluntarily.

Insurers, lenders, and government agencies are more likely to accept a commissioned Bill of Sale if proof of ownership is questioned. A commissioned document also holds more weight in court should any issues arise.

You can meet with a notary public online to have your Boat Bill of Sale Certificate commissioned in 7 minutes, from anywhere.

During commissioning, you swear or affirm that the contents of your Bill of Sale are true before the official. You’ll sign your Bill of Sale while the official witnesses your signature, and they’ll sign it too. Check out our blog to learn more about the process of commissioning.