Buying a boat without CE marking?

[SeacretSailor]

Looking to buy an 20 ft american sports boat in immaculate condition but it has no CE marking.

It is a year 2000 - is it necessary to get this done? What are the implications if not done? Are you still insured? I appreciate it is advisable to do but would like real world answers as it is approx £1500 to get done and with the year of the boat it is 20% of the boats worth.

 

[EugeneR]

Worth searching the forum for previous advice on CE marking.

Is the boat in the UK already? If not, then not worth it given value given.

CE marking itself should not influence insurance risk.

 

[SeacretSailor]

I searched the forums but nothing concrete - do have any links?
Yes, boat in UK.

 

[Greg2]

Yes, it needs CE marking. I have researched this fully due to interest in a boat in Holland imported from the US by the owner and CE not done by them.

Not having it is a criminal offence with the enforcement bodies in the UK being Trading Standards. I wouldn’t be so sure about not having CE not affecting insurance. I enquired and the response was not one that would reassure me sufficiently not to get it done.

The notified body in the UK is Home - HPi Verification Services Ltd. who can advise

I posted on the subject here
.

 

[jrudge]

I suspect is is fine until god forbid something happens !
In the normal course of events you won’t be asked for it.
Has this model of boat been sold in the Eu by dealers ?

 

[andrewbarker]

Yes, it needs CE marking. I have researched this fully due to interest in a boat in Holland imported from the US by the owner and CE not done by them.

Not having it is a criminal offence with the enforcement bodies in the UK being Trading Standards. I wouldn’t be so sure about not having CE not affecting insurance. I enquired and the response was not one that would reassure me sufficiently not to get it done.

The notified body in the UK is Home - HPi Verification Services Ltd. who can advise

I posted on the subject here
.

The legal obligation, as I understand it, is on the importer, not the buyer. If the OP were to import the boat, there would be a legal obligation but, as the boat is already in the UK, there is no legal obligation on the buyer, nor is there a criminal offence committed by the buyer.

 

[Greg2]

The legal obligation, as I understand it, is on the importer, not the buyer. If the OP were to import the boat, there would be a legal obligation but, as the boat is already in the UK, there is no legal obligation on the buyer, nor is there a criminal offence committed by the buyer.

You are right inasmuch as the importer is responsible for getting CE done but I am not so sure that you are right on the ongoing situation. The notified body talked about selling it as not being not fit for purpose under EU law. To be fair I haven’t got the stuff I looked into at hand so I stand to be corrected. In any event, insurance is probably the bigger issue. I agree with the point that it doesn’t materially affect risk levels in reality but it could become a problem in the event of a claim so that is a risk to be taken into consideration. I consulted Y and their underwriters response was that they would be happy if the CE authorities are happy - which the latter wouldn’t be if the boat isn’t certified. There is also the potential for problems on re-sale.

The RYA’s take on things is here
.

 

[EugeneR]

The offense is to put a non CE boat into use or onto the market.

If boat is sold on a trailer from home using gumtree then buyer is unlikely to be concerned. A broker would not touch it.

In practical use, nobody will check unless boat was subject to an incident in which case police will follow up on it.

 

[Momac]

I suggest you discuss the matter with an insurance company and it they see it as an issue than dont buy the boat.
I think insureres should see this as a major issue as they should not want to support an illegal act.

 

[simonfraser]

As we are about to be outside the EU what is the issue ?
my boat 1999 has a plate with CE on, but no idea as to how effective this is.
a load of cr@p we can now do without ?
Not seen an EU inspector for a while ....

 

[Momac]

As we are about to be outside the EU what is the issue ?
my boat 1999 has a plate with CE on, but no idea as to how effective this is.
a load of cr@p we can now do without ?

CE marking and European standards are applied to many products ....... and that isn't going to change . Many European standards are based on former British Standards or are heavily influenced by the contribution of UK professionals.
Whether you agree with it or not the CE requirements applied to boats are UK adopted law .

 

[tmo]

Hi,

my case is a bit different as I'm French and I bought last year a Sunseeker 29 Mohawk (yom 1991) french registered already.

The "CE marking" became effective in 1996 in France means all boats built before that don't have to comply with this regulations.

To make it short:
after 1996: CE marking mandatory to comply with Division 240
before 1996: CE marking NOT mandatory then follow Division 245
Find below the link for Division 245 (sorry in French)

https://www.ecologique-solidaire.go...245 - version 05 juin 2015 - avec_signets.pdf

Happy Brexit
Cheers