Irish buying in US

[sailor1]

Hello all
I plan to buy a boat in Florida and sail back to Europe Canary Islands via Azores and the med the boat I am after is 1986 HC. Will I be able to SSR it before leaving Florida and will it be liable for import Tax I have been reading for some time it is all very confusing is it exempt as it is over 25 years old and do I need this cruising permit to leave Florida also I may have to stay over the winter before I can sail back 2014 as it may be to late to come back this year 2013 if it is liable for Tax I think Madeira is the lowest rate in Europe to pay it. thanks in advance

[joemac4sail]

Does the tax exemption in Madeira only apply if the yacht is being used as a charter vessel. Otherwise I think the vat rate is charged at 23% of what the Portuguese authorities think the boat is worth, not what you paid. Also don't forget CE compliance.
Joe

[goboatingnow]

Technically the VAT is due in the country of destination. Your post says Irish. So you can't use the SSR unless you have a UK address. CE compliance is need if you ever want to sell it again in Europe

dave