Changing boat ownership, what you need to know…

When changing boat ownership, it's important to follow the necessary procedures. 

Unlike a vehicle, a boat is not registered at the traffic department. It is only the trailer that must be registered according to the Roads Act and will have the NATIS.

 South Africa, all boats and jet skis are required to be registered with SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority). The registration process involves providing the vessel's name, length, engine information, and proof of a valid skippers’ license. 

When you sell your boat, change of ownership becomes official upon issuance of a new Certificate of Fitness (CoF) in the new owner's name. Suzuki Dealerships will assist you with the new CoF and require these documents for the ownership transfer:

1. Copy of Sale Agreement Stating: 
   1. The vessel's make, model and serial number, 
   2. The engine’s make model and serial number, 
   3. The trailer’s VIN number and a copy of the ID documents of the person in whose name the trailer is registered.

2. Previous COF
3. Valid Buoyancy Certificate
4. Valid Skippers License
5. Clear copy of ID
6. Original Trailer Natis Paper
7. Roadworthy Certificate
8. Proof of address no older than 3 months

The COF (Certificate of Fitness) is issued to the owner or a skipper of the vessel, therefore the COF number must be removed from the vessel before a change of ownership can take affect. 

The manufacturer's serial number of the vessel cannot be changed and must remain on the boat, even if ownership changes. Modifying a boat will invalidate the buoyancy certificate and COF.

Should any modifications be made to the vessel and new Buoyancy Certificate would need to be issued by an Authorized Boat Manufacturer. 

New owners are advised to review all documentation before the transfer to ensure everything is in order according to SAMSA's recommendations.

To transfer the ownership of a boat trailer, the following steps need to be submitted to the registering authority within 21 days of purchase, along with registration form from seller and roadworthiness certificate.

1. The seller gives the registration certificate to the buyer.

2. The buyer fills out the Application for Registration and Licensing of Trailers and submits it to the traffic department.

3. If the trailer was registered in SA, the buyer must also submit the vehicle registration certificate.

4. A Roadworthy Certificate must be presented before the trailer can be registered in the buyer's name.

5. Don't forget to bring proof of residence and a copy of your ID.

If this sounds overwhelming, don’t despair, your Suzuki Dealer will assist you through the whole process!