Sorry if this has come up before in the last few years but seeing as the search function just doesn't work anymore I'm going to have to ask again.
Looking for some clarification on zero rate VAT. I'm about to embark on a sailaway project (the OH wants a widebeam for us and the little one when it comes) Currently looking at boat builders to make us 57x11. I'm amazed by the variation in builders that can and can't offer this size as zero rate VAT. I've read up on what HMRC deems are the requirements for a boat to qualify zero rate VAT, and have also read how some builders have managed to cheat this. What I've decided is that surely there is not really a legitimate way to achieve the minimum gross tonnage without either having no gunwales or weirdly high gunwales (something I've not seen out on the cut).. So I want to hear the buyers opinions. Seeing as HMRC is basically saying 60x12ft is basically the smallest craft that could be considered zero rate VAT, who has a bought a sailaway smaller than this and and still been VAT free? How did you upon purchase make sure that liability (should the tax man come knocking) not fall on you but on the supplier.
Does anyone have any nightmare stories about buying a boat that you believe to be zero rate VAT then have been stung further down the line?
On a slightly different note if anyone want to share their experiences of buying sailaways, would love to hear your thoughts on boat builders, who has been great who hasn't. although maybe keep any naming and shaming to a private message!
Look forward to hearing about your experiences.
TIA