Dynamics of the European nautical market derives from the growing interest in the yachting business. There are always buy and sell options because of the constant change and development in the nautical world, including both new and pre-owned boats.
Croatian boat owners mostly stick to the pre-owned boat market, in spite of their greater purchasing power. Since the European market is far more attractive and quite diverse, it provides a great setting for the boat owners. You might consider some important features though, before joining the European boat market. Try and get as many information as you can about your preferred boat, engines, services, repairs, maintaining, expenses, etc. If you don’t feel confident about all that, ask for a professional advice.
The process of importing a vessel to Croatia includes a range of activities. The first to deal with are the sales agreement and the transport. The first one is a proof of ownership and has to be presented to a shipping agent, along with a certificate of seaworthiness. The Harbour Master’s Office will provide a sailing permit then, based on all your documentation. Pay attention to your customs duty costs, determined according to the established price list, for there might be some differences in the market value of your vessel.
Vessels over 2,5m in length or having an engine output of more than 5 kW must be registered in the Croatian Register of Yachts. The application to the register must be accompanied by certain documents. Pleasure and sport vessels for personal use require the following: proof of ownership of the vessel, evidence of deletion of the vessel from the foreign register, evidence of payment effected for entry of a vessel into the register, insurance policy for vessels with an engine output of more than 15 kW; while the vessels for charter need the license for chartering operations in addition.
The fees for registration are determined according to the length of a vessel. The registration for boats of up to 12m is quite simple and can be done in the harbour master’s office, including the boat survey as well. Yacht registration involves more paperwork and more expenses, including yacht survey to establish the seaworthiness, application to the Ministry of maritime affairs for the yacht name, and VHF permission. Yachts are also subject to various occasional inspections. When buying a pre-owned yacht, pay attention that your preferred yacht is technically acceptable and in compliance with the European Directive.
Source: Ministry of the Sea, Tourism, Transport and Development