Bligh,
Glad you got an attorney, if NOTHING else, if the **** hits the fan you have someone to defend you, worth the price alone.
I would have done similar. LLCs, Corps, Trusts are sold and traded ALL the time, without the assets being taxed. Totally legal.
Been there and done that will several LLCs, but only have one left. And bought and sold in California. Yes, they are pricks, and will harass you. I simply sent them one letter stating that what I did was totally legal and they could bend over and f themselves. Never heard from them again. (well, there's an argument not to provoke them, but was fun)
Over the years I've gravitated to trusts for holding assets, a MUCH better option for me. No fees, no recording, no reporting, anonymous, situs anywhere (or hidden), etc.
One HUGE reason people use LLCs and Trusts is liability. If they are not operating the vessel, plane or car, there is zero liability. Been there, too.
As for sales tax, that's a state thing, so one needs to know that states laws. And, that's quite often base on where the boat is. As for a tax (federal) return on this stuff, perhaps not necessary, even if you're in business and it produces a profit (just have it flow thru to you personally or another entity).
Often, tax is triggered with the "owning" entity sells the asset to another entity, so title changes. There's still ways to legally avoid sales tax, on example is for estate planning purposes.
However, the absolute BEST advise here is, get a GOOD attorney if you don't know this stuff cold.