Buying a boat in Spain or abroad. Compare to make an informed decision.

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Buying a boat in Spain or abroad is a decision that opens the door to a world of possibilities. 

However, before embarking on this journey, there is a crucial question to be answered: is it better to buy a new or a used boat, a national or a foreign one?

In this blog we hope to help you decide, although it will depend on your personal preferences, your specific needs and your financial situation.

Buy a boat in Spain:

If you decide to buy your boat in Spain, you will find some outstanding advantages:

New boats: You will find a wide range of new boats available from local dealers, giving you the opportunity to get your first boat with a guarantee and no worries about its history.

Ease of doing business: Buying a new boat domestically often means less paperwork and familiarity with local regulations, streamlining the purchase and registration process.

Support and advice: Local dealers offer expert support and advice on the features and specifications of new boats, which can be a great help in making an informed decision.

However, there are a number of considerations when buying a new boat in Spain:

High price: New boats tend to have a higher price tag than used models, which may be out of reach for some budgets.

Depreciation: Like cars, new boats depreciate significantly over the first few years of ownership, which could affect your decision to buy in the long run.

Buy a used boat in Spain

If you decide to explore the used boat market in Spain, you will also find certain advantages:

More affordable price: Used boats tend to be less expensive than new models, which may allow you to get a larger boat or one with more amenities within your budget.

Variety of options: The used boat market offers a wide variety of models, makes and styles to choose from, increasing your chances of finding the perfect boat for your needs and preferences.

Known history: When you buy a pre-owned boat, you have the opportunity to review its maintenance and boating history, giving you greater peace of mind about its condition and performance. 

It is important to obtain an up-to-date Seat Sheet and check for any encumbrances or notations that would prevent transfer.

However, there are some important considerations when buying a used boat in Spain:

Possible need for repairs: Used boats may need repairs or upgrades, which can add cost and time before they are ready to sail.

Fewer warranties: Unlike new boats, used models may have a limited warranty or no warranty at all, meaning you could be liable for any problems that arise after purchase.

Buying a Boat Abroad

If you are considering buying a boat from abroad, there are also factors to consider:

New or used boats: You have the option of buying both new and used boats, which increases your chances of finding the perfect boat within your budget and preferences.

Price and availability: Depending on the country of origin, you may find better deals and greater availability on certain models that are not available in the local market.

Paperwork and documentation: If the sale and purchase involves a non-EU flagged vessel or a vessel located outside the EU, the import process may be more complex and require a greater amount of paperwork and documentation, as well as the payment of additional taxes and duties.

Before making a decision, we recommend that you thoroughly research all available options, carefully consider the costs and benefits of each and, if possible, consult with nautical experts.

Taxes: It is vital to establish the tax status of the boat, as it is common for boats to be advertised under the (often erroneous) status of ‘VAT paid’.

This will be discussed in a separate article.

At Almar Lawyers we offer professional and personalised advice so that you can enjoy your nautical experience with complete peace of mind and confidence.

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