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Standard Marine Purchase Agreement

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STANDARD MARINE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

TOWER MARINE BOAT SALES

216 Saint Peters Drive • Post Office Box 467 • Douglas, Michigan 49406

Phone: 269.857.1481 • Fax: 269.857.5176

SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS STATED ON BOTH SIDES OF THIS AGREEMENT AND SUBJECT TO BOTH SIGNATURES, SELLER AGREES TO SELL AND THE PURCHASER AGREES TO PURCHASE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY:

New
Used
New
Used
New
Used

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE
FREIGHT
PREP
TITLE / REGISTRATION
TRAILER PLATE
SALES TAX
TOTAL CASH PRICE

TRADE-IN ALLOWANCES

BOAT
MOTOR
TRAILER
TRADE PAYOFF
NET ALLOWANCE

The parties to this Agreement are aware that the trade-in allowance or the purchase price shown above may require adjustment pursuant to the provisions of paragraphs 5, 6, 7, and 11 of the Terms and Conditions of the reverse side of this document.

Buyer certifies that he/she has read the Terms and Conditions on the back of this document and agrees that they shall be incorporated as part of this Agreement.

Buyer certifies the following: 1) he/she is of legal age to enter into this agreement; 2) the above described equipment and insurance (if applicable) have been purchased voluntarily; 3) trade-in is free from all liens and encumbrances other than those listed herein.

Buyer agrees that all provisions to this Agreement (including the Terms and Conditions on the reverse side hereof) are severable. If any provision is held to be invalid, it shall not affect the validity of the other provisions, which shall be given full force and effect.

BUYER TRADE-IN INFORMATION

Checkbox if unit is being sold on an “as is” basis:

PURCHASER'S OFFER

Signed X Purchaser

Signed X Purchaser

SELLERS ACCEPTANCE

Signed X Seller

Signed X Seller

PURCHASER'S OFFER

Signed X Purchaser

Signed X Purchaser

ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

It is further understood and agreed:

The order on the reverse side hereof is subject to the following terms and conditions, all of which have been mutually agreed upon:

1. All titles to the equipment listed on page 1 of this Agreement shall be retained by the Seller until the purchase price has been paid in cash or a financing arrangement has been executed and accepted by a bank or some other lending institution. Upon full payment, Seller shall transfer title to equipment to Buyer even though the actual delivery date may be later. Prior to delivery date, Buyer must execute a retail installment contract or some other type of security agreement prescribed by law if this sale is not a cash transaction.

2. Buyer agrees to assume and pay, unless prohibited by law, any and all taxes other than income taxes incidental to the purchase documented in this Agreement. The purchase price stated on page 1 of this document does not include any taxes assessed by any governmental agency prior to or at the time of delivery on the sale of this boat unless expressly stated otherwise.

3. The manufacturer has the right to make any model, design, parts, or accessory changes as it sees fit. These changes shall not affect the equipment ordered by this Agreement, nor may Buyer require Seller or manufacturer to include these changes in his/her order.

4. Seller shall not be liable for any loss or damages caused by delays created by the manufacturer, accident, strike, fire, or any other cause beyond Seller's control.

5. Buyer shall deliver to the Seller's premises his/her used boat (hereinafter called "trade-in") along with its title if such boat is to be traded in as a partial payment toward the purchase price. Buyer warrants that the trade-in is his/her property and that the trade-in is free and clear of all liens and encumbrances other than those noted on page 1 of this Agreement. Buyer warrants that all taxes levied on the trade-in have been paid in full. If it comes to the Seller's attention that there is a lien or claim on the trade-in which is not disclosed on page 1 of this Agreement, Seller shall have the option of: A) paying the claim and seeking immediate reimbursement from Buyer, or B) Seller may add the amount of the claim to the purchase price established on page 1 of this Agreement and the new purchase price will be incorporated as if originally stated in this Agreement.

6. If the trade-in is not licensed and registered in the state where this Agreement is executed, Buyer shall immediately register and license the trade-in in said state. If Seller incurs any expenses connected with the licensing and registration of the trade-in, Seller may pay such expenses and be reimbursed therefor by Buyer or increase the purchase price by the amount of such expense.

7. Seller shall retain the right to make a reappraisal of the trade-in if it is not delivered to Seller at the time of the initial appraisal. A reappraisal shall be made by Seller if there appears to be any change in the trade-in's general physical condition or its furnishings and accessories. In the event the reappraisal differs from the original appraisal, the trade-in allowance shall be based on the reappraisal.

8. This agreement shall be governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as adopted in the state in which this agreement is executed. If the Buyer fails or refuses to complete the purchase documented by this Agreement within thirty (30) days of the execution of this Agreement or an agreed extension date, the cash deposit put down by the Buyer will be used to compensate Seller for any losses, expenses, or attorney fees incurred by Seller in connection with Buyer's failure to complete the purchase documented in this Agreement. If Buyer has delivered a trade-in and the purchase has not been completed within the time period described above, Buyer authorizes Seller to sell the trade-in at a private or public auction and deduct from the proceeds delivered to Buyer an amount equivalent to the losses and expenses incurred by Seller in connection with Buyer's failure to complete the purchase documented in this Agreement.

