Marine Legal Advice

Hampshire’s thriving marine sector accounts for around 20% of the local economy, ranging from global businesses and the major ports of Southampton and Portsmouth to many excellent SMEs and a strong leisure craft industry. At Scott Bailey, we are extremely proud to be a part of this.

Located just a stone’s throw from the Solent in Lymington, Scott Bailey has been closely involved with the marine community in Hampshire for many years. Amongst our ranks, we have a Harbour Commissioner and a former professional from the UK Ship Register and Receiver of Wreck – not to mention a number of sailors and boat owners. 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.

Contact us for marine legal advice

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Legal Advice for Businesses in the Marine Sector

Not all businesses face the same legal challenges. You need a law firm with a strong understanding of your industry and the legal matters on which your business is likely to require advice. Whether you are a yacht designer, naval architect, sailmaker, marina operator or engineer, drawing on their many years’ experience operating within the marine sector, our highly skilled business solicitors can advise you on a wide range of corporate and commercial law matters. These include buying and selling businesses, drafting and reviewing contracts, complying with industry-specific regulations, and much more. With Scott Bailey on board, you can rest assured that your business is in safe hands. However, should a business dispute arise, our expert litigators will be here to ensure matters are resolved quickly and effectively. Contact us today to get started.

Buying or Selling a Boat in Hampshire

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 extensive 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.

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

Email: [email protected]

Scott Bailey LLP, 63 High Street, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 9ZT

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