If the boat is USCG Documented and was financed, the lender is entitled to
have a "preferred mortgage" recorded against the vessel -- this is a
mortgage which is given status as a maritime lien. As such it enjoys a
certain priority in the event of default. In addition, the Coast Guard is
prohibited from making certain changes in documentation including, but not
limited to, change of vessel ownership, name, and hailing port without
consent of the mortgagee. For this reason many financial institutions
require vessels which are eligible for documentation to be documented and to
have preferred mortgages recorded against them.

If the vessel is documented, and many of the more upscale recreational
vessels are, you can pay a fee and get official records of liens against the
vessel. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/vdoc/nvdc.htm

If the boat's not documented and has only state registration, the
certificate of title in most states will show an unpaid lien. Contact the
boat registration unit of the particular state of interest and just ask
about it. Some may have websites with the information you seek.

You will want to pay a fee for a certified copy of title. And you'll also
want the sales contract to have the owner's sworn statement about liens and
his release and indemnification.

Len
--
Eliminate "ns" for email address.

"Denis Marier" wrote in message
...
I am a little uneasy to buy a used sailboat.
I do not know of any mechanism that can tell me if there are any monetary
liens against a sailboat. If I buy a boat and pay the seller in full who
will prove that I own the boat. The seller may still owe money to the bank
that makes the bank the real owner.
One of our club member did buy a boat in the US and managed to obtain
clearance from the lending institution. This may not always be the case.
Many are saying that I may have to hire the service of lawyer to get clear
ownership other suggested the service of a broker. In Canada, lawyers are
only responsible for what information they have access or made available
to
them. I would appreciate any comments and suggestions
TIA