Question for my Texas Friends

[drifter]

Every year for the past 30 years, I’ve made a trip up home to Illinois to visit family. I always manage to bring back home, to Texas, at least a couple of motors, purchased at garage sales/flea markets. All of these motors are 3hp to 10hp and all are 1941 through 1966. After some selling over the last year, I’m down to 16 of my favorite motors. I run these 16 motors a lot all summer long here in Texas on the public lakes.

Now Illinois is a non-title state, so, I have never had a title for any of my motors. I’ve looked into (on the web) titling these motors but it appears this may be nearly an impossibility.
So, my question to my fellow Texan antique outboard collectors is: "Do you title your motors? If, so, how do you go about it?"
I’m trying to understand how to title a motor in Texas (where titling is required) when that motor comes from a state (where titling is not required).

Does anyone have any advice as to the proper approach. Is it even doable?

My 14′ Sea King (1963) boat is properly titled and registered, as is my trailer. But, my motors are not. I’ve never been stopped and I’m told that TP&W and/or the park rangers are simply not interested in the older motors.
Thanks for any input and help.
Drifter

[crosbyman]

why not ask the proper the authorities involved what exactly you are up against.

they will have the final word whatever opinions you get !

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[weedlessdrive]

It is law for both motor and boat to be titled in Texas now. They don’t usually question older motors still at this point but I’m sure there will be a day when it’s done.
It’s a little late to try and title them now. It must be done when they change hands and you are required to submit documents from both parties. The law is grandfathered to title them when they change hands but proof of ownership must be submitted from seller and buyer as well as serial number pencil rubbings or photos.
Contact your TPWD office or their website for info. They will help you, it’s more complex than you think.

[nlwildcat22]

Does Vermont title outboards? I know you can title a boat(motorcycle, trailer) in Vermont through the mail. I’ve done this. Once you receive your Vermont transferable registration card, you go to your local title bureau and transfer the title the same as if you had bought the boat out of state. It’s a loophole, but it’s a LEGAL loophole.

[drifter]

Thanks for the response. I appreciate it, however, the law should not require it’s law abiding citizens to go through loopholes to get things done legally. I have a path to title my Illinois motors in Texas, provided to me by TP&W but it’s going to be an "tough row to hoe" to get it done.
I’m going to talk with my District Representative to see about changing the outboard titling laws (maybe just for antique outboards).

[Author]

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