12 ft Aluminum Boat

[JayW]

My friend is giving me a 12 ft aluminum boat for free because it was abandoned on his property up on Otis Resorvior. Its kind of a long story but since Im buying a motor I need some legal advice. Anyways about 4-5 years ago a boat cam off its mooring and drifted and ended up in front of his house on the lake. (this is the 12 ft boat) anyways they tied the boat up to their dock and contacted the owner because they got the id number or whatever on it. the owner never returned their calls after many numerous times of calling. they would bail the boat out but eventually to much rain sank it in about 4 feet of water. finally fed up that the owner wasnt coming to pick it up they dragged it up and put it in their woods. and thats exactly where the boat has been since. Since so much time has gone by its pretty much their property I would assume however the legal system might not think that way. Anyways could I register this boat in my name? And if I can what would I do because the state needs the following:
BOATS UNDER 14' - DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

Bill of Sale (name and address of seller).
Proof of payment of sales tax (ST-6, ST-6E, or Bill of Sale). Note: To pay your sales tax online, visit the Department of Revenue website at https://wf.dor.state.ma.us/mrv (https://wf.dor.state.ma.us/mrv)
Pencil tracing of hull ID number (serial number). ***
Required fees - (See fee schedule below) (http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/instructionspage.htm#newfee)
Properly completed and signed application.What should I do? Should I just leave the damn boat and just buy one or should I get it and try to recontact the former/still owner of the boat. He obviosuly has no intentions at all at taking the boat. I just need to know this stuff. Thanks

[knotreelly]

just my opinion but assuming this boat wasn't reported stolen, i would have your friend make you a sales slip for what ever, get it notorized, and apply for registration, if it's clean, your set. or call the boat registry and tell them the story.

[JayW]

I was just going to give them a call right now. Ill report back when im done. thanks

[JayW]

Just called up and got off the phone. Basically what it boils down to is I need to have my friend right up a statement that it was abandoned on his property and we made very effort to contact the seller which we did. And I bring that in and they put a minimal sale on the boat for tax purposes so say $100 and I pay $5 in taxes. Sweet deal.

[knotreelly]

glad it worked out for you.