This long post explains what happened when I tried to register my new boat with the state.
I bought a new two-man bass boat from Bass Pro Shops in July. To be clear, I did not buy this boat from Tracker. The reason I say that is because I’m sure the folks at Tracker know enough about boats that they would not sell a boat that did not have a proper US Coast Guard specified hull identification number (or HIN). Like the VIN for your truck, the HIN has specific numbers and letters that have meanings.
This was the first time I ever bought a boat, and I expected it to be a “turn-key” purchase. The forms were a little confusing at first because BPS gave me an affidavit that stated I paid no sales tax. Instead, I sent TPWD a copy of the register receipt that clearly showed I paid 8.25% sales tax along with the Boat Application PWD 143. A week later I received and opened the letter from TPWD. Looking in the envelope for my registration decals, I was in for a shock. My $59 check was returned and included was a blank form PWD 504 (Verification of Serial Number) along with instructions to resubmit the Application.
I completed and executed the PWD 504. I photographed and pencil-traced the HIN. I licked another stamp and addressed another envelope. I checked the calendar because my three-week grace period was running out. I’m going fishing this weekend, decal or not!
This time I got a phone call from TPWD. It was explained to me that my boat’s HIN number is not compliant with state regulations. They suggested that I contact BPS and obtain a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin. BPS was helpful in that they checked the other two-man bass boats that they have in their inventory. All the boats they checked had proper HINs. BPS suggested I should contact the manufacturer. I was upset by this suggestion as y'all can well imagine! I thought that BPS should, at the very least, provide me the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.
All’s well that ends well. Of all the scenarios that played out in my mind, the one that transpired surprised me.
I was contacted again by TPWD and told that TPWD accepted the non-conforming HIN, assigned a Vessel Number and mailed me the decals. TPWD has offered to send a GW to inspect my boat and upgrade the HIN to the conforming twelve digits. There is a fee for this service, but I’m not sure who should pay it: the buyer or the seller? I am very grateful to the folks at TPWD. The clerks are extremely courteous, friendly and helpful.
I put the decals on a couple hours ago.
IMG_20150905_153001_677.jpg
On a somewhat related note: Roseman informed me that I was darn goofy to name the fish I caught last month. Therefore, the fish will now be referred to as “the big'un” and the boat’s name is “Martha”.
I bought a new two-man bass boat from Bass Pro Shops in July. To be clear, I did not buy this boat from Tracker. The reason I say that is because I’m sure the folks at Tracker know enough about boats that they would not sell a boat that did not have a proper US Coast Guard specified hull identification number (or HIN). Like the VIN for your truck, the HIN has specific numbers and letters that have meanings.
This was the first time I ever bought a boat, and I expected it to be a “turn-key” purchase. The forms were a little confusing at first because BPS gave me an affidavit that stated I paid no sales tax. Instead, I sent TPWD a copy of the register receipt that clearly showed I paid 8.25% sales tax along with the Boat Application PWD 143. A week later I received and opened the letter from TPWD. Looking in the envelope for my registration decals, I was in for a shock. My $59 check was returned and included was a blank form PWD 504 (Verification of Serial Number) along with instructions to resubmit the Application.
I completed and executed the PWD 504. I photographed and pencil-traced the HIN. I licked another stamp and addressed another envelope. I checked the calendar because my three-week grace period was running out. I’m going fishing this weekend, decal or not!
This time I got a phone call from TPWD. It was explained to me that my boat’s HIN number is not compliant with state regulations. They suggested that I contact BPS and obtain a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin. BPS was helpful in that they checked the other two-man bass boats that they have in their inventory. All the boats they checked had proper HINs. BPS suggested I should contact the manufacturer. I was upset by this suggestion as y'all can well imagine! I thought that BPS should, at the very least, provide me the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.
All’s well that ends well. Of all the scenarios that played out in my mind, the one that transpired surprised me.
I was contacted again by TPWD and told that TPWD accepted the non-conforming HIN, assigned a Vessel Number and mailed me the decals. TPWD has offered to send a GW to inspect my boat and upgrade the HIN to the conforming twelve digits. There is a fee for this service, but I’m not sure who should pay it: the buyer or the seller? I am very grateful to the folks at TPWD. The clerks are extremely courteous, friendly and helpful.
I put the decals on a couple hours ago.
IMG_20150905_153001_677.jpg
On a somewhat related note: Roseman informed me that I was darn goofy to name the fish I caught last month. Therefore, the fish will now be referred to as “the big'un” and the boat’s name is “Martha”.
from how to catch bass http://ift.tt/1KTCEoz via navigate here
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1FqIozM
No comments:
Post a Comment