You have finally found the boat of your dreams! Whether it's a euro sailboat or a motorboat, whether you want to go out for the day or to spend your vacations on it, you knew immediately that it was "it". Of course, you have examined your future boat from every angle and you may even have already drawn up a sales agreement. All that remains now is to draw up the deed of sale.
Verification of the francisation act
In order for a boat to be sold, it must not be subject to a mortgage or a seizure. The buyer can verify this information by asking the seller for a copy of the registration document and by contacting the maritime affairs (customs).
Drafting of the deed of sale
Generally, it is the seller who draws up the deed of sale. It must be written in several copies and signed by all parties. It must be included in the bundle of documents given to the buyer.
The latter must mention the civil status of each party and all the information of the boat, a bit like an identity card:
- Type
- Brand
- Year of construction
- Model
- CIN number
- Length
- Engine (brand, type, fuel type, power...)
- Dates and N° of registration and francisation
The document the bill of sale must also include the equipment sold with the boat, the selling price and the method of payment. This list is not exhaustive, you will find on the website of the public service models of deeds of sale of pleasure boats (link at the bottom of the page).
The means of payment
It's up to you! It will also depend on the amount of the transaction. If some people prefer cashier's checks, there is nowadays a lot of suspicion about their authenticity. So proceed with great care, call the bank to verify the check number, etc.
For more simplicity, opt for a bank transfer. It is fast and is credited to your account within 48 hours. You can also contact your bank, which will help you secure the transaction.
The customs declaration
When the deed of sale is signed, the seller must give an original to the buyer. The latter will the necessary steps to register the boat in his name, with the Délégation à la mer et au littoral*.
The seller must declare the sale of the boat to the delegation for the Sea and the Littoral* of his department (for a boat < 7 m and a power < 22 CV) or to the customs office of the home port (for boats ? 7 m and with a power ? 22 HP) within one month.
* The declaration to the Délégation à la mer et au littoral is valid for a French resident in metropolitan France.
