Registration of boats in marinas

Unfortunately this matter has diverted a lot of resources away from the major problem of how to ensure the the Thames has some method of secure funding for the immediate future and long term.
A recent conversation,with a riperian owner, confirmed that some,were fully looking forward,to the EA losing this appeal and were prepared to take full advantage of the ruling to contribute as little as possible towards the up keep of the navigation.
Was hinted that other folks were waiting in the wings to exploit the ruling further if the appeal was lost.
Perhaps if the folks had actually moved out on the river and used it,they would realise exactly what you have up there. ?
 
its gone so quiet, you could hear..

pintouse.jpg
 
It's sad that 'some marina operators' allowed the situation to happen, especially because ALL marina operators make it a condition of their contract with boat owners, that the boat pays it's registration fees. It would appear that this term has not been enforced?
 
This verdict is good news and a victory for common sense over pedantry, its unfortunate some boat owners were mislead to fight this case as I think the over-riding principle that all boats should be registered in marinas would always win the day. Even the marinas asked for it but chose to just take the money and ignore it!

Now this has been settled, what about the case of the Anglian houseboats that another judge said were not "vessels" therefore didn't have to pay
http://www.riverthamesnews.com/News1015.html
That would mean Trotmans boats don't need a license!

We then have the Willow moorings at Windsor, where similar houseboats have been refused permission to be put there. So they are now apparently going to be built with small engines and bowthrusters, so that they are then classified as "vessels" and can be licensed and moored legally!

No wonder the EA want out and to let CRT sort it all out!
 
Chris_d said:
This verdict is good news and a victory for common sense over pedantry, its unfortunate some boat owners were mislead to fight this case as I think the over-riding principle that all boats should be registered in marinas would always win the day. Even the marinas asked for it but chose to just take the money and ignore it!

Now this has been settled, what about the case of the Anglian houseboats that another judge said were not "vessels" therefore didn't have to pay
http://www.riverthamesnews.com/News1015.html
That would mean Trotmans boats don't need a license!
We then have the Willow moorings at Windsor, where similar houseboats have been refused permission to be put there. So they are now apparently going to be built with small engines and bowthrusters, so that they are then classified as "vessels" and can be licensed and moored legally!

No wonder the EA want out and to let CRT sort it all out!
Click to expand...

The Anglian houseboats are subject to different legislation - hence the decision.
The Thames does have a charge for a houseboat - which is less than for a cruising vessel - that's probably why Trotman shouts "houseboat" in his adverts?

I assume the Windsor moorings may be more to do with what the local council wants than EA's rules.

I don't think CaRT would do better - though their bailiffs could be more rough than EA's staff.
Seeing the enormous cost of legislation (even if there's any Parliamentary time in the next few years) and given the foul-up with the TWA route - there's not a lot of hope of any sensible change.
 
TrueBlue said:
The Anglian houseboats are subject to different legislation - hence the decision.
The Thames does have a charge for a houseboat - which is less than for a cruising vessel - that's probably why Trotman shouts "houseboat" in his adverts?

I assume the Windsor moorings may be more to do with what the local council wants than EA's rules.

I don't think CaRT would do better - though their bailiffs could be more rough than EA's staff.
Seeing the enormous cost of legislation (even if there's any Parliamentary time in the next few years) and given the foul-up with the TWA route - there's not a lot of hope of any sensible change.
Click to expand...

EA are repaying some houseboat owners on the Thames because of that ruling, £100k reported.
No sure of the exact situation at Willow moorings but I understood the EA objected to the "houseboats" and their accommodation's but if they became vessels they no longer could object.
 
Chris_d said:
EA are repaying some houseboat owners on the Thames because of that ruling, £100k reported.
No sure of the exact situation at Willow moorings but I understood the EA objected to the "houseboats" and their accommodation's but if they became vessels they no longer could object.
Click to expand...

Ah, my assumptions were wrong, then.
I'm obliged.
 
The matter appears to have been finally settled in the favour of the EA.
The main claim of the defendants was that the law was being interpreted wrongly and should not apply to them and payment was withheld correctly .
One assumes that they do now accept the EA was entitled to charge a registration fee and any monies withheld in the past are also now collectable ?
 
It would be interesting to know just how much money was spent in order to get the ruling on appeal in the higher court..
Those who challenged the EAs right to collect the fees,should perhaps consider themselves very lucky that the judges did not impose an order for costs to be awarded.
Be suprised if we are not talking several hundreds of thousands of pounds and just sorry that the folks concerned went down that road to the detriment of everyone on the river.
 
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