Another Vat Question Sorry

robyonfrome

robyonfrome

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Sorry to bring this up again but this Vat thing is worrying. Do I need a proof of vat payment on my 1990 Sealine, I bought it from a broker and have got all the sale documents when I bought it, but there’s no mention of Vat on any of the invoices. Does this also mean I cant take the boat to France for fear of getting impounded or something.
 
Same here I've got a 1991 Spirit wth no vat doc, just letters stating no vat owing and a few previous bills of sale. Been to France no problem, didn't even need a passport actualy, in practice nobody is interested in vat on an old boat especialy a small low value one.
 
Its highly unlikey that you will ever have any problem in the UK. I'd worry more about being hit by a meteor.
However, what is law, what is (mis)understood as law, and what the Jolly Gendarme decides on the day. is a little harder to pin down.
First, the French dont have armadas patrolling the coastline hoping to nab a few UK boaters. You might get asked for some documentation, but its not the norm- its highly unlikely anyone will bother you if its just a short trip across. Still, the more docs you have , the better.. marina bills, service bills etc to illustrate the boat is owned and kept in the UK. What might get you in trouble is no documentation at all, where, perhaps not unreasonably, they might take a little more interest.
They should just leave it at that, but of course there is always a slim chance they may decide to be in a bad mood.
So I dont think you should worry too much about a visit to the Bastille, when the local plod goes fishing on your boat.
Join the RYA, or have a read on their web pages if that might put your mind at ease.
 
When you say you "bought it from a broker" do you mean he owned it. Or did you buy it from the previous owner with a Bill of Sale transfering ownership from him to you? If so then the transaction did not involve VAT.

As others have said you are unlikely ever to be asked for a VAT invoice. Just make sure you have the other key documents, particularly your registration certificate when you go to France. Details of documentation required is on the RYA website.
 
Only ever been asked for passports and Boat Registration document and this need to be the original not a photocopy.

Even then it is very rare to be asked.
 
I have no registration certificate either, after 20 years I would think there are not many boats that still have the original copy. If a copy is no good, no point in trying. Why all this crap with boats when you can take your car back and forth without having to show proof of Vat or anything.
 
You need to put your boat on the SSR. Very easy on the MCA website www.mcga.gov.uk. Cost £25 and can be done on line. If you do not have this you will really be in trouble. Urge you to read the Boating Abroad section of the RYA website.
 
No. The Part 1 registration needs to be in your name. You should have done this when you bought the boat. The SSR is a sort of simplified version that is equally acceptable. Look on the MCA site for an explanation of the differences.
 
Thanks T all done in my name now, was a bit confusing as have SSR numbers on boat and also have Part 1. But must have been registered on SSR first then Part 1 reg after.

Can I just say I am contstantly pleasantly surprised by the amount of helpful, useful and speedy answers & info from other posters on here so thanks /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
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