Importing Wooden Classic Yacht from the US - UK?

[Roach1948]

I am looking at a feasibility study of bring back a wooden classic from the US to the UK.

OK, I know this topic is aired ad nauseum on the Live Aboard and YM tributaries, but this is slightly different as:

1. The Yacht was built in 1960 and is pre-VAT
2. The yacht is originally British built and registered and was sold US after an Atlantic circuit. She still sports her original official number on main beam and builder's plaque. She is was also Lloyds registered A1 when under UK ownership.
3. The yacht is of low value.

So my questions are:

1. Whether I can just part 1 her again or even SSR and return her to the UK tax exempt? I suspect not, but would appreciate some pointers on where to educate myself more on this.

2. Would I need to bring her up to RCD/CE status even though she is a classic?

3. Would any work I do on her in the States be VAT chargeable?

I know this is a weird one, but any help would be appreciated.

 

[pyrojames]

I doubt she will be VAT exempt, but you may be lucky.

She will be RCD exempt as she was built and in use in Eurpean waters before July 1998.

3. I don't know.

 

[BrokerBen]

Pyrojames is correct about the RCD. Just not a concern for this boat.

Is the boat owned by an American currently? Has she been in America long? The reason I ask is if the boat was sold to a non-EU resident then the VAT status of the boat is almost certainly going to be unpaid. On importation VAT will need to paid.

VAT will be based on the declared value of the boat. If you are sensible about it no questions will be asked and you will be allowed on your merry way.

Customs are a very logical bunch, and fairly straight forwards. Give them a call and ask them. Doesn't cost you anything to ask, and as they are the enforcers they will give you the only answer that matters /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Roach1948]

[ QUOTE ]
Is the boat owned by an American currently? Has she been in America long? The reason I ask is if the boat was sold to a non-EU resident then the VAT status of the boat is almost certainly going to be unpaid. On importation VAT will need to paid.

[/ QUOTE ]


Currently owned by an American. Been in the USA 20 years. Previous 40 years she was under UK ownership. Commisioned by UK and by owner based in Poole 1963.

I will call customs next week as you suggest.

 

[Bajansailor]

I have been told that it should be possible to import any private vessel into the UK if it was built before 1969 - this was the case with a pal of mine, who imported his 1968 Cal 36 from the USA a few years ago, after he sailed her back to Britain.
He had owned her for a couple of years before he imported her though - that might have had an effect.

 

[harvey]

Absolutely right....When I brought a boat back a few years ago C and E went out of their way to minimise the charges to me. I was very open and up front with them and they were good as gold.They even reduced the value of the boat (on which they charged VAT and duty) to allow for breakages during the crossing.
John

 

[Bajansailor]

Re my previous post, sorry, just realised I should have said "it should be possible for a British citizen to import any private vessel FREE OF VAT into the UK if it was built before 1969".
Based on the case with my friend's Cal 36.
Roach, please do tell us next week what was the outcome of your chat with the Customs chaps re importing this fine vessel.

 

[Bilgediver]

You could also telephone the Marine people at the shipping office in Cardiff to see what needs to be done to bring her back onto part 1 after the 20 year lapse.

REGISTRY OF SHIPPING & SEAMEN
Anchor House
Cheviot Close
Parc Ty Glas
Llanishen
Cardiff
CF4 5JA
Tel: 01222 747333

 

[landaftaf]

ackshurley - it has moved

Small Ships Register
Registry of Shipping and Seamen
PO Box 420
CARDIFF
CF24 5XR

029 20448855

 

[pyrojames]

I imported mine free of VAT, but that was because I was a Brit returning to the UK to take up residence. All my possessions were able to come with me. I don't remember the date of build being important.