David Weil has been the proud author of the “Ask a Maritime Attorney” column in The Southern California Log Newspaper and Sea Magazine since 2006, with over 300 installments of the column. We have provided links in this section to those articles, covering a wide range of topics of interest to the California maritime and boating communities.

Probate Law for Boat Transfers

June 14, 2007
My father passed away last month, and I am working to get his affairs in order. He owned a 36 ft. sailing yacht that he purchased three years ago, but after his death I learned that title for the boat is still in the name of...

Tax Lien Concerns

May 31, 2007
I am buying a boat and am concerned about the possibility of a tax lien being recorded with the Coast Guard after title transfers to me. My broker has asked for a copy of last year’s property tax bill and proof of payment,...

Boat Warranties Often Prove Complex

May 17, 2007
I am in the process of buying a high-end used boat. I am particularly concerned about the warranty, but this is my first boat and I’m not sure how a boat warranty works. What is generally covered, and how long is a typical...

Legal Issues for Charter Yacht Businesses

May 5, 2007
I own a 50-foot sailing yacht that I believe would be perfect for a small charter business carrying passengers on overnight trips to Catalina. What legal issues should I consider before I get started? A new charter business...

Sales Tax Still Applies

May 3, 2007
I recently purchased a 65-ft. sportfishing yacht, and a neighbor in my marina told me I could have avoided paying sales tax because the boat weighs more than 50 tons. Is he correct? No. The weight or tonnage of a boat has no...