Houseboats, canal boats and liveaboards
Specialist canal boat, houseboat and liveaboard solicitors
Liveaboards, such as houseboats and barges, 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 specialist solicitors have extensive expertise and experience advising liveaboard owners on a range of legal matters. Whether you are dealing with a canal boat, narrow boat, Dutch barge, houseboat, or yacht, you can trust our team to provide reliable advice and protect your best interests.
Expert legal advice for life on the water
Ben Ironmonger, Head of Marine at Scott Bailey and one of our specialist canal boat, houseboat and liveaboard solicitors, explains how we can help you navigate life on the water.
Buying or selling a houseboat, canal boat, or other liveaboard
The legal complexities of buying or selling a boat are often overlooked. Without expert advice, it is easy to make mistakes that may have serious implications further down the line, especially when dealing with liveaboards. Scott Bailey’s expert solicitors have extensive experience guiding clients through the process of buying or selling boats.
Purchasing a boat
- Drafting or reviewing purchase agreements and bills of sale
- Undertaking conveyancing searches, including obtaining proof of ownership, scrutinising mooring agreements and ensuring vessels are free from liens, mortgages, or encumbrances
- Checking maintenance and service records and receipts
- Ensuring adherence to regulatory mandates, including checking that the vessel holds a valid Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) certificate
- Advising owners on liability insurance and their legal obligations
- Reviewing survey reports and negotiating a suitable sale price based on any defects identified
- Dealing with mooring licences or leases
- Providing independent legal advice (ILA) for marine mortgages or finance
- Providing general guidance on important considerations, such as tax and insurance
Selling a boat
- Drafting or reviewing sale contracts or bills of sale
- Providing proof of ownership using relevant documentation, such as the bill of sale or registration documents
- Checking for liens, encumbrances or outstanding finance and assisting with their removal if required
- Handling negotiations with the buyer
- Dealing with mooring agreements and the transfer of licences or leases
- Providing general guidance on important considerations, such as tax and disclosures
Buying, selling and owning a houseboat, canal boat or other liveaboard is often more complex than people think. To learn more about the legal and practical considerations of buying a liveaboard boat, read our legal guide on houseboat ownership.
For expert legal advice on buying or selling a boat, contact Scott Bailey today.
Boat registration and licences
Depending on your boat and where you intend to use it, you may need to register it with the UK Ship Register or obtain a licence from the appropriate authority, such as the Canal & River Trust or the Environment Agency. Failure to do so could result in fines, prosecution, or the removal of your boat.
At Scott Bailey, our expert team can advise you on whether you need to register your boat or purchase a licence and guide you through the entire process.
Build and repair contracts for houseboats, canal boats, and other liveaboards
Having a boat built or repaired is often a significant investment. As a result, it is in everyone’s best interest to agree terms and conditions before work begins. A build or repair contract is a legally binding agreement that outlines the scope of work, the build or repair specifications, pricing, payment schedules, timelines and any other relevant terms and conditions.
Scott Bailey’s specialist solicitors assist both boat owners and builders with drafting or reviewing build or repair contracts, ensuring the terms and conditions are suitable and that there are no nasty surprises further down the line.
Mooring licenses and leases for liveaboards
Unless you plan to be a continuous cruiser, you must secure a residential mooring for your liveaboard boat. Finding a suitable mooring for your houseboat, canal boat or liveaboard can be challenging. Before purchasing a boat, you should check that the existing mooring is transferable or secure an alternative mooring if you plan to move location.
Seeking expert legal advice before purchasing, licensing or leasing a mooring is essential. At Scott Bailey, we regularly advise clients across England and Wales on mooring leases and licenses, helping ensure they are suitable.
Our expert team are here to help you secure a mooring, whether you are looking for a location in London, such as Chelsea Boatyard, Butlers Wharf, or the River Thames, or one of the many other great locations across England and Wales, like Southampton, Brighton or Cardiff.
Independent Legal Advice (ILA) for marine mortgages and finance
Just like traditional housing, aspiring boat owners often do not have the cash to buy a boat outright. However, many prospective owners do not realise that marine mortgages or finance are available, making purchasing a houseboat, canal boat or other liveaboard affordable.
When securing a marine mortgage or finance, obtaining independent legal advice (ILA) is essential. It ensures you understand the terms of your agreement with your lender and that there are no nasty surprises hidden in the fine print. With a wealth of experience advising clients on marine mortgages and finance, you can trust Scott Bailey’s expert lawyers to provide you with reliable independent legal advice, helping you make the right decision for you.
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Phone: 01590 676933
Fax: 01590 679663
Scott Bailey LLP, 63 High Street, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 9ZT
