I've heard mixed reviews about boats in Canada not having titles, just a bill of sale and the registration numbers prove ownership.
Suppose you wanted to buy a boat located in Canada and bring it into the US to a state that requires a title (like Ohio). I’ve been told you can take that documentation to the DMV and they will create a title for you.

My question is how can you be sure there is no Lien on the boat if there is no title? Imagine dishing out big money for a boat with no title, only to have one made. Then have the Repo man tow your boat away in the middle of the night.

Anyone know how to check a Lien on a boat with no title??

when crossing the border, they usually ask for a no lien paper... in quebec you can use the government site called RDPRM to check any motor vehicule for a lien. it does not say how much was the original loan or balance due upon transaction date, just if there is or not a lien...

Wich boat are you looking at and where is it?

A few years back I bought a fountain out of Ontario and I just paid a Cobalt dealer to prepare all the customs documents to transfer the boat to Oklahoma. Part of the service was to verify the hin, trailer vin, liens, etc. It worked out real smooth as it would have been a huge headache trying to figure it out on your own. Get with any dealer up in Canada that crosses the border on a regular basis. IMO there are some good deals up North!

Just drive it across the lake. Take the numbers off first. Drug runner style