buying a German registered yacht moored in a French harbour

[DavidJ]

My friend is interested in buying a yacht that is currently moored on the French med. The vendor is German and apparently he has not been able to sell to the French easily because of the problem any French purchaser will have with French customs.
Does anyone know what procedure a purchaser will have to go through to buy and reregister in the UK?

 

[miket]

I bought a German registered boat in Holland and then re-registered on SSR in UK.
No problems but:
ensure broker DE-REGISTERS boat in Germany. Should get confirmation of this from German registry.
Ensure you see proof of VAT paid in EU country of original import.

Unless you particularly want Part 1 registry go for SSR in UK.

I tried for Part 1 on basis that it was a production boat with only one previous owner with original invoice and Bill of Sale to me. They needed the boat "measured" sort of survey thing confirming tonnage etc. Quoted cost around £350. Didn't bother!

Good luck.

 

[smee]

I bought a German reg'd boat in Spain and have reregistered her under the SSR, with a view to getting her on the Part 1 at a later date.

You should be aware that there are two types of German registry, which I imagine reflect our system. The Deutcher Segler Verband is similar to SSR, and can be deregistered using English by oneself. Possibly the other type can be deregistered by English letter also.

For Part 1 you/he will need the dereg' certificate, though it is probably not required for SSR! Any other part of the purchase is the same as a UK vessel, though you'd better be aware of its VAT status.

 

[milltech]

Would you buy a house without consulting a solicitor, well some might but I wouldn't.

I suggest going to an experienced broker used to these circumstances of International transactions, reputable, experienced and insured, and get it done that way. Couple of suggestions, David East in Woodbridge, or David Smithells, (Williams and Smithells) Southampton.

They will have a rate for the job you can be sure, it won't be like a brokers fee.