U K registration

[JEG]

We are planning to buy abroad & I wonder if anyone has a view as to the value of re-registering from albongistan to uk. Is there some arcane law that forces one to have the craft listed in the owner's country of residence if, for example, one sails it to a third country?

 

[tcm]

if you are a brit, you can register a boat as uk flagged no matter where the boat is actually located. You have to choose a home port, and any old port will do, just write it down.

If the boat is foreign registared you may have to re-register - you can't own a french-flagged boat yourself, for example.

 

[jfm]

It's probly worht re registering. As tcm says, many registrars will not allow registrations by foreign owners, whereas others (Bermuda, IoM, Bahamas, etc) will. If the registration is in some far off place that you're not familiar with, you might one day inadvertently fail to follow their rules resulting in your boat being struck off the registry anyway, so much simpler to register at home in the UK, imho

UK registration needs a fair bit of paperwork, possibly original invoices and all subsequent changes of ownership. If you simply cannot get this stuff the Jersey/Guernsey registrars might be better, as they require a bit less paper I think

For a UK reg you need a name not already taken, and a home port. I think you have to select a port off their list, not just any old creek or inlet.

 

[DepSol]

Guernsey reg is simple just a few forms proof of ownership and hey presto.

Dom

Ok so he's not santas Elf but he is an Elf !!

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

IMHO, you need to re-register the boat in the UK or Channel Islands for 2 reasons. Firstly, it helps to establish that you have full title to the boat which is important when you want to sell it on and, secondly, if you or any subsequent owner want a mortgage on the boat, the finance company will require it anyway. Having said this UK registration can be very difficult to achieve if the documentation is not right. You will need originals (not copies) of the first invoice showing VAT payment, the builders certificate (HIN certificate) and bills of sale for any subsequent changes of ownership. I believe that the Channel Islands will accept copies so registration may be easier.
I once bought a boat in Germany and despite assurances from the vendor that he had all the above original documents, he didnt and had only copies of some. I made the mistake of completing on the sale before having sight of the documents. It cost me £2000 in legal fees to get the copies notarised in Germany before the UK registry would accept them