importing boat

[betty68]

hi,
im thinking of buying a boat in Italy its 23 years old now and they don't have any original documents including proof of vat paid. Im either going to tow it back myself or put it on a transporter. Am I likely to be stopped for vat in either case? Is there anything I can do to minimise the issue?
betty

 

[Jim@sea]

I bought a 22 year old 24ft boat in France and towed it back here. It was a French make which had never been imported into the UK, and nobody took any notice whatsoever. At the ferry port the inside of the boat was not even checked to see if I was importing people.
Although I had a copy of the original invoice showing that French Vat (in Francs) had been paid and a French Boat Registration Document they were not needed.
In your case I would suggest printing off the advert where you saw the boat and if buying through a broker get them to state how old the boat was.

 

[betty68]

thanks jim, anyone know if I have to ship it any more likely to be stopped for vat?