Buy in the UK or in Spain?

[mikemcgregor]

I am off to Spain next week to sea trial a Cranchi Pelican 32 having seen the Zaffrio 32 at the LIBS. Is it better to buy a boat abroard and worry about after sales service? or should I use a UK dealer and worry about after sales service due to the distances involved. Any other pitfalls about buying abroard? ( I intend to keep the boat in Spain)
Cheers
Mike

 

[Renegade_Master]

Hi Mike I have a yacht Brokers in Spain, there is a link on our web site see below. Should be no prob dealing abroard if you use a reliable english speaking dealer :~)

 

[stelican]

I would prefer to deal with a UK based company for several reasons.
Purchase of boat would be subject to English law
Your invoice would show vat paid UK hopefully to UK benefit
Any warranty issues with the boat can be overseen by the Uk Dealer who would normally have good contacts to get work done quickly and efficiently also contact with dealer normally easier

 

[jondyer]

dealer from spain at libs suggested buying in spain. It's in the EU and the VAT rate is 2% cheaper. You can then bring into the UK or have it delivered into the UK as VAT paid.
Don't always believe what you hear. Ask customs for the correct answer or mbm mag.

 

[duncan]

If you can buy it from a dealer based where you are keeping it this has to be the best situation. Easy local access to the boat will get an snags or other work done faster than being able to 'pressure a local firm' who will then have to outsource the work..........
That the vat is higher or lower is only a cost factor ie you are paying the vat within the EU, you will have an invoice showing this. Comes down to the gross cost
Suspect that you will in fact end up paying less in Spain.

 

[mjkinch1]

we recently our boat from a dealer in Spain ( BHI majorca), and all the contracts were english law, and all payments through the UK bank account. Its worth finding out if the potential spanish broker is in fact english with a UK office.

We did look at buying in the UK and trolling it over, but we got a better spec in spain and the price was OK. Finally buying in Spain sorted out lots of small things, the boat gets a mooring as part of the package, there are people on site who keep an eye on it, and any probs I have have all been sorted.

Having said that its horses for courses as such, and as you go and see boats and work down to a shortlist, you may discover a few options you had not thought of.

Best of luck

Martyn

 

[Kaste]

In my opinion, better to buy in Spain - getting a berth as a part of the deal, believe me, is a big plus. Most of Spain is full and long term berths are hard to find. Good luck.

 

[mikemcgregor]

What can I say?...Just a big thanks for all your suggestions.
I will let you know how I get on. It all hinges on getting a good price for my current Cranchi.
Thanks guys and gals!
Mike

 

[MYStargazer]

If you do buy in Spain, insist on a contract in English, and expressly subject to English law AND jurisdiction.

 

[Renegade_Master]

and you can reg as british

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

mike, I have bought a few boats abroad but always dealt through a UK based broker. Apart from the issue of governing law, the biggest risk IMHO with trading through a foreign based broker or dealer is the fact that you are transferring money to a foreign company and if that company missappropriates your money or goes bust you will have to establish ownership of the boat or part thereof through a foreign court. You may well have an english language contract but you will have to enforce it through a foreign court which is a lot more difficult than doing it thru a UK court