9. Warranties. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY STATE LAW, SELLER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. All warranties covering the equipment referenced on page 1 of this Agreement, if any, are made by the manufacturer. A copy of any applicable manufacturer's warranty shall be delivered by Seller to Buyer.

10. Buyer states that he/she has inspected and examined the equipment which is the subject of this Agreement and determined that the equipment is of satisfactory quality and is suitable for the purpose for which it is purchased.

11. The following provisions shall be incorporated in the Agreement if Seller accepts Buyer's trade-in and allows Buyer a trade-in allowance:

A. Buyer certifies that the trade-in belongs exclusively to him/her. In addition, Buyer warrants that he/she has authority to transfer title to the trade-in to Seller and that there are no liens or encumbrances on the trade-in other than those disclosed on page 1 of this Agreement.

B. Buyer certifies that the trade-in is seaworthy and that its accessories and equipment are in good working order. Buyer also certifies that the trade-in's engine block, manifolds and cylinder head are not cracked or otherwise defective.

C. The trade-in shall become Seller's property when this Agreement is fully executed.

D. On the date this Agreement is executed, Buyer shall deliver to Seller all instruments of title to the trade-in along with a proper bill of sale or any other instrument necessary to transfer proper title to the trade-in to Seller.

E. If within thirty (30) days of the date when Buyer delivers the trade-in to Seller, Seller discovers that the trade-in or any of its accessories and equipment are in a defective or an unacceptable condition, Seller shall have the option of: 1) cancelling this Agreement, or 2) making all repairs necessary to put the trade-in in marketable condition and billing Buyer directly or adding the costs to the purchase price set forth on page 1 of this Agreement.

12. Brokered or used boats are sold strictly on an "as is" basis. If this transaction involves a used boat, Buyer states that he/she has inspected and examined the used boat as well as its equipment and accessories and found them in satisfactory condition or good working order.

THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN ITS PARTIES. NO OTHER REPRESENTATIONS, INDUCEMENTS OR PROMISES (WRITTEN OR VERBAL) HAVE BEEN MADE WHICH ARE NOT SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT.

Seller Signature

Purchaser Signature

Enter text✕

What the Standard Marine Purchase Agreement Is

A Standard Marine Purchase Agreement is a legally binding contract used to document the sale and transfer of a recreational or commercial vessel in the United States. It sets out the parties, vessel description (make, model, hull identification number), purchase price, payment terms, delivery conditions, warranties, disclosures about liens or damage, and responsibilities for registration and taxes. The agreement creates obligations for buyer and seller, establishes risk of loss transfer points, and supports downstream actions such as title transfer, registration with state agencies or the U.S. Coast Guard, and insurance updates.

Why This Agreement Matters for Buyers and Sellers

A clear, complete agreement reduces dispute risk, documents payment and delivery terms, and evidences transfer of ownership for registration and tax purposes. It also allocates liability for known defects, clarifies what is included in the sale, and supports insurance and lien searches.

Why This Agreement Matters for Buyers and Sellers

Typical Parties and Professionals Involved

Who typically prepares, reviews, or signs a marine purchase agreement.

  • Private buyer or seller — Individuals purchasing or selling a vessel in a private transaction.
  • Dealerships and brokers — Use standardized agreements and manage title transfer processes.
  • Attorneys and marine surveyors — Review terms, inspect condition, and advise on liability.

In many transactions two or more of these parties participate to ensure documentation, registration, and financing are completed correctly.

Core Components Every Marine Purchase Agreement Should Include

A professional agreement is structured to cover identity, vessel details, financial terms, condition and warranties, transfer logistics, and dispute resolution. These sections support regulatory filings and protect both parties.

Parties

Full legal names and contact information for buyer and seller, and indication of acting capacity (individual, corporation, trustee).

Vessel Description

Detailed identification including hull identification number (HIN), year, make, model, length, registration number, and any factory or aftermarket modifications.

Price & Payment

Purchase price, deposit amount, payment method, escrow instructions if any, and payment schedule or financed amount.

Condition & Survey

Whether sale is as-is or with warranty, survey contingencies, timelines for inspection and right to cancel.

Title & Lien Warranty

Seller warranty of clear title, disclosure of existing liens, and seller obligations to satisfy liens before transfer.

Delivery & Risk

Delivery date, location, who bears risk during transit, and responsibilities for mooring, launch, or towing.

Step-by-Step: Filling Out the Agreement

Follow these sequential steps to complete the agreement and support prompt title transfer.

