Buying Yacht in the States!

[wishbone]

Has any one gone over to the USA and purchased a yacht say pre 1985, 40’
Or thereabouts and sailed it back to the UK? What problems have you had in the US
And when reaching the UK, import tax, vat etc??
Look forward to your help

Wishbone

Sorry if I am going over old ground; I have looked up old post’s
But have not found answers!


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[beneteau_305_553]

I bought my '86 Beneteau in the west indies.
Had a great time sailing it back via Bermuda singlehanded in May, June 2002.
Paid the vat on arrival in UK.
send a pm if you are interested for more info


<hr width=100% size=1>Richard

 

[BrendanS]

any of the posts re vat and CE marking would apply if you are planning on keeping the vessel here

<hr width=100% size=1>For a list of all the ways technology has failed to improve the quality of life, please press three

 

[mickshep]

Hi Brendan, I've followed a couple of these "import from the U.S posts. An earlier one says that a sea going yacht is exempt from certain duties. I wonder what would happen regarding a "livaboard" that was registered in the U.S. Would that be considered as a 'visitor' even if it spent a considerable amount of time in this country. Also as your main residence would it be eligible for v.a.t at all? If not I assume the vessel might only be classed as imported if you were to sell it in this or another E.U country. Cheers, Mike.

<hr width=100% size=1>"Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me."

 

[PeterGibbs]

Key considerations:

1. Are you EU or USA citizen?
2. If USA (or owner is USA) you can get permission to stay for upto (?) 18 months no VAT
3. If EU and cannot persuade C & E you are about to export it outside the EU, it's VAT time !
4. No VAT refunds on re-export; or I have never heard of such.
5. VAT value based on what C & E can be persuaded to accept. Showing an invoice for a few US$ won't work! VAT charged on overall value plus any freight etc, so sailing it in is best.
6. Smart sailors call in on outlying (EU) Atlantic islands to do the VAT thing if they can, and know they have to pay VAT. Can negociate more reasonable value etc. Bring it in stripped down to minimise value.
7. No way I know of getting VAT value settled before boat landed in EU.
8. VAT rates differ across Europe!
9. Bringing it in and then selling it without proof of VAT paid is mighty tough. Who would want to take on such a liability?

There's lots more, but that's your starter for 9. RYA have lots of gen, and C & E issue booklet - ring Dover C & E for copy.

PWG

PS I always wondered of you could negotiate some refund on state taxes paid in USA, but have no knowledge to impart.


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[wishbone]

Hi Peter
Thanks for the info, it seems even vat payable on yacht purchased in the us is a better prospect than buying in eu at the high prices charged, I would be saliing it in for my own use.

Wishbone

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