Looking at buying a new boat and was wondering what is the process. I know the factory guys have boats on the lot but do the smaller builders have boats in stock also. What is the payment procedure, do I pay before it's built or upon completion? I saw on a picture of a Uncle J boat a state inspection sticker on the rear of the boat with hull numbers on it what does this mean. Sorry for all the questions but I want to have my ducks in a row. Thanks

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When I had mine built, it was 1/2 up front to buy the materials and 1/2 when I picked the boat up. Seemed like a fair deal to me.

Although it was a little nerve racking to meet a guy at a gas station and give him a couple grand not knowing if I'd ever see him again.

I got a couple of pms from some guys and they both said that I would have to get the boat inspected and stamped. One guy explained to me that the boat will be stamped homemade. I still don't quite understand this concept. My last boat I bought I just sent the paperwork in that I got from the dealer and got my numbers.

The Coast Guard is frowning upon small builders using their hull numbers for Small boats as the ones we build.
When you register a home made/ Custom boat, there are 4 forms that you send off to WL&F. And approximately 95.00. They will send you a letter back with a phone number. You call the number, and either set an appointment at the wild life office. Or a agent comes to your house. They inspect boat to insure #1 taxes were paid on material
#2. That boat isn't stolen

Then a week or so letter, you get your title and registration sticker for in front of numbers.
** the wl&f put the LAZ #'s sticker when they look at it

I think I understand now. Not sure if I want to pay cash or finance the boat, do you work with banks so I can get a loan on this boat. Last time I just brought my bank the quote from the dealer and it got done.

Working with banks isn't a problem.

These rules vary from State to State so please check your local laws.

Both of my Brother boats I went to the DMV and paid taxes and got it registered and got my stickers, but I don't this his are considered homemade. It was just as if I bought it from prodrive or something, very simple.

brother is registered with the state of LA as a boat manufacturer. So yes you're right about just like a prodrive or any other boat out there. He sends you with a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin and you take that to wherever you do boat registration. In TX we have to take it to a TXPWD office.

Otherwise, if you get a boat that is labeled homemade, here in TX you have to go to a to the TPWD office and the game warden has to inspect the boat and put a stamp on it.