I think this is a problem..........

[Toutvabien]

I spent this afternoon checking out the motor cruiser that the brother wants to buy. Initial thoughts were that it seemed like a reasonable boat for the money, needed a clean but has twin diesel engines and reasonable upholstery, gel coat in good condition and no obvious signs of it having a hard life.

It is being sold directly by the dealers, who say thatt hey have bought it in from another dealer to sell. Looking at the boat I was concerned that it was a direct import from the US that has not necessarily been through the RCD process. The boat stiil has a US 110v shorepower set up and US 110 sockets. When I questioned them on it's CE status they could not evidence the fact that it was imported from the US, where it was built, before 1998. They agreed to make some enquiries and seek to clarify the position for Barry. As a humble Raggie I found it difficult to accept that anybody would have used a Motor Cruiser for 10 years, the age of the boat, with 110v shorepower, but was told tha this was common in US manufactured power boats that were imported to the UK prior to the RCD coming into force in 1998. Are there really many boats still in use with 110v shorepower systems?

I did not think that they are legally able to sell a boat where the RCD status was unclear. Am I wrong?

So the next issue that I souht clarification from them on was the VAT status. The brokers/dealers agreed to provide us with a VAT receipt if the sale proceeds, would this be acceptable to the Customs and Excise?

We have agreed that the dealers will sort try and sort out both of the issues that we raised before Barry agrees to proceed with the sale. I would not be happy to buy a boat without both the VAT and RCD status being established.

Am I being overcautious in my advice?

 

[Talbot]

IMHO it was a good thing for your brother that you were there. Even if you get a piece of paper from them, I think I would be tempted to go to the appropriate authorities to confirm that the paperwork was satisfactory, and that what you had covered the requirements

sounds like a try-on to me!

 

[Bergman]

Re: VAT sounds iffy

A VAT receipt from the broker implies that you (or your bro) will be paying VAT on the boat.

What is necessary is proof that VAT has already been paid by someone else or that the boat is exempt.

Ideally an original receipt for the boats purchase from new showing inclusion of VAT or proof of its being in UK on a specific date I think its Dec 1992 or Jan 1993 not sure which but someone here will be.

I don't think theres a world shortage of boats for sale unless you are 100% happy walk away.

 

[danielbroad]

Re: VAT sounds iffy

Sounds like you've got no problem on the VAT thing - if they are going to give you a proper VAT receipt thats all you need.

The CE / RCD status will need sorting out.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

AFAIK, providing the boat was imported before 1998 there would be no need for it to be CE compliant but, even so, if the shorepower system is 110V, its unusable so you would have to factor into your price negotiations a changeover to 240V which could be very costly
The VAT status is very important. You must ensure that you get the ORIGINAL invoice confirming VAT payment and whilst you're about it, the Builders Certificate and copies of all Bills of Sale confirming changes of ownership. If you or any subsequent owner wants to Part 1 register the boat (eg for a mortgage) these documents will be vital to confirm your title. I would insist that you see these documents before parting with any money
Sounds like this boat may be a bit tricky. Plenty more fish in the sea so maybe walk away?