  • 01
    1. Identify Parties: Enter full legal names and contact details for buyer and seller.
  • 02
    2. Describe Vessel: Record HIN, make, model, year, and current registration number.
  • 03
    3. Set Financial Terms: Specify purchase price, deposits, and payment method or escrow instructions.
  • 04
    4. Confirm Transfer Steps: Agree on delivery, title assignment, notarization, and registration responsibilities.

Where to Send, File, or Record the Completed Agreement

After signatures, route documents to the appropriate agencies and stakeholders for title, registration, and insurance updates.

  • Buyer and Seller Copies: Each party retains a fully executed original or PDF for records and dispute evidence.
  • State Title Agency: Submit required assignment forms and bill of sale to the state DMV or maritime registration office.
  • U.S. Coast Guard (Documentation): If the vessel is documented, file change-of-ownership with the U.S. Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center.
  • Lender or Insurer: Provide the executed agreement to any financing bank and update insurance policyholder information.

Customizing an Online Completion Workflow

Configure the digital workflow to capture signatures, attachments, and any conditional fields required for the sale.

Field Configuration
Signature Fields Assign role-based signers and require signature + date fields.
Conditional Survey Show survey contingency fields only if buyer requests inspection.
Attachment Required Require bill of sale, lien release, or survey PDF uploads before finalizing.
Audit Trail Enable capture of IP, timestamp, and email for legal evidence.

Digital Signing and eSubmission Considerations

Choose an eSignature platform that supports audit trails, file export, and optional advanced authentication.

  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Works with CRM and storage systems
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or advanced options

Ensure the chosen platform complies with ESIGN and UETA, retains records reproducibly, and meets any industry-specific security or privacy needs.

Common Deadlines and Timing Expectations

Understand statutory and administrative timelines that affect registration, tax reporting, and lien satisfactions.

Title Transfer Filing:

Varies by state — typically within 30 days of sale

Sales Tax Payment:

Due per state timeline; often at registration

Survey Contingency:

Buyer typically has 7–30 days to complete survey

Lien Release:

Seller should obtain and deliver release before closing

Documentation to USCG:

File promptly if documented vessel ownership changes

Key Transaction Milestones

A typical transaction progresses through these numbered milestones toward final transfer.

01

Offer and Deposit

Buyer makes offer and deposit is placed into escrow or held by seller.

02

Survey and Inspection

Buyer inspects vessel; survey issues may trigger negotiations or cancellation.

03

Execution and Notarization

Parties sign the agreement; notarization or witness steps completed if required.

04

Title Filing and Delivery

Seller assigns title and buyer files with state or USCG, completing transfer.

Required Information Typically Collected

Buyer Name: Full legal name
Seller Name: Full legal name
Vessel HIN: Hull Identification Number
Purchase Price: Exact amount
Signatures: Signed and dated
Lien Info: Existing lien details

Penalties and Risks of Incomplete or Incorrect Agreements

Title Rejection: Delayed transfer
Tax Liability: Sales tax exposure
Lien Claims: Creditor assertions
Insurance Gaps: Coverage denial
Contract Disputes: Potential litigation
Penalty Fees: Late filing fines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using informal language or unclear payment terms that leave escrow and refund rights unspecified.
  • Failing to list the exact HIN or registration number, which can prevent title processing or create ownership disputes.
  • Not disclosing existing liens or financing, exposing the buyer to unexpected creditor claims.
  • Skipping notarization or witness steps required by the receiving state, causing the title to be rejected.

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Adopt these practices to reduce processing time and lower the risk of post-closing issues.

Use Exact Legal Names
Enter names exactly as shown on government records and title documents to avoid mismatches during state registration or Coast Guard documentation; verify spellings before final signing.
Attach Supporting Documents
Include a recent survey, lien release, prior title, and any manufacturer or repair receipts to provide evidence of condition and encumbrance status for the buyer and title agency.
Confirm Notarization Rules
Check the destination state's notary and witness requirements before signing; remote online notarization (RON) may be available in many states but rules and acceptance vary.
Keep an Audit Trail
Retain a time-stamped, tamper-evident record of all electronic signing events, IP addresses, and uploaded attachments to support enforceability and regulatory compliance.

Example Use Cases

Real transactions illustrate how the agreement is used in practice and what to document.

Private Sale Between Individuals

Buyer commissions a survey and requests a 10-day repair contingency

  • Buyer deposits 10% in escrow
  • The executed agreement, bill of sale, and lien release are filed with the state DMV to complete title transfer and tax reporting.

Broker-Facilitated Deal

Broker prepares standardized agreement with broker commission clause

  • Broker holds deposit and coordinates survey
  • After signing and notarization, broker submits paperwork to the USCG or state agency and notifies insurer to change coverage.

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Executing the Agreement

Comparison of common eSignature capabilities and pricing models; signNow is listed first per table rules and provides options for high-volume usage.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Varies by plan
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Common Questions and Practical Answers

Answers to frequent questions about validity, notarization, and next steps after signing the agreement.


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