BOAT 166 Form – The BOAT 166 form, officially titled Notice of Pending Lien Sale for Vessels or Vessel/Trailers Valued at Over $1500, is a critical document under California’s Boaters Lien Law (Harbors and Navigation Code §§500–509). Lienholders use it to notify owners, legal owners, interested parties, and the California DMV about an upcoming public lien sale when towing, storage, or repair bills remain unpaid on a vessel valued over $1,500.
This SEO-optimized guide explains everything about the BOAT 166 form, the full lien sale process for high-value vessels, required steps, deadlines, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re a marina owner, storage facility, repair shop, or vessel owner facing a lien, this article provides current, official information straight from the California DMV.
What Is the BOAT 166 Form?
The BOAT 166 is the Notice of Pending Lien Sale for Vessels or Vessel/Trailers Valued at Over $1,500. Lienholders must mail it by certified mail, return receipt requested, at least 20 days before the scheduled lien sale (not counting the sale date).
It informs recipients that the lienholder intends to sell the vessel or vessel/trailer combination at a public sale because towing, storage, or repair bills have not been paid. The form includes:
- Detailed vessel or vessel/trailer description (CF number, HIN, year, make, model, length, etc.)
- Lien amount breakdown (towing, daily storage rates, repairs, parking violations, etc.)
- Sale date, time, and location
- Certification under penalty of perjury that the information is accurate and the sale complies with California and federal law (including Military and Veterans Code sections related to service members)
You can download the official BOAT 166 PDF directly from the California DMV here: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2024/10/BOAT-166-R1-2019-ASB-WWW.pdf.
When Is the BOAT 166 Form Required?
The BOAT 166 applies specifically to vessels or vessel/trailer combinations valued at $1,501 or more. It is part of a multi-step authorization process required by Harbors and Navigation Code §503.
For vessels valued at $1,500 or less, a different form (BOAT 156) is used instead. The higher-value process requires DMV pre-authorization via BOAT 152 before the BOAT 166 notice can be sent.
Important distinction: Liens over $1,500 generally require written consent from the legal owner (or presumed consent under specific timelines per §502). Without proper consent or authorization, the lien may not be valid beyond $1,500.
Full Step-by-Step Lien Sale Process for Vessels Over $1500
California DMV outlines a strict sequence for lien sales on high-value vessels:
- Lien Arises — Send a written bill for services (towing, storage, repairs, etc.) to the owner(s). The lien depends on possession of the vessel.
- Submit BOAT 152 for Authorization — Within 60 days of the lien arising, file the Application for Lien Sale Authorization and Lienholder’s Certification (BOAT 152) plus the nonrefundable filing fee with the DMV Lien Sale Unit. Include vessel details and, if needed, a Vessel Verification (BOAT 111).
- DMV Notifies Owners — DMV mails a copy of the BOAT 152 to registered/legal owners and interested parties (return receipt requested) and places a stop on the vessel record. Recipients have 15 days to file a Declaration of Opposition.
- Resolve Any Opposition — If opposed, the lienholder must obtain a court judgment or a release before proceeding.
- Send BOAT 166 Notice — At least 20 days before the sale (not counting sale day), mail the completed BOAT 166 form by certified mail to all required parties and DMV.
- Advertise the Sale — Publish notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the vessel is located (at least 10 days but not more than 30 days prior to the sale). If no newspaper, post in three public places.
- Conduct the Public Sale — The vessel must be available for inspection at least one hour before the sale. Conduct the sale in a businesslike manner (no sealed bids).
- 10-Day Redemption Period — After the sale, owners may redeem the vessel by paying the full lien amount plus costs and legal interest.
- Post-Sale Filing — Within 15 days, submit excess proceeds (if any) and the Certification of Lien Sale (BOAT 178) to DMV along with required documents to transfer title to the buyer.
How to Complete the BOAT 166 Form?
Fill out every section accurately:
- Vessel/Trailer Description — Provide CF number, HIN, year, make, model, length, etc.
- Lien Details — List exact amounts for towing, storage (daily rate), repairs, and other charges.
- Sale Information — Enter the exact date notice is mailed, sale date/time, and full address of the sale location.
- Certification — Sign under penalty of perjury confirming no valid defense to the lien and full legal compliance.
Mail copies to: registered owner, legal owner, DMV Lien Sale Unit (P.O. Box 932317, Sacramento, CA 94232-3170), and any other interested parties.
Key Requirements, Deadlines, and Fees
- 60-day window — File BOAT 152 within 60 days of the lien arising.
- 20-day notice — BOAT 166 must be mailed 20 days before sale.
- Sale costs cap — Actual sale costs cannot exceed $100 (vessel only) or $125 (with trailer), excluding DMV fees.
- Proceeds handling — Pay the lien first, then forward any excess to DMV within 15 days.
- DMV fees — Nonrefundable filing fee with BOAT 152 (current amount available on the DMV website).
Failure to follow timelines or notice rules can invalidate the lien sale.
What Happens After the BOAT 166 Notice Is Sent?
Once properly mailed, the sale can proceed if no valid opposition exists and the 20-day period is met. The buyer receives clear title after DMV processes the post-sale paperwork (BOAT 178 + supporting documents). Owners who ignore the notice may still be liable for removal and disposition costs if they were the last registered owner.
Common Questions About BOAT 166 and Vessel Lien Sales (FAQs)
Can I stop the sale?
Yes — pay the full bill before the sale date or file a court action.
What if the vessel has a trailer?
The same BOAT 166 process applies to the vessel/trailer combination. Additional trailer forms (REG 343, etc.) are required post-sale.
Is a broker’s valuation required?
For vessels over $1,500, valuation is handled during the BOAT 152 authorization; a licensed yacht/ship broker statement is not always mandatory like it is for lower-value vessels.
Where do I mail the BOAT 166?
To all interested parties via certified mail and a copy to DMV Lien Sale Unit.
Download the Official BOAT 166 PDF
Get the most current version directly from the California DMV:
Download BOAT 166 Form (PDF)
For the full Boaters Lien Law and related forms (BOAT 152, BOAT 178, etc.), visit the official DMV Vessel Lien Sale pages.
Conclusion: Protect Your Rights with Proper BOAT 166 Compliance
The BOAT 166 form is the final public notice step in California’s structured process for selling vessels valued over $1,500 to recover unpaid liens. Following every DMV requirement — from BOAT 152 authorization through proper BOAT 166 mailing and post-sale filing — ensures the sale is legal and title transfers cleanly to the buyer.
Always consult the latest California DMV handbook chapters on lien sales and the Boaters Lien Law for your specific situation. Timelines are strict, and errors can delay or invalidate the entire process.
For the most up-to-date forms and instructions, rely exclusively on dmv.ca.gov. If you’re a lienholder or vessel owner dealing with a pending lien sale, act promptly to protect your interests.