: Ok, I forgot, I do have an antique outboard runabout at a friend's
: place. Of course I bought it from him and neither he nor I can
: find the original owner so can't get a clear title on the thing
: so can't register it or even sell it, grrrr.

: Bill H.

In Illinois I believe you can apply for a salvage title or claim it as abandoned property and get a title that way. Lots of folks need to retitle things which were abandoned, or picked up by the police and sold at auctions. Not sure of the proper process, but the local police station may have someone who knows the details. I had a 50cc motorcycle from Florida which got sold with receipts but no title--it originally needed one, but the state changed the law on requiring registration of mopeds, so it was legally transferred without a title. But when it got to my home in Illinois they wanted to see the original title. Florida set out a process where I would send registered letters to the original owner's address, and if they were not answered I could file for a new title. Maybe it will be that simple for you. Ever think of sinking the boat then hauling it out as salvage? Do it in shallow water.

PGJ