(A) Any watercraft or outboard motor, or both, held or principally used in this state must be titled by the Department. An owner of a watercraft or outboard motor titled in this state must notify the Department within 30 days if ownership is transferred to another person, entity, or transferred out of state or otherwise disposed.
(B) Exceptions to titling.
(1) Watercraft documented by the U.S. Coast Guard or its predecessor or successor agency and water skis, aquaplanes, surfboard, windsurfers, and similar devices, and those watercraft propelled exclusively by human power are not required to be titled.
(C) Evidence of ownership.
(1) A certificate of title to a watercraft or outboard motor is prima facie evidence of ownership of a watercraft or outboard motor. All watercraft and outboard motors subject to the titling requirements of this section must be titled.
(2) No person may acquire a watercraft or outboard motor, subject to the titling requirements of this section and S.C. Code Title 50, without obtaining a certificate of title or in the case of a new watercraft or outboard motor a manufacturer's or importer's statement of origin reflecting the person acquiring the watercraft or outboard motor as the original purchaser as provided in this section and/or S.C. Code Title 50. In the case of watercraft or outboard motors from other jurisdictions that do not require titling, a bill of sale and proof of registration may be substituted for this title.
(3) No person may dispose of a watercraft or outboard motor subject to the titling provisions of this section and S.C. Code Title 50 without transferring to the person acquiring the watercraft or outboard motor a certificate of title reflecting the transfer of the watercraft or outboard motor. In the case of new watercraft, a manufacturer's statement of origin must be delivered to the purchaser. In the case of watercraft or outboard motors from other states or foreign jurisdictions, which do not title such watercraft or out board motors, a bill of sale and proof of registration may be substituted.
(Ord. 005-24, passed 3-12-24)