BOAT 177 Form – The BOAT 177 Form, officially titled Certification of Lien Sale for Vessel or Vessel with Trailer Valued at $1,500 or Less, is a required California DMV document used by lienholders to certify the completion of a public lien sale on a low-value vessel. It falls under Harbors and Navigation Code §504 and applies specifically to boats or boat/trailer combinations valued at $1,500 or less.
This form provides legal proof that the lien sale followed all state requirements, including proper notice, a public auction, and a 10-day redemption period. Once completed and signed under penalty of perjury, it allows the buyer (or the lienholder if they keep the vessel) to transfer ownership and register the boat with the DMV.
Purpose of BOAT 177 in California Boat Lien Sales
Lienholders—such as marinas, boat repair shops, storage facilities, or tow companies—use the BOAT 177 to document that they have satisfied all legal obligations under California’s Boaters Lien Law (Harbors and Navigation Code §§500–509). The form certifies:
- Authority to conduct the sale
- Proper mailing of notices
- Compliance with sale procedures
- Details of the auction proceeds, costs, and any excess fees remitted to the DMV
Without this certification, the buyer cannot obtain a clear title or register the vessel. The BOAT 177 protects all parties by creating an official record of the transaction.
Eligibility: When to Use BOAT 177 for Vessels Valued at $1500 or Less?
Use the BOAT 177 only when the fair market value of the vessel (or vessel + trailer) is $1,500 or less. A licensed yacht and ship broker must verify this value within 30 days of submitting initial notices.
It does not apply to vessels valued over $1,500 (those require BOAT 152 authorization and BOAT 178 certification). The lien must arise from unpaid towing, storage, repairs, or related services on a California-registered or undocumented vessel.
Complete Step-by-Step Guide to California Vessel Lien Sale Process Under $1500
The full process for a lien sale of a vessel valued at $1,500 or less is outlined in the official DMV Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual:
- Request Owner Information – Submit an INF 1126 with fee to DMV Lien Sale Section.
- Send Notices – Mail BOAT 156 (Notice of Pending Lien Sale) via certified mail to all recorded owners and interested parties, and send a copy to DMV with broker valuation statement.
- Wait Period – Sale date must be 35–60 days after mailing notices. Owners have 15 days to file a Declaration of Opposition.
- Conduct Public Sale – Hold a public auction in a businesslike manner (no sealed bids). Vessel must be available for inspection.
- 10-Day Redemption Period – After the sale, retain the vessel for 10 days so the original owner can redeem it by paying the full lien plus costs and interest.
- Complete BOAT 177 – Certify the sale details and deliver to the buyer.
- Submit to DMV – Within 15 days of sale, send excess proceeds (if any), BOAT 177, BOAT 101, mail receipts, and other documents to clear title for the buyer.
How to Fill Out and Complete the BOAT 177 Form?
The BOAT 177 is a one-page form that must be completed by the lienholder or their authorized agent. Key sections include:
- Vessel and trailer description (CF number, HIN, make, length, etc.)
- Basis of authority under §504
- Proof of notices sent (attach postal receipts)
- Sale date, buyer’s full name and address
- Auction proceeds, itemized costs (capped at $100 without trailer or $125 with trailer), and excess fees
- Certification statement signed under penalty of perjury
After the 10-day redemption period, deliver the completed form to the buyer. If no third-party buyer, the lienholder may keep the vessel but must still file the form.
Official BOAT 177 PDF Download Link
Download the most current official BOAT 177 Form directly from the California DMV website:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/02/BOAT-177-R1-2019-ASB-WWW.pdf
This is the exact REV. 1/2019 version hosted on dmv.ca.gov and remains the authoritative document.
Documents Required with BOAT 177 for Title Transfer
To register the lien-sale vessel, the buyer (or lienholder) must submit to the DMV:
- Completed BOAT 177
- BOAT 101 (Application for Vessel Registration/Title)
- Certified or bulk mail receipts for notices
- DMV vessel record printout
- Any bills of sale for chain of ownership
- Purchase price and date on BOAT 101
- Applicable fees and any excess proceeds (if sale price exceeded lien + costs)
The DMV will then issue a new Certificate of Number and, if applicable, title.
Buyer’s Guide: Registering a Lien Sale Boat with DMV Using BOAT 177
If you purchased a boat at a lien sale, bring the completed BOAT 177, proof of purchase, and the vessel for verification (if needed). Submit everything to your local DMV office or by mail to the Lien Sale Unit. Processing verifies the 10-day redemption period has passed and clears any holds.
Fees, Deadlines, and Excess Proceeds
- Sale costs are strictly limited to $100 (vessel only) or $125 (with trailer), excluding DMV charges.
- Excess proceeds must be sent to the DMV Lien Sale Unit within 15 days of the sale along with a copy of the BOAT 177.
- No separate filing fee is charged for the BOAT 177 itself.
- The buyer pays standard vessel registration and title fees when submitting the BOAT 101.
Legal Requirements and Compliance (Harbors and Navigation Code §504)
All steps must comply with the Boaters Lien Law. The lienholder certifies under penalty of perjury that no valid defense exists to the lien claim and that federal and state military/veterans protections were observed. Failure to follow procedures can result in the sale being invalidated.
FAQs About BOAT 177 Form
Can I download and print the BOAT 177 PDF for free?
Yes — the official form is free on the DMV website.
Is BOAT 177 the same as a bill of sale?
No. The buyer still needs a separate bill of sale in many cases, but the BOAT 177 is the official DMV certification required for title transfer.
What if the vessel is worth exactly $1,500?
It qualifies for the BOAT 177 process if the broker valuation confirms $1,500 or less.
How long does the entire process take?
From initial notice to completed sale and title transfer, plan for 45–75 days minimum.
For the most accurate and up-to-date instructions, always refer to the official California DMV Lien Sale Section or the Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual. The BOAT 177 Form remains the essential document for legally transferring ownership of lien-sale vessels valued at $1,500 or less in California.