Selling a boat with a motor and trailer
A boat, an outboard motor, and a trailer are three separate items in most states. Each has its own ID number, and each may be titled or registered separately. Here is what to put on the bill of sale.
The boat
List the year, make, model, length, and hull identification number (HIN). The HIN is on the starboard transom.
The motor
List the make, horsepower, and serial number. The serial number is usually on a plate on the motor bracket or clamping bracket. An inboard or stern-drive motor may be listed differently — check with your state agency.
Some states title outboard motors separately. Texas Parks and Wildlife, for example, requires a title for all outboard motors and has its own form for the motor (PWD 144) next to the one for the vessel (PWD 143) (TPWD, last checked 2026-10-14). Check your state page.
The trailer
List the trailer VIN. The VIN is usually on a plate near the tongue (front) of the trailer or stamped on the frame.
In many states, a trailer is titled and registered by the motor vehicle agency, not the boating agency. In Texas, for example, trailers go through the county tax office while the boat and motor go through Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD, last checked 2026-10-14).
Put the trailer price on a separate line. Some states treat the trailer price separately for tax purposes.
Separate prices
Even if you and the buyer agree on one total, it can help to break out the boat price, motor price, and trailer price separately. Some states calculate tax on the boat and motor differently from the trailer. Check your state page for the specific rule.
Titles for each item
The seller should have a title for the boat (if the state requires it) and possibly for the trailer and motor. The buyer needs those titles to register or title each item after the sale. Do not complete the sale without confirming what titles exist and who is listed on each.
Separate lines for boat, motor, and trailer. See a sample