Best country to flag

[TonyBe]

Originally Posted by GTom

A new engine and maybe a new set of sails are on the possible list. True, an additional 3-4k€ in marina bills and other complications would completely invalidate the idea. Offshore regs (e.g. Jersey) are also more expensive and the boat has to leave the EU VAT area every 18 months. OTOH, the non-EU VAT status won't disappear after 3 years of absence e.g. in the Caribbean.

If you're looking to get the engine replaced and other things done then it might be worthwhile speaking to a couple of your local boatyards and finding out if they can do work under the TPA scheme.

For example, I know that a number of the marinas and boatyards in Mallorca (a Spanish island) do this as they have a lot of non-EU boats there - I don't know whereabouts in Spain your boat is.

Originally Posted by GTom

OTOH, the non-EU VAT status won't disappear after 3 years of absence e.g. in the Caribbean.

To be frank, the VAT paid status is only a concern if you are thinking about where you will be when you get round to selling the boat in the future. If you're going to be selling it in the US or Australia then being VAT paid in the EU is not relevant at all. VAT paid status is only an issue if your buyer is likely to be an EU citizen and they are likely to use it in the EU in the future.

If you are concerned about losing VAT paid status then it is my understanding that the French overseas departments in the Caribbean are part of the EU (Martinique, Guadeloupe and St Martin) and so entering these places would restart the 3 year clock.

Also, if you were to sell your boat and the buyer wanted to retain VAT paid status then it is my understanding that this can be done if the sale takes place in one of the French territories but not otherwise.


(although please do check the bit about the Caribbean with a competent person - I am very definitely not a tax specialist in any way, shape or form)

[GTom]

Originally Posted by TonyBe

If you are concerned about losing VAT paid status then it is my understanding that the French overseas departments in the Caribbean are part of the EU (Martinique, Guadeloupe and St Martin) and so entering these places would restart the 3 year clock.

I see all Caribbean and Pacific islands excluded here, no use... Just as the Faroe's, which I am also considering as a longer station.

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by sandrunner

Not to split hairs, but I'm looking for something identifiable and objective.

Easy? Never known USCG to be hard unless one has trouble filling out a form. Rather than easy, feel free to tell me how it's easier.

Cheap - USCG is 133 and 26 to renew (USD). What are the total costs for registering it in Langkawi, seems a lot higher than hthat unless I'm mistaken.

Hassle Free... no idea what they refers to (how is the USCG documentation a hassle vs langkawi)?

That it? I'm genuinely asking the question as I see/hear over and over how great registering Langkawi is... with no substance as to why.

My boat is registered in Langkawi.... After initial registry costs via an agent.... for annual plus radio license factor about $500/yr.

So if cost is your priority the US flagged is cheaper if you can do that.

Langkawi is convenient and popular in SE Asia as it is easy to obtain, maintains owner's privacy and cheap compared to the Caribbean flagging states.

[GTom]

Originally Posted by GTom

I am considering to buy a Spanish boat (small, 33' mono). AFAIK the Spanish flag comes with a range of obligations (=$$$, how much, I don't know exactly).

If I flag a non-EU state and I am not EU-resident, can I do the boat-upgrades VAT-free (until I sail to the flag state)?

Got the boat (allright, not that one, but another, in the UK, VAT is paid), and planning to register it. (no immediate pressure, because it'll stay in the UK for a while).

Any argument against a Jersey flag? It seems a fair deal on the long run. If VAT is paid, is there any bureaucratic hurdle when cruising EU waters? Found that in Greece one needs a transit log instead of a DEKPA, but what about others?

[Jaimesan]

Originally Posted by tomfl

Without knowing where you intend to keep/use the boat no one can really answer the question.

What about if the plan is to live and charter in indonesia Philippines and japan?

[TonyBe]

Originally Posted by Jaimesan

What about if the plan is to live and charter in indonesia Philippines and japan?

If you're talking about Japan then the more important issue is what nationality YOU are.

There are strict rules on working in Japan as yacht crew - or any other job. I would worry more about your own status than that of the yacht.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by sandrunner

Not sure I follow your logic, people foreign flag their vessel for a variety of reasons... back to my question though; what specific benefit is there Langkawi vs USCG for those abroad?

less likely to attract animosity, backlash to US foreign policy issues

[Fidu666]

Just gonna bring this post up again so I don't need to start a new one, since I'm sure there are thousands covering this issue.

We're currently in the process of buying our first sailboat, survey and sea trial is up next in 2.5 weeks. It's currently on drydock in Italy, flying an Austrian flag.

Upon purchase, we'd like to do part- and if possible fulltime liveaboard cruising with rental of one our cabins every now and then.

What country would you guys recommend to register the boat at? We thought about the Netherlands.

[GTom]

Originally Posted by Fidu666

Just gonna bring this post up again so I don't need to start a new one, since I'm sure there are thousands covering this issue.

We're currently in the process of buying our first sailboat, survey and sea trial is up next in 2.5 weeks. It's currently on drydock in Italy, flying an Austrian flag.

Upon purchase, we'd like to do part- and if possible fulltime liveaboard cruising with rental of one our cabins every now and then.

What country would you guys recommend to register the boat at? We thought about the Netherlands.

If you are eligible, the Dutch flag is good, quite popular in the Med.

[mikedefieslife]

Both Netherlands and Belgium have clamped down on non-residents registering their boats there. Plus you'll then need to change your MMSI to the correct country and get a ships radio licence from that country. EPIRBS etc.. should all be registered too.

[Fidu666]

Since we plan on renting out a cabin I was recommended to have a look into the UK commercial flag too, anyone with experience?

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Fidu666

Since we plan on renting out a cabin I was recommended to have a look into the UK commercial flag too, anyone with experience?

Thats a whole new world of commercial rules, safety equipment, crew qualifications and commercial insurance. See a maritime attorney for that one.

[Fidu666]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Thats a whole new world of commercial rules, safety equipment, crew qualifications and commercial insurance. See a maritime attorney for that one.

In that case, does it make sense to even take a couple of weeks of renting out cabins into consideration? Or does it only make sense to fly one of these flags when your basically chartering year round?

Marshall Islands too seem to be an option...

[Sailor 99]

Originally Posted by pcmm

Canada works for me! If your boat is a NAFTA boat, then all you pay is sales tax. regsitration is $250 the first time and less for the renewal. no annual property taxes or "use taxes"on boats.

cana

You only have to pay the tax if you import the boat. BUT I think only Canadian citizens can register a boat as a Canadian registered vessel. I could be wrong but that is my understanding,

[Sailor 99]

Originally Posted by helise

Hello Steve,

For you info., they USN, USCG or any other countries naval vessels can't board Malaysian flagged vessel in International waters. That's against the Rule of the seas under UNCLOS and furthermore Malaysian did not signed or allowed any foreign navy to board it flagged vessel in International Waters.

.

You let me know how that works for you when the USCG pulls up beside you with a 50 caliber machine gun on the deck and demands to board.