A Jet Ski Bill of Sale is a legal document used to transfer ownership of a jet ski from the seller to the buyer in exchange for a mutually agreed-upon price. As a permanent record of the transaction, it is used to prevent future legal disputes over title & ownership after the sale. To prove title or ownership of a jet ski to a third party, such as a government tax agency or a potential buyer, you will be required to furnish a Bill of Sale as one of the key documentary requirements of the process – so make sure you keep a copy of the bill after the sale!
Use Case
Most common in private, as-is sales transactions, usually those involving second-hand or used jet skis bought for recreational or sporting purposes.
Individuals and businesses use a Bill of Sale to protect the previous owner from incurring liability after purchase, while protecting the new owner from potentially fraudulent sales. By having the terms of the sale in writing, you are able to clarify the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of both parties from day one.
What We Offer
To formalize the sale using a pre-standardized Bill of Sale template like ours, simply enter the required and optional details in the designated fields as per the unique details of your transaction.
This standardized template covers all essential technical, regulatory, and financial aspects of a jet ski sale, making it ideal for first-time buyers or one-time sellers, who can save hours in research, drafting, and formatting work.
You can print a PDF version of the template and complete it by hand, or edit it electronically. Either way, fill in your transactions’ unique information for each section, as instructed. Feel free to tailor specific sections or fields. You can also change the font style & size to your liking.
What’s Inside?
From when and where a sale occurred to the make or model of the watercraft in question, you need to have the right information on record to log & legitimize each sale.
Now, let’s walk through the template together, one step at a time:
Step 1: Right at the top of the page, specify when and where the agreement is being signed. Specifying the location of the agreement clarifies which state or local laws govern the agreement in case of a legal dispute down the road.
Step 2: Add seller & buyer details, including full legal names and updated contact details, including postal address or email IDs. This information is needed for both tax & legal purposes.
Step 3: Specify the exact amount the buyer must pay to complete the sale. During tax season, this information will be used to prove the paid purchase price. Ensure that you fill this in thoroughly before signing, and do not leave space for anyone to alter the selling price.
Go on to specify your preferred mode of payment, such as cash, check, or e-transfer.
In case of non-monetary payments, for example, if a seller gifted or traded the jet ski to the buyer, you can use this alternate version of the template.
Version II
Version II
Step 4: This is probably the heart of the document, as it helps you identify the particular jet ski being sold. Fill in Section III (a) as accurately as possible, so there’s no doubt about the watercraft in question:
- Make
- Model
- Year
- Color
- No. of Strokes
- No. of Cylinders
- Hull Identification Number (which is similar to a VIN for vehicles)
- Registration No.
- CC (cubic centimeters)
- Odometer reading (in miles, km, hours, or knots)
Here’s a fictional but realistic example for your guidance:
| Field | Example Entry |
|---|---|
| Make | Yamaha |
| Model | WaveRunner VX Cruiser HO |
| Year | 2022 |
| Color | Black & Lime Green |
| No. of Strokes | 4-stroke |
| No. of Cylinders | 3 |
| Hull Identification Number | YAMA1832D222 |
| Registration No. | FL 1234 HG |
| CC (cubic centimeters) | 1812 cc |
| Odometer Reading | 76 hours |
Step 5: Clarify if the transaction is inclusive or exclusive of government taxes. If taxes are included, specify who will be paying them (buyer, seller, or a third party).
Step 6: Warranties & Disclaimers!
From a legal liability point of view, this section is crucial as it serves to delineate the rights & responsibilities of each party towards the other.
In V(a), check the relevant box to clarify if the jet ski was inspected before the sale. In certain states, inspection may be required by law.
If you select V(b), it means the watercraft is being sold without a warranty (‘as-is transaction’). In as-is sales, the seller carries no legal responsibility to fix or repair the jet ski after the sale.
If a seller offers a warranty for the jet ski, check the third option (V(c)) before stating how long (in years to be filled by you) the warranty is for.
Step 7: Here, add supporting documents, clearly naming and labeling each document to avoid confusion. The right documentation adds credibility, protects both parties, and ensures legal clarity.
Some common examples of supporting documents you can add are:
- Copies of ID, e.g., a passport or a Driver’s License (Buyer & seller)
- Boating Safety Certificate
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) Inspection Certificate
- Maintenance Records
- Proof of payment
Step 8: Sign & Date
Both parties must add dated signatures to fully execute the agreement, making it legally binding as of the date of sale.
We also adjusted space for witnesses to add their signatures as proof that a certain transaction involving a specific jet ski was finalized on the stated date, place, and terms.
Once the Bill of Sale is signed, both the buyer and seller should keep a copy for their records. This document serves as legal proof of the transaction, clearly defining the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
Step 9: Notarize (optional)
Some US states require you to sign the Bill of Sales in the presence of a Notary Public. While not always required by law, notarization is often recommended to add an extra layer of verification. This is particularly important for high-value items or when mandated by specific jurisdictions or government agencies.
Jet Ski Use in the U.S.A
Here are some interesting facts you might want to know about operating jet skis in the U.S.:
- All motorized boats, including jet skis, are required to be registered with the state. In some states, registration is mandatory, while in others, it may be voluntary.
- Use of a jet ski may be restricted in certain hours or zones (e.g., no-wake zones, wildlife areas).
- As per the US Coast Guard, most states require operators to undergo mandatory boating safety education to operate a jet ski.
- Jet ski use is subject to emission and noise laws, such as those that apply in California and some federal lakes.
- If your jet ski comes with a trailer, you may need to complete a trailer bill of sale and register it separately.
