Has anyone got information about CE certification for boats that are
self built? I understand that it is illegal for new boats in European
- ie. EC or CE or EU or EEC or whatever the latest name in Brussels is
now - waters, unless on a passage through, must have certification.

Obviously it can be obtained after completion, but does it apply to
amateur built boats and who is the authority to talk to.

Regarding the VATon self build, there used to be a Customs & Excise
office in Dover that was pretty helpful but I think they got cut away
with the Air Sea rescue chopper. Anyone know if there are any plain
English speaking VAT offices that could issue a VAT paid certificate
to save carrying around the thousand or so receipts everywhere you go
just to prove that VAT's been paid?

Whilst on the same subject, where does the VAT justification stop and
who, if anybody, checks the receipts to see if they total up to a
boat? I mean the hull and deck and any structural parts are obviously
part of the boat, but what about the sea toilet, electrics, sails,
winches, cushions etc. etc. If you save a bit of money buying second
hand or make your own gear, who is to say how much the value of the
boat should be and therefor how much you should have in VAT receipts?

Hoping for some advice here,


Pete