Do someone have to be 18 to purchase and/or register a boat?

Question

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.

Richard C · Accepted Answer

If I can get my sticky fingers to work, I'll surprise you with my answer.

It all depends.   In my state  Maryland you cannot legally title a car or boat,  in your name if you are under 18.   Your name can be (on the title) along with a parent or guardian.  I'm assuming contract law would prevent the sale to a minor.

So, a teen could earn the money, but not actually make the purchase.

This is actually in the laws regarding "Guardianship".   If you are a minor, and say you inherit a boat when a parent dies, the courts would appoint a guardian,

to-wit
 Guardianship assets that include bank accounts, savings and loan association or other financial institution accounts, and tangible personal assets and intangible assets other than securities are to be titled in the name of the guardian as guardian for the disabled person or minor: (Guardian’s name), Guardian for (name of the disabled person or minor)

The boat being a tangible personal asset.

The Law in Texas was pased in the 1980's    You have to be 18......
See:http://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2005/cp/006.00.000129.00.html

In some states like Alabama you can be 14 (boys) but it's unclear if an adult would also have to be on the title.

Edit: http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/cibtmpl.asp?url=/content/circuitcourt/court/trustoffice/trustoffice.asp

Under Maryland contract law a minor can enter into a Contract of Necessity.  Like employment, however in issues like applying for a drivers license he/she has to have an adult (parent or guardian) sign the application (ages 16 and 17).

I'm assuming if a teen where to go into a boat dealer, at age 17 to buy a boat, the bill of sale, would have to be issued to him and a parent or guardian.

Some states that have no specific law or regulation the Common Law would apply.  In some states it would be 12 for girls and 14 for boys.

I think you are interpreting the contract laws to narrowly.

Things that need registration or have title's would require an agreement, which is a verbal contract.   The Contract exist when money changes hands.   Cash or loan maked no difference.   
i also note that Maryland's Lemon law is silent as to boats.  It applies only to Cars.

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Do someone have to be 18 to purchase and/or register a boat?

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