I am in the market for buying a new or used boat. How do I protect myself from someone like National Marine? How do I insure that the dealer or individual selling me a boat actually has a free and clear title?

I've always gone by one standard, whether it's a car, boat,motorcycle...etc. You give me the vehicle and a title and I give you the money.

Escrow

It amazes me how many problems there are out there in the marine industry.

Good to have a forum re: all the crap that is dealt.

What do you do if the bank holds the title and won't release it until the loan is paid off?

both buyer and seller contact the bank, get a signed and notorized authorization for payoff have the seller send the payoff amount directly to the lienholder and upon receipt of the title is when balance is paid...i have done this numerous times and have been on both ends and luckily so far nothing has gone wrong

Good question. I guess like Gary said...Escrow.

I've just never been in that situation before.

Good idea, thanks for the advice.