This is what I've got. My dad bought a bass boat a couple of years ago 1983 Hydrasport. He has since had a stroke and can no longer use the boat so he has given it to me. The previous owner all they filled out on the titles(boat, motor) is the signature, everything else is blank. In order to get it in my name can I just put $0 for the sales price and fill in the buyer portion? Or should I say I paid X amount? All their site says is required is the back of the brown title as a bill of sale. So I should be okay right? Any advice is appreciated.

If it is gifted to you I think it still has some sort of market value. At least, that is how they do car title transfers. I don't know how the state handles boat and motor titles in regards to valuation, but with cars, even if you negotiate a great deal, you pay tax on some bull**** calculated value.

For registration of boats, that fee is just based on its length and power class.

The State DOES have a valuation schedule, you CANNOT declare 0 value and them go for it!

Used Boat registration is a pain in the ass in my opinion. I just did it with an old pro-craft. TPWD has particular guidelines.

Sounds like it wasn't ever transferred into your dad's name. If it was never transferred into your dad's name, you will need a Bill of Sale from previous owner with specific information they require or a signed tax affidavit. They had me get a new Bill of Sale because a 2 was written over twice because he had a little mishap.

Go to the TPWD website and read all the requirements. Be prepared to strike out your first visit to the office. Can't help you on the "gift" or $0 idea. But I doubt that you can get out of paying some kind of tax. They always seem to get theirs.

Prayers for your pops as well.

Thanks guys. I'm going to call them to make sure what I need to do. Your responses definitely helpful.