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HomeHarbors and Navigation CodeDiv. 3Ch. 2Art. 4§ 505 Vessel Lien Release Requirements

§ 505 Vessel Lien Release Requirements

Harbors and Navigation Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 505 Vessel Lien Release Requirements

This law says that if someone owns a boat and there's a lien on it (like unpaid debt), they can sign a paper to give up their ownership. The paper must be clear and include specific details about the boat and the debt.

Key Takeaways

  • •The release paper must be easy to read (at least 12-point font).
  • •It must include details like the boat’s make, ID number, and who owns it.
  • •You must say how much you owe and why there’s a lien.
  • •Signing this paper means you give up your right to fight the lien in court.
  • •The paper must be filed with the department when the boat is sold to pay the debt.

Example

Imagine you own a boat but owe money for repairs. The repair shop puts a lien on your boat.

You can sign a paper to give up your boat. This paper must say how much you owe, describe the boat, and explain that you’re giving up your right to fight the lien in court.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 505 Vessel Lien Release Requirements

(a) A registered or legal owner of a vessel may release any interest in the vessel after the lien has arisen. The release shall be dated when signed and a copy shall be given at the time the release is signed to the person releasing the interest. (b) The release shall be in at least 12-point type and shall contain all of the following information in simple, nontechnical language: (1) A description of the vessel, including the make, the identification number, and the state of registration, to the extent available. (2) The names and addresses of the registered and legal owners of record with the department, to the extent available. (3) A statement of the amount of the lien and the facts which give rise to the lien. (4) A statement that the person releasing the interest understands that (i) he or she has a legal right to a hearing in court prior to any sale of the vessel to satisfy the lien and (ii) he or she is giving up the right to appear to contest the claim of the lienholder. (5) A statement that (i) the person releasing the interest gives up any interest he or she may have in the vessel and (ii) he or she is giving the lienholder permission to sell the vessel. (c) The release required by this section shall be filed with the department in connection with any transfer of interest in a vessel following a lien sale. (Repealed and added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 941, Sec. 2.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

registrationhearingclaimvesselreleaselienstatementinformation

Related Statutes

  • § 507.5 Vessel Lien Sale Proceeds
  • § 502 Boater Service And Storage Lien
  • § 508 Vessel Lien Assignment Rules
  • § 522 Abandoned Watercraft Removal
  • § 495.8 Vessel Sale Proceeds Distribution

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Harbors and Navigation Code. Section 505.
View Official Source