Taking a boat abroad

[Jonny TVR]

I have a 23ft speedboat in the UK and want to take it to Spain to keep, possibly selling it over there in a couple of years. Is this OK to do? are there tax implications/ forms to fill in? should i just sell it here and buy a replacement over in Spain?

[J3JCV]

Jonny TVR said:

I have a 23ft speedboat in the UK and want to take it to Spain to keep, possibly selling it over there in a couple of years. Is this OK to do? are there tax implications/ forms to fill in? should i just sell it here and buy a replacement over in Spain?

There was a big scare that the EU weren't going to recognise UK VAT paid boats after Brexit unless the boat was already in Europe. No doubt this will rear its head again even though I have been advised by marine lawyers that it shouldn't be possible.
Cant remember the exact sheaf of paperwork you need, but something showing you have paid VAT will be useful when selling and I think the UK Gov Bill of Sale is important :https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bill-of-sale-msf-4705

[Simpo Two]

It would seem to me much easier to sell here and buy another one when you get there.

But why should there be tax/VAT implications? What if you want to sell a bookcase?

[J3JCV]

Simpo Two said:

It would seem to me much easier to sell here and buy another one when you get there.

But why should there be tax/VAT implications? What if you want to sell a bookcase?

I think probably because its easy to buy a boat ex VAT and authorities know this. That added to the fact that boats are 10's or 100's of thousands - so there can be significant figures involved.