Marine Law Solicitors
Looking for marine legal advice?
We can help with both personal and business services
Marine Legal Services for Businesses and Individuals
Located in Lymington, just a stone’s throw from the Solent, Scott Bailey has been closely involved with the South Coast marine community for many years. Amongst our ranks, we have several keen sailors and boat owners, and a former professional from the UK Ship Register and Receiver of Wreck. If you are looking for a marine law firm with a deep understanding of the local marine sector, we are here to help. From yacht brokerage and pleasure craft registration to advising marine businesses and marinas, Scott Bailey’s expert team has extensive experience handling a wide range of personal and commercial marine legal matters.
Expert Legal Advice for Marine Businesses
As a business in the marine sector, you need a law firm that understands the challenges you face and the legal matters you are likely to require advice on. At Scott Bailey, our highly skilled business solicitors have extensive experience advising marine businesses, including yacht designers, naval architects, sailmakers, marina operators, engineers, and more.
Alongside our usual corporate and commercial legal services, we can advise on a range of marine-specific legal matters, such as drafting and reviewing shipbuilding contracts or handling marine surveyor negligence claims.
With Scott Bailey on board, you can rest assured that your business is in safe hands.
Selling a Marine Business
When it comes to selling your marine business, using a law firm that understands the marine industry can make all the difference.
From helping ensure the sales goes through smoothly, to getting you the best possible price, our expert marine law solicitors have extensive experience advising companies in the sector and will guide you through the entire sales process.
Yachts and pleasure craft
With its scenic coastline, historic harbours, and world-famous regattas, the South Coast has always been a hotspot for sailing. At Scott Bailey, we are proud to be closely involved with the local sailing community, from advising yacht and pleasure craft owners across the South Coast to supporting local organisations, such as the Lymington Town Sailing Club.
Our expert team has extensive experience advising yacht and pleasure craft owners on a range of legal matters, including:
- Sale or purchase of yachts and other pleasure craft
- Yacht Brokerage
- Yacht or pleasure craft registration
- Building and repair contracts
- Marine finance and mortgages
- Mooring licenses and leases
- Dispute Resolution
- Professional Negligence
Buying or selling a yacht or pleasure craft
Having been based in the harbour town of Lymington for so many years, it may not be surprising to learn that we regularly advise clients on the sale or purchase of boats. From checking that the paperwork is in order and the vessel is free from encumbrances to drafting watertight sale contracts, our team has the knowledge and expertise to ensure your sale goes smoothly. Whether it’s a nippy family RIB being purchased second hand, or a large bespoke racing yacht being designed and built from the ground up, we can probably assist.
For more information on the legal process of buying or selling a boat and how our team can assist you, view our guide.
Pleasure craft registration
When you purchase a boat that will be based in the UK, you may need to ensure that the change of ownership or first registration is dealt with correctly with the UK Ship Register. Whether this is for a new vessel or a transfer of ownership, you can trust Scott Bailey to manage the process on your behalf. Alongside our proven experience in handling the purchase and sale of boats, we have the added expertise of Celia Hawson, a Company and Commercial Paralegal at Scott Bailey. Having spent time working at the UK Ship Register, Celia knows the processes inside out and will be able to answer any questions you may have. If you are considering purchasing a vessel, or need assistance in registering one you’ve already bought, our team can help.
Yacht brokerage
Even when using a broker, buying or selling a yacht can be a complicated process with large sums of money often involved. Using an expert solicitor gives you the peace of mind of knowing that your best interests are being represented and that everything is handled correctly. Prior to the sale, our expert team will ensure that all relevant checks are completed and the correct paperwork is in place, as well as negotiating with a broker on your behalf to ensure you are getting the best possible deal. Once a price is agreed, we can draft the sale contract, or review and amend the broker’s standard document, and assist with any required UK registration of your yacht.
Houseboats, Dutch barges, narrow boats, and canal boats
Liveaboards, such as canal boats and houseboats, continue to grow in popularity. They offer a great alternative to land-based housing, providing affordable living, scenic settings and flexibility in location.
However, this unique way of living comes with its own set of legal challenges. As a liveaboard owner, you need a law firm that understands these challenges.
Scott Bailey’s highly skilled marine law solicitors have a wealth of expertise and experience advising liveaboard owners on a range of legal matters.
Marine law news
Our lawyers solve problems
like yours every day.
We would like to hear from you. Please send us a message by filling out our form or contact us using the details below.
Phone: 01590 676933
Fax: 01590 679663
Scott Bailey LLP, 63 High Street, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 9ZT
