Ostende and VAT

[Rum Run]

Having seen the thread about Ostende and diesel it made me wonder. I am planning to have a bash at a crossing soon, and will be relying on the makers plate marked with the hull number and build date -1978, that is screwed to the aft end of the cockpit, to explain lack of VAT mentioned in any other documents. The boat is SSRed and everything else is provably kosher. Even have white diesel!
What are my chances?
Thanks in advance
Rum Run

 

[Gin]

I recall VAT commenced in the UK 1 April 1973

 

[sailorman]

we were built in 79 vat unpaid , i have an affidavit from the previous owner stating she was in Cojlinsplaat between nov 92 & march 93 & is vat exempt.
this paperwork has been inspected before in oostende. so far so good
ps we also have 110 lts of the finest Dutch white in the bunker at a cost of £0.90 a ltr. Now how much do we pay for that red stuff :disgust:

 

[MoodySabre]

My boat was built in 1988. They have asked for the SSR and insurance but not for proof of VAT paid which is just as well as I don't have any.

 

[Otter]

Is the VAT scare an invention by brokers to further justify their services? Private UK yachts fined for no VAT documents? Google it all day and see if you can find an example of it happening.

 

[Koeketiene]

Having seen the thread about Ostende and diesel it made me wonder. I am planning to have a bash at a crossing soon, and will be relying on the makers plate marked with the hull number and build date -1978, that is screwed to the aft end of the cockpit, to explain lack of VAT mentioned in any other documents. The boat is SSRed and everything else is provably kosher.

IMHO you're worrying unnecessarily. In nearly 15 years of boat ownership, I was only asked for proof of VAT paid once (in Dieppe).
That was in 2010 - boat just out of refit (new Awlgrip, new deck, new rigging and new sails) and she looked like a new boat.

Is the VAT scare an invention by brokers to further justify their services? Private UK yachts fined for no VAT documents?

+1

 

[Rum Run]

Right enough. Thanks for the reality check.
I presume that the original owner did pay VAT, though since he was a top-nob accountant it's anyone's guess.

Cheers
Rum Run