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New Bedford, Massachusetts Yacht Bill of Sale

Use this bill of sale when selling a yacht in New Bedford, Massachusetts. It documents the transfer and helps you complete DMV title paperwork.

New Bedford, MassachusettsYachtPopulation rank #325

What to include

  • Buyer and seller names and addresses
  • Yacht VIN and vehicle details
  • Sale price and date
  • Signatures from both parties

Next step

Create a compliant bill of sale and download the signed PDF immediately.

Local Requirements — Bristol County

DMV / Title Office

MA RMV – New Bedford Service Center

Address

1082 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02745

Phone

(857) 368-8000

Office Hours

Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Transfer Fees & Taxes

Title Transfer Fee

$75.00

Sales Tax Rate

6.25%

Base Registration Fee

$60.00

Massachusetts statewide rate 6.25%

Notarization: NOT REQUIRED

Massachusetts does not require notarization.

New Bedford Transfer Checklist

  • Complete RMV-1 at the RMV
  • 6.25% sales tax on the purchase price
  • Safety and emissions inspection within 7 days of registration
  • Title transfer within 10 days

County Information — Bristol County

County Clerk / Recorder

Bristol County Register of Deeds

Phone

(508) 993-2603

Yacht market data and safety information

The most common yacht makes in private-party sales are Sea Ray, Beneteau, Boston Whaler, Grady-White, Viking. Average private-party yacht prices range from $50,000–$500,000+. Yachts average 1 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Fuel System, Electrical, Engine.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used yacht

Before completing a yacht bill of sale in Massachusetts, verify these safety items:

  • Require a professional marine survey before purchase — standard practice for vessels over 26 ft
  • Inspect engine hours, service records, and oil analysis reports
  • Check hull condition with moisture meter and visual inspection below waterline
  • Verify USCG documentation or state registration status

Yacht insurance and depreciation in Massachusetts

Yacht insurance is 1–2% of hull value annually. Agreed-value policies are standard. Navigation limits and crew requirements affect premiums. Yachts depreciate 10–15% per year for the first 5 years. Well-maintained vessels from premium builders hold value best. Peak season for private yacht sales is fall/winter boat shows drive buyer interest for spring delivery, with an average of 90 days on market.

Yacht registration and titling

Yachts are classified as "USCG-documented vessel (over 5 net tons) or state-registered vessel" for registration purposes. Yachts are classified by length overall (LOA), not weight. Vessels over 65 ft may require a licensed captain. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to yachts.

Yacht sales in New Bedford, Massachusetts

New Bedford residents completing a yacht bill of sale should be aware of local requirements in addition to Massachusetts state rules. The state sales tax rate is 6.25%, flat 6.25% statewide; no additional local vehicle taxes. The most popular yacht makes in Massachusetts include Sea Ray, Beneteau, Boston Whaler.

Massachusetts bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,672 bill of sale documents for Massachusetts transactions, with 45 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

Why Documentation Helps Protect Asking Price

45% faster sale

Vehicles whose listings include a history report spend ~45% less time on site before selling, and report-viewers are 5x more likely to become a lead.

Source: Experian / AutoCheck

$4,000 avg loss

NHTSA estimates 450,000+ vehicles per year are sold with rolled-back odometers — the average victim loses about $4,000 in downstream repair costs.

Source: NHTSA

17.5M private sales/yr

About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.

Source: Cox Automotive 2024

1 in 3 buyers

Roughly 1 in 3 used-car buyers say they suspect private sellers are hiding mechanical problems — documentation closes that trust gap.

Source: JW Surety Bonds (n=3,000)

Frequently asked questions

What county is New Bedford in, and which office handles title transfers?

New Bedford is in Bristol County. Title transfers are handled by the MA RMV – New Bedford Service Center at 1082 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02745. Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Phone: (857) 368-8000.

What is the sales tax rate on a yacht sale in New Bedford?

The combined rate is 6.25%. Massachusetts statewide rate 6.25%.

Is notarization required for a yacht bill of sale in New Bedford?

No. Massachusetts does not require notarization.

What fees should I expect when transferring a yacht title in New Bedford?

Title transfer fee: $75.00. Base registration fee: $60.00. Sales tax at 6.25% is collected at the time of title transfer.