PWC (Jetski, Seadoo, Waverunner, etc.) required to be titled when bought or sold in Ohio
PWC (Personal Watercraft) and other small jet boats bought or sold afterJanuary 1, 2000, must be titled in order to be registered in Ohio. Individuals or dealerships who owned these boats prior to January 1, 2000 must title these craft before they sell, mortgage or transfer ownership.
State law requires any watercraft less than 14 feet in length with a permanently attached motor of ten horsepower or greater to be titled. This description refers primarily to Personal Watercraft and small jet-drive boats. Other boats less than 14 feet in length equipped with outboard motors (and all canoes and kayaks) continue to be exempt from titling.
According to Rick Barrera, titling manager for the ODNR Division of Watercraft, the law is designed to help deter theft of these popular crafts. "Personal Watercraft have become an increasingly popular target for boat thieves," said Barrera. "Requiring these boats to be titled adds one more paper trail to help trace a craft to its rightful owner."
To get a title issued for a PWC that does not have one...
The owner will need to visit a county clerk's office. Take the boat registration as proof of ownership along with the motor make, serial number and horsepower. (This information is not on your registration). For a list of county title clerks, see our agent and title office directory. For additional information on this new law, contact the ODNR Division of Watercraft at (614) 265-6480 or by e-mail at watercraft@dnr.state.oh.us. Information is also available at local county clerks of court offices. |