Boat Registration

[dj43]

Hi All

Recently brought a boat that was or is registered in spain, boat was brought from a uk broker in the uk, do I need to register this boat as boat is now based in the uk,

 

[prv]

By law you don't need to if staying in the UK.

If you want to, there are two options.

The "Small Ships Register" is a cheap and basic registration (£25ish?) that can be done online. It gives you a registered number and a laminated certificate which is required by foreign customs etc if you ever cruise abroad. It doesn't actually prove legal title to the boat (because there's no checks when you fill in that online form).

Part One Registration is a more formal system, a bit like the Land Registry is for houses. I don't know that much about it, but no doubt it costs a bit more and involves more paperwork. I do know that pretty much all marine mortgages insist the boat is Part One registered, so that they can register the mortgage against it. This type of registration is also more than adequate for going foreign.

Pete

 

[dj43]

Hi Pete

Thanks for the reply,I had asked the broker if they register the boat for me,said to do it myself.last boat broker did it without asking,should have kept a copy.

merlyn

 

[VicS]

See
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Boatingandtravellingbywater/PleasureCraft/DG_180594
for the relevant details of the registration schemes and links to further info.

Main advantage of Part I registration over Part III (SSR) is proof of ( or at least evidence of) title.

I

 

[dj43]

Hi Vics

thanks for the link,

 

[Tranona]

Also ensure that the boat has been removed from the Spanish register and that your Bill of Sale gives you clear title. The broker should have ensured all the paerwork was in order. As you have discovered SSR registration is easy DIY, but if the boat had been on the Part 1 register the broker would have arranged for the change in ownership to be registered.