Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Boatfacts History Report?
A Boatfacts History Report is a report of a used boat's history. A Boatfacts History Report gives you the confidence and peace of mind to make what can be a stressful process a lot easier and safer. All Boatfacts History Reports contain a Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) certificate and, depending on the information returned, will show:
  • if there is finance owing on the boat
What is a Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) Certificate?
A PPSR Certificate is an Australia wide check for financial encumbrances registered against a boat. The PPSR replaced state based REVS registers in January 2012, providing details of any finances or money owed against a boat, including the interest holder, the Boat recorded on PPSR, the date the interest was recorded on PPSR and the type of interest.
Why should I get a Boatfacts History Report?
A Boatfacts History Report may prevent you from buying a boat with a hidden past. A boat with finance owing could be repossessed to pay off the debt, leaving you without a boat and out of pocket.
I am selling my boat. Can I still get a Boatfacts History Report?
Yes, and what better way to show prospective buyers that the boat you're selling is a sound purchase! It's as easy as showing them your independent Boatfacts History Report to demonstrate your boat's clean PPSR and give them the confidence to buy your boat today.
I have an older boat which doesn't have a HIN. Can I still get a Boatfacts History Report?
Unfortunately, no. Boatfacts History Reports rely on HIN's as the prime identifier of a boat. You can look up a boat on the PPSR government website by using an 'Official Number'. An official number is a six digit serial number allocated to the ship or watercraft by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Does my HIN need to be correct to get a Boatfacts History Report?
Yes, it does. An inaccurate HIN will result in an invalid or inaccurate report.
What does 'encumbrance' mean?
"An encumbrance relating to a boat" put simply means there is money owed on a loan relating to the boat. We recommend you check the finance is cleared and the encumbrance removed prior to purchasing the boat. It's also a good idea to ask for proof of repayment from the seller and contact the financer for verification.
How long does it take for encumbrance history to be removed from a boat's records?
The length of time it takes for an encumbrance to be removed from a boat can vary. The person or entity holding the security (which is likely to be a finance company) is responsible for informing the PPSR when the interest is no longer held. It may also take some time for the PPSR to process this request. If you believe that an encumbrance on a boat should be removed, we suggest the person who allowed the security to be taken out over the watercraft (the granter) contact the finance company (the secured party) to ensure this information has been passed on to the PPSR. We recommend you make sure all the finance is cleared and encumbrance removed before buying the boat. Ask for proof of repayment from the seller and contact the financer for verification.
Who can I talk to if the information I received on a Boatfacts History Report doesn't seem to be accurate?
You can contact us at support@boatfacts.com.au.
I ordered a Boatfacts History Report but haven't received it yet. What do I do now?
You can contact us at support@boatfacts.com.au.
How long does it take to receive a Boatfacts History Report after I order one?
We'll usually email you a copy of your Boatfacts History Report within 15 minutes. We do rely on external data for your Report. These can sometimes be delayed but this is unfortunately out of our control. If you haven't received your report or are having trouble you can contact us at support@boatfacts.com.au.
I've lost my Boatfacts History Report, can I another copy of it?
We can re-send you a copy of a Boatfacts History Report which has been generated within the last month. All you need to do is send an email to support@boatfacts.com.au with the email address used to order the report, as well as the date and time. Data may have been updated from the time of the original report, so for the most up to date information re-enter the HIN and lodge a request for a new Boatfacts History Report.
How long is a Boatfacts History Report valid for?

A Boatfacts History Report is a point in time report which is time stamped when created (Canberra time).

The report can assist a buyer to acquire serial-numbered personal property (such as a Boat) free of security interests if they search the PPS Register and do not find any security interest registered against that property. For the protection to apply, the search must be done immediately before the transaction, or up to the previous day. Exceptions do exist and consumers should refer to www.PPSR.gov.au for full information.

How accurate is information included in a Boatfacts History Report?
The information supplied in a Boatfacts History Report is extracted from information provided by various government sources. It is only as accurate and up to date as what has been entered into the government and other national databases. For terms and conditions click here.
Do the dashes and spaces that are in a HIN need to be included to get a Boatfacts History?
No, the dashes or spaces in the HIN do not need to be entered when purchasing a Boatfacts History Report.
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