anoccasionalyachtsman
Well-known member
Have a look at Page 21 of this document - http://www.europeanboatingindustry.eu/boatingdownloadables/EUGUIDE_pdf_version.pdf
The private importer is a concept that did not exist under the previous Directive and that was added to ensure that private
individuals importing a boat, a personal watercraft, an engine or any other product covered by the Directive are granted
the same level of protection and obligation as commercial importers. The private importer is defined as any natural or legal
person established in the European Union who imports in the course of a non-commercial activity a product from a third
country into the EU with the intention of putting it into service for his own use.
A private importer, who imports a product for his own use in European waters, must also ensure the craft, engine or components are compliant with the EU Directive
If that's all of the legislation (and it's probably just a precis) get another person on the boat to 'buy' it. They are the private importer, and won't be doing it for their own use. You buy it from them once home. Doesn't solve the duty problem though.