Reclaiming VAT

[Charlie]

Hi All:

I am having my engine repowered in Italy. The company that is doing the work is requiring that I pay VAT. I am a US Citizen. I was wondering if I am able to reclaim the VAT if I take the boat out of the country after I have it repowered. For instance if I go from Italy to France. Does anyone know where I would find the answer to this question? The amount is ~Euro 2,000. If I have to hire someone to process the paperwork, depending on what they charge, it may not be worth it. But 2k is 2k.