American registering a Boat in Europe

[Charlie]

Hi All:

My ex-wife had the boat registered in the SSR. I got the boat in the settlement. I'm an American citizen and the SSR will not let me transfer the boat to my name. The boat was purchased in Italy four years ago. it still lies in Italy. It had a pre VAT exemption and was on the Italian registry. I have been told that one of the requirements of Italian registry is proof that VAT has been paid (no real evidence). It is a modest boat of >10m. I don't know what it is worth maybe between Euro 20k and 25k. I would like to sail the boat in the summers in Europe and possible non-EU countries and put her on the hard in the winter.

Goals:

1) To leave the boat in the EU without having to move out of the EU every 18 months.

2) To have a legally flagged/registered boat. ("legally" is loosely defined.)

3) To be able to get insurance.

4) After a plan is established I would like to take this to an attorney/accountant and have them review this.

Can anyone recommend a plan, a knowledgeable broker, or an attorney/accountant who can help me sort this out.

Yes I have done a search and have read many of the threads but am having a hard time finding one that applies to my situation.

[valhalla360]

If it was built pre-VAT and was in the EU I believe in 1993 (could be off by a year or two), it is presumed to be VAT paid.

Put it under US Documentation and it can stay forever. Changing registration doesn't invalidate the VAT.

[Charlie]

Thanks Valhalla. I am putting together the information I need to do that.