Buying a catamaran

[Haywoods]

Can anybody recommend a good solicitor based in the UK who can offer advice on buying a catamaran ... and give some indication of the legal costs involved.

[edsailing]

I don't understand why you need a solicitor - it's not like buying a house - they have no expertise in this area as far as I'm aware.

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

[Jeannius]

I did use a marine lawyer when buying my new build boat 14 years ago but if I remember correctly that was at the insistence of the finance company. They just checked out the purchase agreement and handled the boat registration.


They are still around so can't be too bad.... Yachting Law for Individuals | Lester Aldridge

[Haywoods]

We are looking at buying directly from the owner, so I would have thought there would be legal work to be done on the registration documents, checking if there are any outstanding loans on the boat and sorting out the VAT etc. This is our first boat so we have a lot to learn about the process.

[Haywoods]

Hey thanks Mike - just checked out their website and they look ideal. I will give them a call and get advice.

[rabbi]

Just in case the boat is not UK registered: The important / complex thing is making sure you get a clear title, no loans or unpaid bills on the boat, and possibly de-registering. Registering is then typically a piece of cake (in germany it's just one form to fill plus some certified copies of your documents).


A UK solicitor may not be very knowledgeable when dealing with for example the italian authorities. Worst case you end up paying for a boat and don't get a clear title.
So find a solicitor that actually lives in the country of registration. Plenty of UK folks have settled around the Med and other nice cruising areas so that should not be a big deal.

[Jeannius]

Originally Posted by Haywoods

Hey thanks Mike - just checked out their website and they look ideal. I will give them a call and get advice.

I should also have mentioned the RYA... Legal Advice | Information & Advice | RYA They have guides to the legal side of buying a boat etc.

[bvimatelot]

Also check on the VAT status. Tony

[Sand crab]

There are many yacht documentation companies. I think most are skilled in international transactions. They will handle the paperwork and keep the funds in escrow until everything is correct. Might be cheaper than a lawyer.

[Haywoods]

Hi guys

The boat we are thinking about is on a temporary import to the EU and is therefore " VAT not paid ". I have spent hours researching this and going through the dreaded HMRC website. There is no way for a EU citizen to sail a " VAT not paid " boat in EU waters without risk of fine or confiscation. I know lots of people do but if they have a clampdown it will be chaos.

We have now found a solicitor in the UK ( thanks Mike !! ) who will do all the paperwork and deal with the whole transaction for about £ 1200. Seems reasonable to have the peace of mind that everything is in order.