Living aboard as an Ex pat

[ChesapkLady]

I'm very interested in discovering just what's necessary to live in various European countries as someone not FROM there. I am an American, and will be presenting a seminar on Canals in Europe in two weeks time, at the "TrawlerFest" in Stuart, Florida. Keep in mind that the attendees are excited about living aboard (many already do in the US, aboard their own boats) and that for some there is a keen interest in expanding their horizons. With this in mind I will be covering everything from shipping your boat over there, to buying "pre-owned" once you've arrived. For the most part these people will not be interested in rentals, although long term rentals or exchanges might be just the thing.
I have a ton of internet sites to start with where brokerage boats may be viewed.
A.) If I buy a boat in the UK, Netherlands, France, Belgium or Germany, how do I protect myself as far as title is concerned?
B.) What additional insurance is necessary for liveaboards?
C.) What licensing is necessary in each of the five countries I've mentioned as a boat owner? What if it's my boat that's licensed in the US and that I brought over to Europe, do I still need a license in another country?
D.) I've seen some really cool looking boats for sale in some of the broker lists; I know I have to pay VAT, but if my intention is to stay for a while is it better to buy a boat that's been outfitted in the country I'll be cruising in, or is it feasible to bring my boat over there and expect to live with adapters and a variety of connectors that will allow my US boat to "live" in Europe?
Would appreciate any and all answers to this, as the time draws near and I am excited myself about the questions and issues that I'll be raising in this seminar!

Many thanks,
Peggy

 

[snowleopard]

first general point is that if you sail to the EU, after 18 months you must import the boat (pay VAT - bad news, get certificate of compliance with Recreational Craft Directive - complete nightmare) or leave EU waters for a while.

a) any reputable broker will provide you with the necessary protection when buying a boat. if you do a private purchase there is the usual element of risk.

b) as long as you specify '12 months in comission', ordinary insurance covers you to live aboard

c) an Intrenational Certificate of Competence is the recognised qualification. can't tell you whether it is possible to get one issued if you hold USCG qualifications. BUT, if you plan to enter the canals of continental europe you will need to have an inland waterways endorsement on your ICC which requires knowledge of CEVNI (european inland waterway rules).

d) using a US boat in europe will give you 2 main problems:

electricity - you can buy a transformer to give you 110v but it will still be 50 Hz so may not suit some electronics, or you can get a 220v battery charger and run mains appliances fro a 110v inverter.

gas - propane is available in some countries but butane is more common no european companies will fill your own bottles, all work on an exchange basis. if you buy a new regulator and connector you can run propane appliances on butane though they will run slightly hotter. 'Camping Gaz' is universal but expensive. all other brands are country-specific.

 

[robind]

Dont let any of this put you off it is all easily obtained either way.
Regards
Rob

 

[ChesapkLady]

Thanks for the very thorough answers! What is "CEVNI?"
Peggy

 

[Sea Devil]

CENVI is the multiple choice questionaire on river and canal signs and procedurers to allow you to travel by small boat on French inland waterways! 11 out of 14 is a pass. It is the Brit version of the French Cat C licence -

The French run courses for Cat C for around UK£200 (all in French) and the Brits do the same for the ICC and CENVI for around the same money but in english - The only time you will ever need either is in the French river and canal system.

 

[snowleopard]

Code Européen des Voies de la Navigation Intérieure

translation: european rules for inland waterways.

look here for a guide to the rules.

the dutch are also pretty hot on it. in their case they require that you have on board a copy of their regulations - which is only available in dutch!

 

[ChesapkLady]

I've been frantically trying to finalize all my info for this seminar (which precipitated my discovery of and first post on this forum) which is on Thursday of the coming week. Yikes. I know I've got a ton of information, just hope I've got it all organized so it's understandable.
I have to thank the forum members here for their generosity in answering my queries; I've learned a lot and will pass it on to the seminar attendees, along with the link to this forum and instructions on how to join. Pardon the influx of Americans if they come . . .

One more question (which won't be the last!) am I to understand correctly that VAT is paid ONCE on an item, then it's done? So if I purchase a "pre-owned boat" (favored American term for "used") I won't have to pay the VAT???? If that is true then the purchase of a boat over there suddenly becomes much more viable! WOW!!! I'm going back to look over the brokerage pages!

Many thanks again,
Peggy /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[snowleopard]

you should be so lucky! it is quite possible for vat to be charged multiple times on the same boat.

if a boat is purchased outside the EU, VAT becomes payable on entering the EU (though you can claim exemption for 18 months, leave the EU for a while then come back and claim another 18 months).

the sting is that even though the boat has had VAT paid on it, if it is taken outside the EU and sold, VAT is payable again on re-entering the EU. if considering a purchase of a VAT-paid boat outside the EU it is much cheaper to carry out the transaction within the EU.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

sorry- just re-read your thread and i think i may have picked up the wrong end of the stick!

if you buy a used boat in the EU on which VAT has been paid, you do not pay VAT again. if however it is an import on which VAT has not been paid you do have to pay. all yacht brokers in the EU tell you the VAT status of boats they are selling.

if you buy a new boat in the EU and intend to take it out of the EU, you can have it VAT-free. there is a well-established procedure for reclaiming VAT on goods bought for export.

If you buy here then take the boat home, you will of course be liable for any import duties your government demands.

If you intend to spend your time cruising it's perfectly possible to buy a boat VAT free and never pay any tax on it as long as you keep moving!

right now with the dollar so low against the euro & sterling would be a bad time for you to buy /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif