Capt. John

Follow up to Richard's question re: the boat explosion this weekend. My question calls for an opinion: Do you think that boater will every buy or even ride on a boat again? Do you think if that happened to you, that you would?

I've often wondered. . . Why didn't Noah just swat those two darn Mosquitoes?

I need your help on some research. . .

If you ever bought a boat, car, motorcycle or RV, registered it, and received title in your name - BEFORE you were 18 years old - without a co-signer - would you please let me know what State you did this in?

I know this can be "legally" done in Texas, New York, and a dozen other states - I am trying to find out what other states allow someone under the age of 18 to do this as well - and if there is any State in the US that does not allow it.

Thank you very much for your input!

I need your help on some research. . .

If you ever bought a boat, car, motorcycle or RV, registered it, and received title in your name - BEFORE you were 18 years old - without a co-signer - would you please let me know what State you did this in?

I know this can be "legally" done in Texas, New York, and a dozen other states - I am trying to find out what other states allow someone under the age of 18 to do this - and if there is any State in the US that does not allow it.

Thank you very much for your input!

PS - I do vote for my best answers.

Is there ANY state that has a law which prohibits someone under the age of 18 from buying a boat or car, registering it, and having the title in his or her name?

We are talking a cash deal here - no loan contracts, etc.

FYI - I called the Texas DOT yesterday. TX DOT told me: "Texas has no age minimum or restrictions for anyone to buy, register or own title to a boat or motor vehicle."

So my question is: Is there ANY state - that says "a person must be 18 or over to buy, register, and have title to a boat or car" ?

I am looking for "proof" in the form of a link to any State's DOT or DMV.

Thank you!

I believe any kid (that has the money) under the age of 18 can purchase a boat or car, register it, and have the title in his/her name. I believe a kid can do this in every state in the USA.

My question is: Can you prove me wrong?

FYI - I called the Texas DOT yesterday, so I know a kid can do this in Texas.

TX DOT told me: "Texas has no age minimum or restrictions for anyone to buy, register or own title to a boat or motor vehicle."

So my question is: Is there ANY state - that says "a person must be 18 or over to buy, register, and have title to a boat or car" ?

I am looking for "proof" in the form of a link to any State's DOT or DMV.

Thank you!

I am looking for a state law (any US state) that says: you "must be 18 year old or older to purchase, and or register, and or title - a boat or car in your name".

FYI - I am not talking about the "age or majority" or the age a minor is legally considered an adult. I am specifically looking for a law in any state that prohibits someone under 18 from buying, registering, and owning a boat or car in their name.

For example: the "age of majority" (legal & drinking age) in Texas is 18. But, according to TX DOT (confirmed yesterday, by phone) Texas has no minimum age restrictions for buying, registering, or putting the title in the name of someone under 18.

I don't believe any state prevents someone under 18 from buying, registering or owning a boat or car.

So, here is your chance to prove me wrong - that should be worth more then the 10pts.

A link to your states DOT or DMV that provides a minimum age statement to buy a boat or car, will prove me wrong.

Can anyone confirm that there is any law in the USA (Federal or State) that says someone has to be 18 to purchase and/or register a boat?

I have seen multiple answers over the years that tell the questioneer ( 'questioneer' sounds more nautical then questioner) that they have to be 18 to purchase and or register a boat.

I know there are laws that protect and prevent minors from entering into a loan or term payment agreement, but, I'm talking cash deals here.

I know I purchased and registered my first boat and my first car (in Texas) before I was 18. But has the law changed? Is it different in your or other States? I don't think so.

I'll vote for the first answer (with an official link) that proves me wrong.

There was a 1,000 lb plus sturgeon caught in Canada (yesterday I think). I saw the pictures and the news reported it was caught on a rod & real. I wonder what will become of it? Is it catch & release? Will it go to science? Stuffed and put on the wall? Does anyone know for sure what will or has become of it? The news didn't say.

PS. I WILL VOTE FOR THE BEST ANSWER.

What's it like?

Just curious.

My son and I just returned from a cruise to Saba Island. Now we are doing the Great Loop (again). A few years ago, I discarded my old sextant for lack of use. Now we are debating the same with paper charts. We've discovered that with our Lowrance GPS and downloadable updates, our GPS is more accurate and trustworthy. I think paper charts have gone down the same path as the land line telephones. What do you do? And what do you think?

If so, what type boat (sail or power) did you have?

And what would you recommend?

Just curious... It seems every year about this time, (just after boating season starts). We all start hearing from people that just bought (both new & used) boats that don't float, don't run, don't start, don't stop, don't plane, don't turn, don't tilt, etc. etc. etc.

I don't know about you guys but I really feel sorry for these (mostly) novice first time boat owners.

What do you think? Are these people just leaving their brains at home when they go shopping for a boat? Or is it something else?

John

Sail around the world alone? Or take a friend or two?

(assuming of course, you had the boat & skills to do it...)

WOW... If you know of any senior sailors, or boaters, over 65 - I sure would like to know.

Whether living aboard full time, sailing or not, solo or not... Is this a growing trend?

I'm curious... What started lumber mills labeling plywood "Marine grade" in the first place? What was it called before they started calling it "marine grade"?

Just wondering. . . Why couldn't they use explosives to close off that oil leak?

I know this isn't really a "boating" question - but where else can one find a bunch of level headed creative thinkers? (Obviously, there aren't any in our Government right now.) And BP (understandably) would not make this their first option, as it would probably close the well off forever...

So, does anyone know? Isn't this a viable option? Or have I been watching too much TV?

John

It is true... I am under the opinion that Bayliner boats are the absolute poorest quality boats ever made. However, I will give credit to Bayliner for their previous success even though they just filed bankruptcy. I understand, and can chalk that up to the hard financial times.

Bayliner's original Corporate mission, was to build the most inexpensive boat on the market - and I truly believe they succeeded beyond even their own wildest dreams.

I confess, there is (obviously) a market for a Bayliner - and that of course is the brand new, first time boat owner. That is their stated market. They are good (if not the very best) at selling to this market. I give them all the credit in the world for their "business" savey.

However, for 42 years - I have been blessed - able to spend the majority of my time on the water, sailing, cruising, and at one Marina or the other. I can tell you without exception, Bayliner's have:

1. the worst (non-collision with anything but water) damage,

2. the most boats, most often, in repair shops,

3. the absolute fastest "new" boats to look very old,

4. and the fastest destruction of seats, flooring, transoms, paint, upholstery, vinyl, metal, etc. caused by "nature" (ie: sun, water, mildew, rot, cracking, and normal wear and tear etc.)

I am the first to raise the flag of encouragement for the boating life and lifestyle to anyone and everyone. But... I just cringe, when I see some innocent, unsuspecting, first time boat owner spend good money for a Bayliner.

Furthermore... I have never known a first time boat owner with a Bayliner to ever buy another Bayliner... And while I am sure there are exceptions (by Bayliner's own admission) 2nd time boat buyers that buy Bayliners are a rare occurance - even when their 1st boat was a Bayliner.

I believe this speaks "Volumes" regarding the owner's satisfaction with the boat.

Same goes with "Marine Surveys" and buying "Cheap anything" that is critical to the operation of your boat... expecially, an off shore, ocean capable vessel... My son and I are always telling people to "Get that Marine Survery" and inevitably, we are the first ones they call for help - when they didn't.

So... bring it on... If you want to eat my lunch, or if you want to add your "Bayliner" experience or opinion... it's all welcome - I'll do the best I can (agree with me or not) to give the points to the best reply...