What documents are needed to buy yachts for sale?

Buying a yacht for sale is a process full of excitement and anticipation, especially when you've finally decided on your favourite type and model and can't wait to bring it home. However, before closing the deal and taking your new yacht out on the water, it is a very important step to ensure that all the necessary paperwork is in order. Not only is this key to protecting your rights, but it's also fundamental to making the transaction process run smoothly. Let's take a look at what documents are needed to buy yachts for sale.

1. Yachts for sale sales voucher 

The sales voucher is one of the most crucial documents when buying a yacht from a private seller. It documents the transaction between the seller and the buyer and ensures that the transfer of ownership is legal and valid. The sales voucher should detail the type of yacht to be sold, its size, registration information, and the purchase price. The document should also include the method of payment, a list of additional equipment, and the signatures of both parties to the transaction. This document is your legal basis for owning your new yacht!

2. Yacht Certificate of Title and Chain of Title

Along with the sales voucher, the Certificate of Title is the central document that protects your rights and interests. It is issued by the title company or a lawyer and proves that you are the legal owner of the yacht. The certificate of ownership is essential to prevent future disputes regarding the ownership of the yacht. In addition, you will need to obtain the chain of title document, which will record information about each owner and dealer of the yacht during its lifetime.

3. Signing a preliminary contract for yachts for sale 

When purchasing yachts for sale, it is essential to sign a preliminary contract before entering into a purchase agreement with the seller. This contract shows that you are sincere in your intention to buy the yacht and can put the seller at ease. The contract should clearly agree on the time of delivery of the yacht, the period of loan approval, and the assumption of risk during the transaction. Usually, a preliminary contract is signed along with a percentage deposit and before the buyer conducts an inspection or sea trial of the yacht.

4. Registration Information Documents 

When the transaction to purchase yachts for sale is nearing completion, the buyer will need to have all the relevant documents ready in order to complete the registration of the yacht in a timely manner. Typically, you will need to provide new proof of ownership, a signed sales voucher from both parties, details of the yacht (e.g. make, model, captain, etc.) and proof of payment of the relevant registration fees. If you are buying a brand new yacht, you may also need to provide a certificate of origin from the manufacturer. These steps usually need to be completed within a month of the transaction being finalised.

Buying a yacht for sale it is vital to ensure that the documentation is complete before the transaction. Every document is important to protect your rights and interests, from the sales voucher to the certificate of ownership, from the preliminary contract to the registration information, you can't have one without the other. Only by ensuring that these documents are complete will you be able to become the new owner of the yacht without any worries. If you have any questions or need help in the process of buying a yacht for sale, please feel free to contact Yachttrading, we will provide you with comprehensive yacht purchase, transaction, transport and maintenance services.