Pier (part two)

Since we bought the boat (exactly one week now), we had a pressing need to finish the pier. We put out three sections a couple weeks ago, but they were not strong enough to keep a boat secure. I assembled frams for three sections, and used one frame as the the first section in the water.

I had to install the decking and notch the pier sections so they would line up on the posts. I took most of the measurements from the sections of the pier that we are replacing.




Once the two sections were complete, we hauled them to the waterline (we used the truck, because the treated lumber was heavy) and replaced the outer two sections. We decided to put in a fourth section, and reused one of the older sections as the last. So, the section closest to the shore is a new frame with old decking. The next two sections are new frames and decking, and the last section is the old style.




Next week, I will take the new decking down to the pier and replace the decking lumber on the first section. We may or may not, wait until next year to replace the fourth and build a fifth section. We will also used a stain or dye to provide additional protection to the treated lumber.

Is It Ever Easy?

I made a trip to the License Branch this morning. I need to register and title the boat and trailer. I did some research last night, and brought everything that I thought I needed, but I was wrong.

The process for the boat was fairly easy. I had the original title that had been signed over to me, I had the right numbers filled in on the forms, I verified my address and flashed my Drivers License, and I had my watercraft stickers. So far, so good.

The trailer was a different story. I am the third owner of this boat and trailer. Obviously, I bought it from the second owner. The couple I bought it from have never titled the trailer, so they gave me a Bill of Sale. This is where the problem starts.

When the trailer was new (1984), Indiana did not require plates on trailers. When the trailer was sold to owner #2 (1986), Indiana required plates and titles. Owner #2 should have titled the trailer at the time of purchase. Here it is 23 years later, and I cannot title the trailer. The BMV cannot prove that the trailer was legally sold to owner #2 from owner #1.

My job now is to contact owner #1 and have him title the trailer in his name and then sign it over to me, as if he sold it to me. Another option is to have him fill out a Bill of Sale that would allow me to prove that he sold it. Luckily, his name is relatively uncommon. I would be in some real trouble if he was a Smith.

Update...

I found the original owner. The internet is great. He responded to my voicemail message with a voicemail message of his own. I called him back about 30 minutes ago, and spoke to him. I explained who I was, and what I was doing. I tried to express my desire to complete this task as quick and painless as possible. I was met with his desire to have nothing to do with the process. If I cannot persuade him to sign the papers and title the trailer that he hasn't owned in 25 years, I will have to go to Small Claims Court and seek a Court Order that would allow the BMV to grant my title.