Same here my Magnum was still in a previous owners name from 8 years prior. I actually contacted the PO and it was good to talk to him he was a LEO in the marine detail for the Norwalk Ct police department and new the boat since new. When I went to get it registered in my name I had no issues whatsoever. I have no idea how many people owned it between the LEO and the guy I bought it from

Beware, just do your homework. I have learned lessons over the years with titles, I used to be a motorcycle, atv, jet ski dealer. Seen many "tricks" to sell vehicles. I made the "flippers" or people who just didn't seem on the up and up, get the title in their name, then I would do the purchase or trade. It weeded out the problem children. Their profit is not my problem or concern. As a private buyer you can get burned pretty hard, sometimes receiving stolen property even with a signed title in a previous owners name. Problems can arise when you are at the title office and your left holding the bag. Just be diligent and ask questions.

It's called title jumping, owner on the title paid sales tax on the property, seller did not pay any taxes on it. It's pretty straight forward and illegal in the state of Virginia unless you are a registered dealer. So, jail? I doubt it. Sh!tbag thing to do, yeah.

With the amount of times I've personally been burned, hassled, and annoyed with boat/trailer title issues....not to mention the many times I've seen it happen to my friends......

I am going to start charging MORE when I sell my stuff, since the titles are always clear and in MY name, in MY hand. Zero headaches or worries for the buyer.

Why is it so hard to follow the rules and have your sh!t together??

Agreed. One of my first questions when making a purchase is about the title. I want to know status and who's name it is in before I even bother to look. Don't need the hassle or run around, doesnt matter how good of a deal it is.

People don't do their homework it seems. Or they are afraid to commit to the buy. Idk. When I bought my boat. I did my research. Looked at it. Handed the guy a $1000. Told him if for some reason I can't complete the transaction within 7 days. The $1000 was his. It was smooth as butter.

Skip title so he didn't have to pay sales tax.

LOL, Dude you would have a meltdown in Florida. Then, for the total implosion and head shaking WTF moment, I would take you to Miami to show you how things are truly done illegally. Thats just the way they do it....

My race boat's trailer title still had the guys name on it Brownie sold it to in 1969. I don't know all the owners but I do know there was a couple car dealerships and a boat dealer along with 2 privet owners from when I got it. The title never changed in 40 years of swapping owners. He ended up being a pretty famous guy in the 70's for the wrong reasons. lol. I wanted to keep the title but it was signed on the back (by famous guy)and I didn't want any issues at the DMV. Filled out the rest with my info and I was in and out with a new title. What they didn't ask I didn't tell.
DNR is about the same. Have a 1959 Biesemeyer 4 point hydro drag boat built in AZ. Somewhere around the mid 80's someone needed a title for the boat moving from Texas to FL so they titled it a home built outboard with inflatable pontoons. A BBC inboard drag boat with inflatable pontoons and a egg beater. Huummmmmmmm........ I got a lot of stuff corrected but a few things I would have to go back to FL and correct what they had. Not much chance being I have a title and a ID tag riveted (found the original tag it in a pile of rotted stinger) to the boat. It is what it is.
Some times I wish I lived in Tenn (I think). Want a boat title and Reg? Walk in, tell them what you have and they print it up for you. You can then sell it to any other state and they take their word for it, it is what it is. I could title my Biese there and fix everything in one sweep in 5 minutes that I could never fix in my state with the 4" thick pile backing documents I have.
If you have a title that's signed by the owner on the face and not filled out (unless its you) position is 9/10's of the law. Pawn shops do it all the time.