Boat with no information.

[Smossy]

So I picked up a John Boat awhile back as alot of you guys know, Had problems with the rivets and leaking. I managed to get the boat all sealed up using nuts/bolts marine 5200 and G/Flex. Works fantastic, Also installed a new transom and motor mount in the back. Its half painting and I got a nice motor off a fellow here on hunt wa.

Now my concernes move over onto getting some type of ownership for the boat. It was ok shape, we bought it off some guy on craigslist for about 75$ bucks. No title no registration no nothing, Just a piece of paper saying person X sold this boat to person X on this date with two signatures (bill of sale) I think. That's if I can even find it anymore...

I came to the conclusion there was no identification numbers on the boat anywhere after looking over every nook and cranny..
Well last week when I started stripping paint I came across a small plate that was in a very obvious location right in the front that has I believe 4 or 5 digits.
Is this going to be my boat ID number?
And how to I go about getting some type of ownership paperwork for it? 

[andersonjk4]

I went through a very similar situation a few years ago with a small boat.  If you have the Hull ID # and a bill of sale, you should be able to go into a vehicle licensing office and they will give you the forms to apply for a new title.  In my case I had lost the bill of sale, so I basically had to claim it was an abandoned boat.  If you have to go this route they will issue you a registration, so you can legally use the boat, and will start a waiting period.  After 3 years if the boat goes unclaimed then you can go apply to get a new title for the boat. I haven't done this part of it yet, but this is what they told me when I got the registration.  Hope this helps. 

[wildmanoutdoors]

I think its like any vehicle, file for lost title, state patrol inspection to make sure it isnt stolen and wait your 3 years.
I do think you can register it while you wait, but you wont be the legal owner.

[Evil_EdwardO]

Depending how long your boat is and what motor you use, you may not have to register it. This is off of the boat.wa.gov page:

Registering your Vessel
Register your boat with the Washington State Department of Licensing. To navigate, operate, employ, or moor your vessel in Washington, you must have a Washington title, registration card, and registration decals, except: 
•If your vessel is a canoe, kayak, or a vessel not propelled by a motor or sail.
•If your vessel is less than 16 feet in length and has a motor of 10 horsepower or less and is used on non-federal waters only.
•If your vessel is properly registered by a resident of another state or country who uses Washington waters for 60 days or fewer.

[cwuwildcat]

Tagging.  I have a very similar issue.