advice wanted: buying a german registered boat

[roam]

does anyone have experience buying a german (or foreign) registered boat?

how do we ensure that there is no mortgage, loan or other charges on the boat. we would be buying privately.
any other advice?

thanks

 

[Frankklose]

You have no protection if it is a private sale. Ask for the registration papers, but registration is only mandatory on inland waterways...
Ask for the original invoice and insurance documents.
It’s very difficult to get a loan on a sailboat over here.

We had a case; somebody sold a boat three times to different people. The seller ended up in prison, but none of the buyers got their money back.....

She could have a “Flaggenschein” issued by the Hydrogafische Institut/ Bundesamt fuer Seeschiffahrt" at least the ownership and VAT status has been checked by them.
(This paper is required by the French to enter their country similar to the SSS).

We have two other registration papers "Internationaler Bootschein" issed by the Automotive Club and DSV (same as RYA) and an official paper (Bootschein) issued by the the Wasser und Schiffahrtsamt.

If the vessel has any of these papers then she carries an number e.g. 004321F or DUS1234 on her stern (letters minimum height 10 cm)

 

[sailorman]

Re: advice wanted: buying a German registered boat

my boat was German owned & registered from new we bought from original owner through a broker. she is vat exempt so the owner had to provide a sworn affidavit stating she ( boat ) was within the EU on what ever the date was.
smooth sale no real probs

 

[emnick]

Try to agree a price in GBP (£) as you will not leave yourself open to any currency changes. Let the vendor take that risk if possible.

 

[wingdiver]

Further to emnick's reply, if you can't negotiate in GBP, give me a pm as we bought in Euros in Italy last year and I found a way to save a lot in foreign exchange transactions.