Why Paperwork Can Make or Break Your Yacht Deal

Bob
Sep 19
3 min read

Hey, me again—Broker Bob from Yacht Partners! 🚤⛵

Today we’re diving into a part of yacht sales that doesn’t always get the spotlight — the paperwork.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: paperwork sounds about as exciting as cleaning the bilge. But here’s the truth — paperwork can make or break your yacht deal. In fact, I’ve seen deals collapse, buyers walk away, or sellers face unexpected costs, all because the documents weren’t in order.

So let’s talk about why it matters, which documents are key, and how to keep your transaction sailing smoothly.

📝 Why the Paperwork Is So Important

When you’re selling or buying a yacht, the excitement is usually about the vessel itself: the sleek design, the comfort on board, or the dream of summer cruising in the Ionian. But behind the scenes, the paperwork is what legally transfers ownership, clears any debts, and ensures you’re not left with surprises.

The most common pitfalls?

Unpaid taxes or VAT — if a yacht’s VAT status isn’t clear, buyers can face big unexpected bills.
Registration mismatches — the flag and ownership details must line up perfectly, or the yacht can’t change hands.
Missing maintenance records — these don’t just show care; they help prove value.
Old mortgages or liens — a buyer doesn’t want to inherit someone else’s debt!

📁 The Must-Have Paperwork for Selling Your Yacht

From my experience, there are THREE (four if the VAT is paid) Key Documents every owner needs to have ready before a yacht can change hands and be re-registered by the new buyer:

BUILDERS CERTIFICATE - proof of where, when, and by whom the yacht was built.
CE CERTIFICATE (also referred to as Declaration of Conformity) - shows the yacht meets European safety and construction standards.
PROOF OF OWNERSHIP - usually the current owner's Bill Of Sale.
PROOF OF VAT PAYMENT - (if applicable) - confirmation that the VAT has been properly paid.

Every deal is different, and the paperwork required will vary depending on where the buyer plans to register their yacht. However, these above stated documents are staple documents that (to my knowledge) are required by all countries. The rest - whether it's registry-specific forms, translations, or legal checks - we help sort out as needed.

At Yacht Partners, I always double check these documents during the listing stage. My goal is to catch any missing paperwork early, so we can avoid headaches (and lost buyers) later on.

⚓ How I (a Broker) Keeps the Ship Steady

Here at Yacht Partners, part of our job is to make sure all the paperwork lines up before you reach the finish line. That means:

Checking registration and ownership history
Confirming VAT and tax documentation
Reviewing contracts and legal agreements
Coordinating with notaries, lawyers, and authorities when needed

Think of us as your navigators through the legal waters — making sure there are no hidden rocks along the way.

🚨 Why Going It Alone Can Be Risky

Some yacht owners try to sell privately, thinking it’ll save them money. But without the right checks, the risks are high. Even a small error — like a missing certificate or unclear VAT document — can delay the sale for weeks or even sink it entirely.

And let’s be honest: no one wants to lose a serious buyer at the last minute because the paperwork wasn’t ready.

🌊 Our Ionian Advantage

Being based here in Lefkada, we work with clients from all over Europe who want to buy or sell in Greece. The Mediterranean has its own quirks when it comes to registration and tax — and every port seems to have a slightly different way of doing things. Our local experience (and a fair share of battle stories!) means we can guide you through it without the headaches.

Final Thoughts

Paperwork may not be glamorous, but it’s the anchor that keeps your yacht deal secure. With the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be stressful — in fact, it can be smooth sailing all the way to handing over the keys.

So, if you’re thinking of selling or buying a yacht in Greece (or anywhere in Europe), don’t underestimate the fine print. That’s what we’re here for.

Until next month,

Fair winds,

Bob