Buying your boat through Boatmatch.com
Boatmatch charges the lowest brokerage fees in the industry on the fairest terms. Buyers and sellers using boatmatch are able to agree the best deals because our brokerage fees are so low. Our experienced brokers will closely monitor sales, provide qualified advice to buyer and seller, manage contracts and see every transaction through to a safe, secure and successful conclusion.
Buying your new boat with Boatmatch.com should be an enjoyable experience, we want to ensure the transaction takes place smoothly and safely with the minimum of fuss. In order to safeguard both buyers and sellers boatmatch closely monitors the sales process providing expert advice when necessary. If you require help or information at any time please contact boatmatch for assistance.
If you have purchased a boat before you will appreciate that certain criteria must be met before you proceed with the purchase; you must have proof of ownership, knowledge of any charges against the boat and we recommend you commission a full survey.
Boatmatch.com has linked up with the leading marine finance and insurance companies to provide the best terms for clients wishing to finance their new boat. Please talk to us in the first instance.
Proof of ownership
Sellers are required to provide Boatmatch.com with proof of ownership as part of the registration process. As part of the contractual process, the buyer or his representative will need to establish who has title and to establish whether there are any charges against the boat, such as a marine mortgage.
Survey
Boatmatch.com recommend that all boat buyers instruct a professional surveyor to provide a written report on the boat and its condition. Please ensure that your surveyor is a member of a recognised professional body and has appropriate insurance.
Contract
English law applies to all transactions.
Boatmatch.com uses a sale contract based on the International recognised British Marine Federation contract for the sale or purchase of a second hand vessel.
Recreational Craft Directive 94/25/EC, European Economic Area
A boat does not need to comply with the RCD if:
- It is one of the exclusions - principally craft intended solely for racing plus other minor categories.
- It was built in the EEA prior to 16th June 1998.
- It was in use in the EEA prior to 16th June 1998.
- It is only visiting the EEA for reasons of tourism or in transit.
A boat does need to comply with the RCD if it is not one of the above and if:
- It was first placed on the EEA market after 16th June 1998.
- It was put into service in the EEA after 16th June 1998.
- It is a home built boat placed on the market within five years of completion.
- It is an experimental or racing boat being redesigned for compliance with the RCD.
The EEA includes all EU States, their overseas territories and dependencies and Iceland and Norway.
Value Added tax - guidance notes - a summary
The details below indicate the VAT rulings within the EC. While Boatmatch.com will assist on VAT matters it is the responsibility of the buyer to confirm any VAT liability with their local VAT office.
Value Added Tax - Private transactions
VAT is not due on the sale of second hand boats between private EC individuals; this is "outside the scope" of VAT, provided that there is:
Evidence that VAT payment has been made within the EC (i.e. Certified Commercial Documentation - viz. - original or certified copy of purchase invoice)
or
Evidence that the vessel
- Was constructed and predates the 1st January 1985 and
- Was in the EC at the 31st December 1992
It should be noted that a craft that has been exported by a private individual from the EC, sold and re-imported into the EC by a different private individual will be liable to VAT on the value of the craft.
Value Added Tax - Company owned boats
Where a company owned boat, on which VAT has been reclaimed, is sold, VAT must be charged on the full value of the sale.
