Free Colorado Bill of Sale for Boat Template – Download 2025 Word/PDF

If you’re selling a boat in Colorado or buying one from a private party, having a properly completed Colorado bill of sale for boat is one of the most important steps to protect both the buyer and seller. As an attorney who has drafted hundreds of vessel sale documents and advised marine dealerships across the U.S. for over twelve years, I’ve seen firsthand how a solid bill of sale prevents disputes, satisfies Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) registration requirements, and helps the new owner avoid headaches at the county motor vehicle office.

In this guide, I’ll give you my battle-tested, completely free bill of sale boat Colorado template (updated for 2025), explain exactly when and why CPW requires it, walk you through filling it out line-by-line, and share pro tips I normally only give paying clients. Download links are at the bottom of the page.

Why You Absolutely Need a Colorado Boat Bill of Sale in 2025

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) explicitly requires a bill of sale when you register or transfer title to any boat or vessel that must be registered in the state (virtually all motorized boats and sailboats 19.5 feet or longer). According to CPW’s official vessel registration page:

“Acceptable proof of ownership can include … a billed bill of sale plus the previous owner’s title or registration.”
Source: cpw.state.co.us – Boat Registration

Without a proper CPW bill of sale, the county clerk can refuse to issue a new registration or title, leaving the buyer stuck. A good bill of sale also protects the seller from future liability (theft, accidents, abandoned vessel claims) by proving the exact date and terms of transfer.

Key Information Required on Every Colorado Bill of Sale for Boat

Colorado does not provide an official state-specific boat bill of sale form (unlike some states), but CPW and county offices expect these minimum elements:

• Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller
• Complete boat description: make, model, year, length, CO registration number (if already registered)
• Hull Identification Number (HIN) – 12-digit number molded into the hull
• Outboard motor description and serial number (if motor is sold separately)
• Trailer description and VIN (if included in the sale)
• Purchase price (critical for sales-tax calculation)
• Date of sale and signatures of both parties
• Notarization is NOT required for boats in Colorado (but highly recommended for high-value sales)

Your Free 2025 Colorado Bill of Sale for Boat Template (Attorney-Drafted)

Below is the exact template I provide to my own clients. It exceeds CPW requirements, includes warranty disclaimers, and has fields for boat, motor, and trailer.

Download Links (100% Free)

Download as Microsoft Word (.docx) Download as PDF (for printing)

Full Text Version (Copy-Paste if Needed)

COLORADO BOAT BILL OF SALE

THIS BILL OF SALE is made on [Date] between:

Seller: _______________________________ (Name) of ________________________________________ (Address, City, CO ZIP)
Buyer: ________________________________ (Name) of ________________________________________ (Address, City, CO ZIP)

For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Seller hereby sells and transfers to Buyer the following:

Vessel Description:
Year: _______ Make: ________________ Model: ________________ Length: _______ ft
Hull Identification Number (HIN): _______________________________
Colorado Registration #: CO-____________ (if applicable)
Color: ________________ Primary Material: ☐ Fiberglass ☐ Aluminum ☐ Wood ☐ Other ________

Outboard Motor (if included):
Make: ________________ Year: _______ Horsepower: _______ Serial #: ________________

Trailer (if included):
Make: ________________ Year: _______ VIN: ________________________________________

Sale Price: $________________ USD
☐ The sale includes boat, motor, and trailer
☐ Boat only ☐ Boat + Motor only ☐ Boat + Trailer only

Odometer/Hours Disclosure (if motor has hour meter): The motor has approximately _______ hours of use.

“As-Is” Clause: Buyer takes the vessel, motor, and trailer in “AS-IS” condition. Seller disclaims any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose except as stated herein.

Seller certifies that they are the legal owner, the vessel is free of all liens and encumbrances except as noted: _______________________________, and Seller has full right to sell.

Signatures:
Seller: _______________________________ Date: _______________
Buyer: _______________________________ Date: _______________

Notary (Optional but recommended for vessels over $10,000): _______________________________

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Colorado Bill of Sale for Boat

1. Enter the date at the top.
2. Fill in full legal names and current Colorado addresses for both parties.
3. Copy the HIN exactly – it’s usually on the starboard transom. One wrong character delays registration.
4. Include the current CO registration number sticker (CO-1234-AB format) if the boat is already registered.
5. List the outboard motor serial number – usually on the mounting bracket.
6. Write the exact dollar amount – this is what the county uses to calculate sales tax (2.9% state + local rates).
7. Both parties sign in ink. Notarization is optional but makes fraud claims almost impossible.

After the Sale: Registration & Tax Requirements in Colorado (2025 Update)

The buyer has 30 days from the sale date to register the boat with CPW or a county motor vehicle office. Required documents:

• Signed Colorado title (if the boat was previously titled)
• This completed bill of sale
• Proof of sales tax payment or Form DR 0024 (Sales Tax Receipt)
• Proof of insurance (for motorized vessels)
• Valid ID

Sales tax is calculated on the higher of the actual purchase price or the state’s “Average Retail Value” tables. See the official table here: Colorado DMV Boat Registration.

Common Mistakes I See That Delay Colorado Boat Registration

• Leaving the price blank or writing “$1 gift” when it’s not a true gift – triggers tax fraud investigation.
• Forgetting to list the trailer separately – trailer needs its own title/registration.
• Using an old generic bill of sale that doesn’t include the HIN.
• Not signing in front of a notary when the sale is $15,000+ (lenders often require it).

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a Boat in Colorado

Do I need to notify CPW when I sell my boat?
Yes. Complete Form “Notice of Sale” on the back of the title or submit online within 5 days to remove liability.

Is a handshake deal enough?
Absolutely not. CPW will reject registration without a proper bill of sale.

Can I use a bill of sale from another state?
Technically yes, but most county clerks prefer the format above because it contains every field they need.

Final Thoughts from a 12-Year Marine Transaction Attorney

A clear, detailed Colorado bill of sale for boat is the single best $0 insurance policy you can give yourself when selling or buying a vessel. I’ve seen $80,000 boats held up for months because of a sloppy bill of sale – don’t let that happen to you.

Download the free template below, fill it out completely, make three copies (buyer, seller, county), and you’ll sail through registration.

Download Your Free 2025 Colorado Boat Bill of Sale Template → Microsoft Word Version → Printable PDF Version

Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change and individual situations vary. Always consult a licensed Colorado attorney or CPA for your specific transaction.