Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Oklahoma

Who owns the boat?

We sold a boat for $1750.00 and the new owner never transferred the title or paid the taxes on the boat. The new owner left the boat at a rental house after moving. The owner of the property had the boat towed. We were contacted by the impound yard. We were told we must come and pay the impound fee of $320.00 but before we could pick up the taxes had to be brought up to date. If we did not they were going to file suite and place a lien on the boat and all of this would be on my credit report. So we paid the taxes and the impound fee and took the boat home.

Now the person we sold it to wants it back and says he is going to get a lawyer, because he has the bill of sale where I sold the boat to him.

What do I do? Do I have to give him the boat back?


Asked on 3/25/08, 11:40 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: Who owns the boat?

It appear that boat is now considered abandoned property and the new owner lost all rights to the property which is was recognized as abandonment. Itt is recommended that you file suit to recover monitary damages or harm that resulted from this abandonment. Additionally, the new owner had a legal responsibility to transfer the title of the property and secure his/her rights to the property. Instead he/she chose to dishonor the sell of the property. These factors will be considered if the matter is taken to court and a court ruling is recommended to make sure all rights to the property are reconciled or relinquished by the abandoning parties. In other words, the property is still yours, unless the new owner can prove otherwise because he/she negated their responsbility to secure the sell of the property and secure rights and possession. Rights and title must be transferred in their name and this transaction must be done to fully execute and close a sell/purchase agreement. We have difficulty understanding why he/she feel they are still entitled but it is not something you should worry about.

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Answered on 3/25/08, 2:15 pm


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