I look through a few classifieds often to see what's out there for what prices. There are some flags that raise when I sort through the multitudes of classifieds, especially on the internet.
There are a good bit of classified ads I've seen in boat, auto, motorcycle and rv listings.
First, there are some sellers that say they don't have a title, or the title(s) has been lost, but if you buy the item, you can get the title yourself.

Don't fall for this one. If you do, you'll be facing a paperwork nightmare and it could end up costing you more than what you bargained for.

The other common thing I run across is those folks that tell me that the item belongs to a 'friend', uncle, cousin, or what have you. They have the title(s) and registration papers, and they have been signed already, so all you need to do is write your name in there as the buyer and everything's good to go. Not necessarily so. Watch out for this con game. You could end up with a regret afterward.

I've contacted the DMV about buying used vehicles, motorcycles, and RV's. They've told me that it is the responsibility of the seller to provide the buyer with a current title and proper registration paperwork at the time of purchase. The seller also needs to provide the buyer with a bona fide bill of sale.

I've also contacted SC DNR and they have expressed the same thing. If the title has been 'lost' or 'misplaced' by the owner of the boat, a duplicate title and or registration can be ordered by the seller of the boat. Duplicate titles are only $5 each and duplicate registration cards are only $1 each.

What happens is that there are a good bit of folks out there trying to make a fast buck by becoming "shade tree" auto, motorcycle, RV or boat dealers without going through proper licensing. On the surface, you may feel you're getting a great deal, but since they are not legitimate businesses, you don't have the recourse available to you that you would if you bought from a real and legitimate business.

Let's look at this example:

You go look at a boat that was listed for sale in a classified ad. The boat looks fine and the seller even cranks the engine for you. The seller points out that the registration is good through 2011. Time comes to buy the boat, and he tells you that he bought the boat from a relative or 'buddy' and he never got around to changing the registration to his name, but he shows you where the titles have already been signed, but not dated by the prior owner.
You give him the money and drive off with the boat. You then go to have the titles and registration transferred to your name and you are asked for the bill of sale. The titles and registrations are signed over by one person, and the bill of sale is signed by someone else. You have a problem.

Or, let's say the titles, registrations and bill of sale is all in order and signed by the prior owner. You put the boat in the water and it has a hole in it and sinks. So, you go back to the person you bought the boat from and he says he's never seen you before. How can you prove otherwise?

See where I'm getting at? Think about red flags like these when you're looking to buy a vehicle, RV, or boat.