HI THERE!

I want to track down my stepfather's old boat. He sold it late 90's-early 2000's.

He stated that its difficult to change names of a boat as its a lot of paperwork, so it likely has the same name.

It's a fishing boat, docked in a moor (I think that's what its called).

Does anyone know how to track down a boat? I just want to take some photos to frame for him for Christmas. For memories.

THANKS!

Are you in the states? Unless this was a commercial fishing boat, I am not so sure that boat names are even a requirement. Years ago my father had a sailboat and it was never even named and there was no requirement to do so.

This quest of yours may be harder than you think. Hopefully someone will come along that can give you an idea of where to start.

That's a stretch. Try your state DNR-Dept of Natural Resources-most states register through them or similar but in GA, boat names other than manufacturers, can be changed at will. It may be a Sea Ray but it can have any name.

Yes I'm in the states. My stepfather is the one that told me that changing boat names is a pain, I do believe it is a commercial fishing boat. He says that he thinks that its now in Portland, Oregon. It's an older boat, I don't recall how old he said that it was though. The name of the is Mary L.

Changing the name of a boat deals with a great deal of nautical lore: believe in the lore then you'd better honor that lore.
If you don't believe in the lore, then don't. But you may want to research the subject first...
https://www.boatnames.net/wiki.aspx/boat_name_myth
Tracking a boat by name any where I've been would only be possible by word of mouth. The boat likely had a VIN or Vessel Identification Number, very similar to the VIN for an automobile.
Boats are often registered with the state in which you reside and they would be the best source of tracking however they aren't likely going to be able to let that info out.
Walking the docks is another option but unless you're certain the boat is within a given physical area, that could equal a lot of docks!