Boat Swap?

[rgardner928]

I have a 97 Seadoo Speedster

My hull is so bad it needs about $10k in repairs. Way more then its worth. My seats are mint..My bimini is mint, my engines are perfect. But the bottom leaks and is need of desperate overhaul.

A friend of mine has the same boat (97 speedster) as me and needs parts for his. He just bought a second 97 speedster for parts to use on his. But the the parts boat he bought has no title and has a mint hull.

Here is my question... If I take my motors, and the VIN number off the back of mine. And swap it to my friends parts boat. Is that okay?

This parts boat doesn't have a title. But if I move all of my identification to it. In theory its now my registered boat now..right?

What other identification do I need to swap?

 

[rgardner928]

@Minnetonka4me

@Chester

@MichiganSportster

 

[rgardner928]

Nevermind. I think I found my answer from the manual.

 

[mikidymac]

Well, you are asking a legal question and not a mechanical one.
The engine ID numbers don't go with anything or match anything and engines are swapped all the time.

The VIN or HIN numbers are a different story as it is illegal in all states to tamper with or change them on any watercraft. That being said, it is done by dealerships when a hull or frame it totaled and a new replacement one can be bought from the factory but it is a legal and paperwork nightmare.

If it was me I would call your local department of motor vehicles and anonymously inquire about the "parts" boat as if I was interested in buying it and make sure it is not reported stolen. If it is clear then I would make the most reasonable decision and buy a sharp drill bit and new rivets and "refresh" my hull, wink, wink, nod.

Please note as I said before it is illegal to tamper with VIN plates.