documentation and changing boat names

[matelot]

Leaving aside the business of asking permission from Neptune, how do you maintain document continuity when you change a boats name? In particular you will end up with the original VAT invoice and bill of sale in one name and the SSR / insurance etc in another. One thing to explain to UK customs, but altogether a different matter when the customs man doesnt speak English.

Has anyone tackled this issue and if so - how?

 

[MacMan]

I am not saying it is "THE" answer but I photographed the old name being part removed and the new name being put on. I also have an insurance document with insurance for vessel x formerley known as y. This may also help.

None of this has been "tested" though.

 

[ebbtide]

I would like to claim that I cracked it without too much agro - tho I did learn that it is unwise to hassle the gals in the Registry of Shipping and Seamen!

The vital points are the Bills of Sale. I was tracking down the history from new to eatablish VAT status and at one point the boat purchased in joint names was sold behind the guy's back when he went off with another woman! The missing document, and it needed much coaxing to obtain it, was a contrived Bill of Sale from the separated couple made out to a single owner in order to justify the transfer, Phew!

Wanna larf? The last chap to be dug out was the first owner who had her built from new. And produced the original VAT documentation.

For foreigners, I advisepaperwork to authenticate her history translated into the appropriate tongue.

 

[silver-fox]

If its a production boat the continuity can be provided by the hull number.

I changed the name of my boat and went onto the SSR so even the registration number changed.

 

[Heckler]

Mine has had 4 names, but was part 1 registered all the way, the invoices mention the old name and the new name, in my case I bought it as Beneteau Oceanis 381 hull number HIN etc etc formerly known as Christina of Ardrossan, it helps that all the bills of sale have the same registration number etc, I have to say that the girl I dealt with in Cardiff? was superb and the change of name and owner went without a hitch, I did the radio licence mmsi etc on line without hassle and the MARS database is up to date as well! Oh go on then check out Sacha!!
Stu

 

[Richard10002]

I am slightly worried about this - not because I may be asked to pay the VAT, but more because an eventual buyer might have some concerns.

She was sold new as Lady B and I have an Irish Customs document confirming VAT paid. She then had her name changed to Puffin, and I have an Irish Customs document confirming that the boat now known as Puffin was previously Lady B. She was then sold to my father in England, (wel Wales actually), who had a survey done in the name of Puffin, and which quotes the HIN number. He the registered her Part 1 and had to change the name as Puffin was taken. So I have a boat called Rogue, with the same HIN number as the survey confirms was called Puffin.

I hope that the above trail will be enough to satisfy a buyer, but I am sure it will be an issue.

 

[Tranona]

Have similar problem as VAT receipt identifies transaction for a boat with the Greek registration number. No name or HIN. Deregistration document has regsitration number and name, but no HIN. Bill of Sale (certified by registrar) has all three!

As a regular user of the Forum you will know that the chances of any official being the least bit interested in your VAT receipt and its details are close to zero. There is no requirement on the receipt to record any details other than it is for goods that are subject to VAT, and no requirement for the VAT registered vendor to keep any records of any sort for more than 6 years. Therewfore VAT documentation has little value except to people (which might include potential buyers and even lenders of finance) who have bought into the RYA/HMRC hocus pocus that this document is important.

Anyway, so long as your registration document agrees with the name and number on your boat, you have an ICC or equivalent (optional) and an insurance ceritifcate you need have no fear of foreign officials. An original Bill of Sale confirming your title to the boat is a bonus.