Registering a gift boat

Hi all,

I'd introduce myself but it won't be too long before you get to know me anyway.
(I'm a hopeless hobbyist!)

Anyway, a member of a Jeep club I belong too gave me a nice V tin with no registration or paperwork.
He got it years ago in a trade and doesn't believe he ever received any registration, although he is sure it was not stolen.

All the numbers are on the boat and its last sticker was issued for '91.

After reviewing some of the posts here regarding registration, I think I'm in for a nice stay at the DMV out here in California.
Anyone ever deal with this type of problem and have some tips for me?

TIA
Rick

I just did it on a boat in Missouri. Got the title for a boat abandoned on real property. The DOR/DMV had no idea what I had to do when I called but the manual was downloadable online so I got it and read it. Here, there were 6 things needed. Miss any of them and you will not get a title. Read the laws for yourself in Cali because the DMV doesn't deal with these often enough to stay informed. Only took me 6 weeks to get a title. Also, you may be able to have it awarded in civil court. I did it the easier way lol.

Ahhh yes, I'd bet I could download a file from the DMV regard procedure.
Thanks!