Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam Plan B  Well now. That's all clearified. I have a UK work permit and will be crossing to London in July where I have a berth reserved. My boat, a Columbia 41 (1974), is a documented US vessel. So, if I stay in the UK perminently will I have to pay VAT (or something) at some point? Will I need to obtain UK documentation for the boat? I have a bill of sale from the most recent previous owner but more distant owners are unknown to me. |
Ok, first my disclaimer - I do not know exactly what I am talking about
- but I try not to let minor details like that stop me...........
UK work permit sounds like you will become a genuine UK (EU) resident (rather than a transient cruiser). My understanding (!) is that you will therefore be allowed to import your personal second hand goods - and that includes a boat - into the EU without paying any import duties or VAT. I beleive there may be a requirement to not then re-sell these goods within the EU within a certain time frame - but I am a bit fuzzy on that. and could be plain wrong
To (formally) import your goods their will no doubt be a formal procedure - no idea what
With a bit of luck you will get a piece of paper specifically relating to the boat that says she is
regarded as VAT paid, which would be very useful to be able to waive at a buyer in the future. I highly recomend you check out and understand the rules before arriving with the boat.
In the UK their is no requirement to register either your ownership or use of a boat with anyone
At the moment anyway. So the fact she is documented / registered in the US of A does not affect her UK registration (because their is no need for any!).
Given that the boat will need to be registered when going to other EU (and non EU) countries I would stick with the US registration. The US flag won't attract any negative problems, probably more a curiousity thing from fellow boat owners - save perhaps your paperwork may (or may not?) get looked over a tad more because you appear "foreign" (not because of being US) - but if all in order (and no reason why not) then not a problem......
.......however if the US flag does turn out to be a PITA in practice or you are later looking to sell within the UK / EU (and simply want to make the paperwork look less foreign for the locals
) then you can always register her in the UK later. I beleive that to be registered on the Part 1 UK register she would need to give up her US registration, not so sure on the Part 3, but I strongly suspect so.
As I said before, the above is
only my understanding - so maybe not 100% accurate
, but should give you a good heads up for your Googles.