Annual costs of a classic boat in Italy?

[Boswell]

This is a bit of a long shot, but I'm researching the potential annual cost of a British-registered classic (wooden ketch) boat in Italy, besides berth. It's been in the EU since pre-Brexit, and I'm curious about any government taxes which may apply.

Any info would be appreciated.

 

[MapisM]

Absolutely none.

But if my 17 years experience with a timber boat is anything to go by, even if there were any taxes (but again, there's none!), they should be the last of your worries, compared to maintenance...
...not because it's more expensive in IT than anywhere else, but because if done as it should, it's expensive period!

PS: beware, you'd better be able to prove that she was in EU pre-brexit, because otherwise the boat would be subject to import VAT - not just in Italy, but anywhere in EU.

 

[Boswell]

Thanks, MapisM. Getting work done at a reasonable cost and skill was very much on our minds. Taking her back to Brittany through the French canals, or even England is a possibility, I guess.

I think we can prove she was in EU pre-Brexit - but paperwork is sparse - but, as you say - essential.

 

[srm]

Taking her back to Brittany through the French canals, or even England is a possibility, I guess.

You should be OK within the EU but taking the boat back to the UK could be a serious problem. See comments by @Tranona in this thread:
A Schengen Question

 

[Baggywrinkle]

If it's a classic wooden ketch, then the chances are it pre-dates the EU and is deemed VAT paid anyway.

Even if it isn't VAT paid - or if it is a problem, if you are a U.K. resident you can keep it in the EU under Temporary Admission without paying VAT.

Either way, I'd worry far more about the cost of maintenance than anything else.

... bringing it back to the UK is a whole different can of worms as mentioned by srm.

 

[Tranona]

For VAT purposes if it was in the EU on 31/12/2020 then it is EU VAT paid and has free circulation throughout the EU. At the most basic you need to have evidence that it was there and a marina or boatyard letter confirming it was on their premises should suffice. There are no specific evidence requirements but just collect all you can. You can move around the EU with it and sell it there without any VAT issues - although you may well find buyers sceptical as often EU buyers mindset is influenced by the high level of official documentation required by their own states. Its VAT status is unaffected by the flag of registration or citizenship/residence of owners, although again some have difficulty with this aspect of EU (as opposed to individual state) law.

As already suggested bringing it back to the UK is an issue if the owners are UK resident as at least VAT will be payable. However if the owners are non UK residents they can visit UK for up to 18 months (renewable) under the temporary admission rules.

Good luck with your purchase - brave person to take on an old wooden boat in the local climate.

 

[Boswell]

I really appreciate the replies above, and apologies I can't reply personally, as I'm new on this forum, and PM's switched off.

Having just read some professional surveys of similar boats, the issues of VAT/Duty (almost non-existent unless we venture back to Blighty) pale into insignificance compared to possible costs of repair and maintenance on the horizon.

It's been sobering reading Peter Draper's restoration on Caronia; and fascinating tracing the history of the boat in question via Hull number and the various registries/archives available.

 

[Boswell]

Researching getting wooden hull work done on the Ligurian coast, Diurno Brothers have been mentioned in Riva Ligure (between San Remo and San Lorenzo al Mare). From their website, it certainly looks as though they have the haul-out kit. Has anyone used them or can recommend other yards up as far as Genoa?