Buying a boat without a broker

[svtickles]

Hello,

We are buying a boat in Spain directly from the owner. The vessel is EU flagged and VAT paid. Since there's no broker involved, I'm unsure about the process. Could you please recommend a service or explain the process?

I have an EU passport but am not resident in Spain.

[goboatingnow]

Your passport is irelevant. It’s where you intend to keep the boat that’s important. Also is it Spanish registered.
What’s important is the document trail. You need originals not copies of all bills of sale plus the original dealer sales invoice showing vat paid.

You need to ensure no outstanding loans are registered against the vessel. ( by requesting the registration transcript ) and further more a undertaking from the seller that the vessel is his to sell and free from all encumbrances. Use something like a standard marine bill of sale ( U.K. MCA is a good one ) and have it witnessed by a notary or lawyer ( this depends on country ) get two bills of sale both witnessed

Then depending on where you intend to register , you’ll need to deflag from the existing register and reflag into the new one.