Yacht documents to carry on?

[topsi81]

Hello everyone!

I have a question about documents. I am buying a yacht in Holland. The yacht is 25 year old and the only document it has is the agreement (contract) with the last owner from 20 years ago. In Holland there is no need to register the yacht in front of the government. That is their legislation.
Now the problem is that I want to go to France, UK and Spain and Portugal. As I heared from other yachtsmen in Holland they had problems going to France mainly. The French customs want from them something like flag declaration and if they do not have it the yacht is arrested.

So my questionis. What are the papaers someone have to have onboard so taht not to have any problems with international cruising?

Thank you in advance!

PS. I am not from Holland, so that I can not obtain this flag declaration there!

 

[deep denial]

have you tried phoning the RYA, who should be able to tell you?

 

[Sailfree]

Buy boat and register it in the UK?

 

[gecko]

look at
http://www.rya.org.uk/KnowledgeBase/buyingaboat/
Become a member. Contribute to the upkeep of knowledge.
Employ a lawyer and contribute to his/her upkeep
Gecko

 

[homa]

I bought my boat in Holland 3 years ago. My boat is 29 yrs old and no original paperwork.
IMHO Most important bit of paper was the document of sale. I also asked for a VAT receipt, This can be done retrospectively by the Dutch customs authority, just like in UK.
I registered the yacht in UK (SSR) after I bought her.

Finally - probably the MOST important thing is get a survey done. I've had a few done over the years and this was the first time I'd had one done abroad. I asked for the survey to be in English - no problem, complete with photographs. A very comprehensive survey. Sent to me by e-mail and then a hard copy by post. All very efficient. I was very impressed - Enabled me to knock a big chunk off the asking price - The best value for money item I have ever spent on the boat.

If you want to discus further pm me

Good luck