Buying in the U.S.

[tracker]

I'm thinking of buying a new / slightly used Hunter Legend 44.

As Hunter manufacture in both the UK & US, am I right in thinking that the current excellent exchange rates would make for significant savings on a boat bought in the states ?

John

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[claudio]

Possibly, as long as it complies with RCD and CE. Did you want 110V shore power ?


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[AndrewB]

A recent Hunter is almost certainly RCD compliant. CE is not a separate standard, it is simply the proof of RCD compliance. Many US boats are wired for dual standard shore power, 230/110v. VAT will of course be payable on importation ... US sales tax can be avoided with care.

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[Paragon]

Would VAT be payable of the boat was built prior to the VAT threshold date? If so what value would they put to it do you think, the price you paid in US$, the value in the UK or the price when new?


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[AndrewB]

VAT is almost always payable on a yacht bought in the US and brought back by an EU resident, regardless of where and when the yacht was built, unless you intend to re-export it within 2 months. For more details of the rules, see Customs Note no 8, <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.hmce.gov.uk/forms/notices/8roc.htm>HERE</A>.

The value is set by the EU customs authority where you pay, but in practice they will normally accept the invoiced price you paid, provided it seems realistic.

 

[Paragon]

I appreciate the VAT implications, I was contemplating a boat that may have even been built over here and exported there but in the 1976/77 vintage! I'm not sure whether customs would be that interested and with the exchange rate as it is, these make a tempting buy if the price is right!

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[AndrewB]

As you say, my experience also is that customs authorities do not take much interest in yachts built prior to 1985, and if it originally came from Europe, then smuggling it in .... what am I saying? You would be breaking the law not to declare it.



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[johnc1]

I'm also thinking of buying in the US, prices seem extremly favorable. With regards tax, if the boat is staying in the country, import duty is payable on the purchase price less any costs in getting the boat back & VAT on that total.

But excuse my ingnorance, what is RCD & CE?

JC

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[BrendanS]

A CE mark shows that the boat complies with the European Recreational Craft Directive.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ceproof.com/ce_marking.htm>click here for more info</A>

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[johnc1]

Thanks for the info & link but .........

Bl***y Hell is this beaurocracy gone mad or what!!!!!
Why O why can't we be left to make our own decisions??
If I wish to buy a boat without RCD Compliance 2.1 'Protection from falling overboard' then I should be able to, I wouldn't, but I don't need some twat from Brussells telling me!!!

Sorry but it does wind me up.
JC



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[AndrewB]

Come now ...

If it wasn't for the RCD we would be flooded with cheap second-hand US and South African imports. We wouldn't want that now, would we. ;-)

Protectionism in the guise of safety.

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[jregan]

Just spotted this regarding VAT reg, which may be of use !?

http://www.noonsite.com/Members/doina/R2004-01-22-1

Malta-Registered Yachts Can Pay Lower EU VAT

European Union VAT-paid yachts: yachts registered in Malta prior to March 31, 2004 will pay VAT on import at 5% and will be EU VAT-paid vessels following accession of Malta to the E.U. on May 1, 2004



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[qsiv]

I'm just building a new raceboat in the US, due over here in May/June. The exchange rate saving since first contemplating the transaction and now is worth a small fortune - nearly enough to buy the sails in fact. Fortunately I dont need to worry about either RCD or VAT (provided the agents sort out the correct paperwork) - but if it does affect you, you need to be aware of what you are letting yourself in for.

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[johnc1]

Re: Come now ...

"Protectionism in the guise of safety"

My thoughts exactly!!!

Plus a nice little earner for authorised certification bodies(£4000-£6000)!!!!!!


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[seasnake]

If your still looking for ways to may it pay make sure you pay your VAT somewhere like the Azores (currently 12%) & if you pass through Horta either make sure your rafted up 4 boats out from sea wall or make sure you have a big sign that says 'No Shoes On Board' - that will guarantee the customs officals will just eyeball your yacht from the sea wall without bothering to take off their boots off to cary out an inspection. There are other ways to minimise your VAT liability but I'll leave that up to your imagination

BS

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