Hello and VAT on older boats.

[Suffolk Punch]

Hello all,
This is to say hello and also glean some advice.
I'm looking at a 1974 Seamaster 30 aft cabin cruiser and the yacht broker has said that there is no proof of VAT paid but as it was built before 1985 it's not a problem.
Do I need some proof of age bearing in mind that Seamaster stopped making that model around 1980-81?
Thanks for any advice.

 

[macd]

Yes, strictly speaking you need proof of age (in use before 1.1.1995) and wherabouts (in the EU) on 31.12.1992. Section 4.2 of our old friend, VAT notice No.8, will explain: https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...ailing-your-pleasure-craft-to-and-from-the-uk

In reality, the likelyhood is that no-one in officialdom will give a fig for a vessel that old.
If you're really keen to have the full Monty, desktop publishing and weak tea stains can be very convincing.

 

[Suffolk Punch]

Thanks macd, I will check that out.

 

[Tranona]

Just a small correction - the in use date is 1985. However as suggested you are in no different position from thousands of other owners of older boats and it really is a non issue. if you get put off by the official rules in VAT notice No 8 there is an excellent explanation of how VAT rules affect boats on the RYA site. Still a good cure for insomnia.

Hope you enjoy the boat if you buy it.

 

[macd]

Just a small correction - the in use date is 1985.
Hope you enjoy the boat if you buy it.

To the first part, yes, sorry: typo on my part.
To the second, +1.

 

[duncan99210]

Just to repeat, it's a none issue for any boat that is obviously that old. It's not even much of an issue formboats a good deal newer. I've been bimbling round the Med for the past seven years and have never been asked any questions about VAT, nor do I know anyone who has ever been asked for their VAT paperwork.

 

[vyv_cox]

Just to repeat, it's a none issue for any boat that is obviously that old. It's not even much of an issue formboats a good deal newer. I've been bimbling round the Med for the past seven years and have never been asked any questions about VAT, nor do I know anyone who has ever been asked for their VAT paperwork.

Fully agree that. My boat was launched in 1985, so theoretically might just fall within the inclusion date. The boat left UK for Europe in 1996 and has been there ever since. We have never been asked for any information regarding VAT.

 

[Suffolk Punch]

Thanks to everyone that has replied...seems as though I shouldn't worry too much.
It's a 42 year old boat (though quite a nice one) with some nice 'extras' such as full navigation, all windows double glazed etc.
Nicely modernised. Thanks again....
Dan