EA registration query?

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Ron22

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Hello, I'm thinking about buying a 70ft barge for private pleasure use on the Thames as I have access to a friends private mooring on the Thames. I've done some checking on the boat history and I have uncovered that the seller hasn't paid his EA registration for a few years and the EA are actively pursuing this. Will this be a problem if I went ahead with the purchase? It does have a recent boat safety cert. so I'm assuming insurance will not be a problem. Does the owner have to pay any EA debts before they can sell on?

It's a real bargain, and a lovely barge, so any advice welcome, thanks, Ron
 
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Not an issue. Prove you have just purchased the boat and the EA have no issue with you when you are actively seeking to pay!
 
Hmmm - I recall something along the lines of "a writ of attachment" - that's marine law but that most likely applies on inland waters (as does the Merchant Shipping acts).

For a definitive answer you should consult EA and get something in writing. Perhaps Craft licencing department might not be the appropriate department?
 
Good to hear of another willing licence payer coming to the Thames. Good luck with your new boat, I hope it works out for you. I see no reason why they shouldn't let you register it and still pursue the previous owner for his unpaid bills. His unwillingness to contribute is neither your fault or the boats!
 
What's the old adage....buyer beware.
Ask the EA,they will obviously know the boat and the state of play so to speak.As said above get everything in writing,bill of sale etc.
Marinas can put a tort? on a boat if any monies are outstanding,and it has to go to court to be cleared I believe.
Hope you get it,just be careful
 
TrueBlue said:
Hmmm - I recall something along the lines of "a writ of attachment" - that's marine law but that most likely applies on inland waters (as does the Merchant Shipping acts).

For a definitive answer you should consult EA and get something in writing. Perhaps Craft licencing department might not be the appropriate department?
Click to expand...

RYA Legal Department ?
 
Fairly sure the debt will stay with the old owner not the boat as long as you get a bill of sale, just get it sorted for 2015 and the EA will be happy.
 
NO need to pay previous fees,do the licence,insure, bss .
EA have no legal right to chase the new owner for fee.
If they do use the human rights bill to your advantage.
 
Unfortunately under maritime law and debts belong to and stay with the vessel. Creditors go after the vessel ie new owners in the event. Now I am not sure about EA but any marina, or boat yard will have a claim on the vessel as would HP company or other lender.
Be very careful and get proper legal advice before going any further
 
Make sure the boat has clear title, get a correctly completed and witnessed Bill of Sale. If any marina or yard fees are outstanding as previously stated debtors can come after the boat.
 
cliff said:
Unfortunately under maritime law and debts belong to and stay with the vessel. Creditors go after the vessel ie new owners in the event.
Click to expand...
+1.
Presume you have had the barge hauled out of the water and the hull surveyed within an inch of its life, further you know exactly where you can get any hull mantaince done when it is required a few years done the line...as it will.
Places that can carry out that type of work are few and far between and as for finding a mooring if you are turfed out of its existing one......
Do not rely on ANY survey the seller produces.
Sorry to be so negative but............. :)
 
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Maritime law does not apply to the upper Thames.

I would be applying salvage rights to every abandoned boat if this were the case!! :encouragement:
 
If the Vessel is 1980 or before then Lloyds Register of Yachts. Try your Library, if they don't have it they will get it in from Central Library. (I have 1978 & 1980 here at home).
 
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