Selling your boat successfully

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 successful conclusion.

• No sale - No fee - Non exclusive
• Lowest brokerage charge in the industry:
  • 4% fee plus VAT (if applicable)
  • Brokers fee by agreement
  • Boatmatch minimum fee £2000 plus VAT (if applicable)

The key to a successful boat sale is providing buyers with comprehensive and accurate information, making sure the boat is cleaned and serviced and in full working order. Also ensure that all technical information is available.

A simple listing and registration process

After filling in your boat details and registering, make sure you make a note of your username and password and keep them in a safe place. Whenever you return to boatmatch.com, you will easily be able to amend your existing boat.

Contracts service from boatmatch

Boatmatch.com uses the internationally recognised British Marine Federation and UK Royal Yachting Association recognised conditional or unconditional contracts for the sale or purchase of a second hand vessel.

Proof of Ownership

It is a requirement of Boatmatch.com that all sellers give clear proof that they own the boat(s) listed or that in the case of a third party sale they have the permission of the owner to sell the vessel. As part of the registration process, sellers will be asked to provide proof of ownership to Boatmatch.com. Until Boatmatch.com has this information, it will clearly indicate on the buyer's listing that the seller has not confirmed proof of ownership. Proof of ownership is a prerequisite to any sale and without this proof there will inevitably be delays in the sale process.

Contract

English law applies to all transactions.

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 fifteen 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 seller 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. - purchase invoice)

or

Evidence that the vessel

1. Was constructed and predates the 1st January 1985 and
2. 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.