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You could get a friendly trader to value it (in writing) as being as low as possible and pay over VAT to your local customs office - GET A CERT (stamped) if you do.
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No you couldn't.
And that is the final irony of this complete mess. If you can't prove VAT paid status on your boat then you cannot just tip up at C&E and ask them to accept a VAT payment and give you a receipt, they won't do it.
My understanding is that you will be exempt through age 'providing' you can prove the boats age fully and without any question.
Go Part One if your arent and get as much history together as you can.