Selling US Yacht in the UK

[kerrydeare]

We are in the earliest stages of planning a cruise on a small yacht from the US East Coast to Ireland or the UK in Summer 2013, with an eye to selling the boat there. The tentative plans are necessarily vague, and if nothing else works we will sail her home in season to the US. However the idea of letting her go to a new owner in Ireland, Europe, or the UK is attractive since it simplifies things and allows the "older gentleman" who presently owns her (uh, ... that's me I suppose) to bow out gracefully and with simplicity.

We are not looking to make a killing, recover costs, or anything even rermotely so fanciful or imaginative. Instead we want to provide the new owner with a pretty good deal (US speak) while recovering at least something. The boat is in above average condition and well-equipped for cruising, having made a number of successful passages over most of the Western Atlantic over the years. The problem for me is that I haven't the slightest idea about the complications involved when selling a US-registered yacht in Europe. I am particularly interested to hear from individuals who have done this and already encountered the complexities. Thanks.

[goboatingnow]

Firstly either you or the buyer will need to import the boat and hence pay vat. Secondly the boat will need to be CE approved. Unless you give it away cheap and the buyer assumes all responsibilities.

It's not really a runner

Dave