Steps in buying a boat

Identify the boats that meet your criteria

Internet site, boat shows, specialized press, visit our offices in Vannes, we are easy to find !

When a boat on sale has caught your attention, we will send you a very complete, clear, objective loyal and transparent information pack in which you will find the precise identification of the boat, her history, inventory description, photos and panoramic views. We do not “overvalue” the condition of boats and we endeavour to give you an objective description. If we find defects or equipment in poor condition, you are informed.

Visiting the boat

Most of the time the buyers are obliged to travel long distances to visit a boat, so it is our responsibility to make sure that this visit goes well and that you have a sufficient amount of time to examine the boat. In some instances, the owner is on board, which is a plus, since he can provide you with additional items of information.

Purchase offer and provisional sales agreement

Following the 1st or 2nd visit, the buyer can agree to buy the boat on the terms set out in the sales mandate, and in this event, we will immediately sign the provisional sales agreement and ask for a down payment of 10% of the selling price. If the buyer wishes to offer a price below the price defined in the mandate, we will ask him to make a written offer, which we will submit to the owner, which he can accept or refuse.

If the offer is accepted, we will sign a provisional sales agreement with a 10% down payment. The deposit is made into a bank account held by ANTIPODE YACHTS at the CREDIT MUTUEL DE BRETAGNE in Vannes. For deposits higher than €80,000, an escrow account can be used.

Boat survey if desired by buyer

We actively encourage buyers to have a surveyor’s report done before or after the provisional sales agreement, even if a surveyor's report has been provided by the owner. Two opinons are better than one! The cost of this survey will be born by the buyer. The handling costs, if there are any, are also payable by the buyer, but are deducted from the selling price if the sale is concluded. If the survey requested by the buyer reveals a real and major defect making the boat unseaworthy (structural defect, damaged rigging, etc.), the provisional sales agreement will be nul and void and the buyer’s deposit will be refunded. You should be aware that if the survey reveals minor defects (i.e.: anemometer does not work, water entering through a stanchion, loosening of the rudder ring), these defects cannot bring the sale into question.

Sale contract and payment of the balance

After signing the provisional sales agreement, and within a period of 30 to 50 calendar days, the sale is finalized through the signing of the bill of sale. This period allows for the carrying out of suspensive clauses (survey, obtaining a bank loan, work to be carried out by the owner, etc), the raising of a maritime mortgage or of funds by the buyer. As soon as the bill of sale is signed and the balance paid (by bank transfer or certified cheque), the ownership of the boat is transferred to the buyer.

Change of ownership

On behalf of the new owner, ANTIPODE YACHTS takes care of all the administrative formalities related to a change of ownership. We hand over the complete file to Maritime affairs and Customs in order to change the certificate of registration.

For customers from abroad, we request the deletion of the French flag registration and we provide the new owner with all the specific documents required by his administrative body: Bill of sale, builder’s certificate, proof of VAT payment, apostilles, signature and the solicitor’s stamp, signature and visa of the Court of Appeal, etc.

Documents you will need to provide us with

For customers in France or abroad wishing to keep the French flag :

• Signed yacht form (document provided by ANTIPODE YACHTS)
• Copy of national identity cards
• 2 identity photos
• Written proof of residence (e.g. electricity bill)
• Bank details

For foreigners wishing to register the boat under a foreign flag :

• Request for the annulment of the French national flag registration (standard document provided by ANTIPODE YACHTS)
• Copy of national identity cards
• 2 identity photos
• Written proof of residence (e.g. electricity bill)