How to kit out a liveaboard yacht without tax

[bgler]

Here's the conundrum: boat is in Malta, needs stuff on it eg life raft other gear plus all our own personal belongings from South Africa. Do I:
a) try and buy all stuff in Malta which may not be convenient or cheapest and will carry VAT
b) Buy everything in South Africa and ship it all in one go which may be convenient but not cheapest to start with, plus shippage and may be dificult to claim any tax back as stuff is on shipping box
c) buy each item at best place and then ship, which may be best for buying but sdeliverty costs may build up and will come in in dribs and drabs.
Do I hope that by writing "For yacht xxxx in transit" avoids import duty or do I need an agent?
Where is best to get these things anyway?(A list can be provided!)
I am sure someone has thought all this through and done it before so thought it best to ask - you don't know what you don't know! Now, ask me about dog training, that's another matter...!