Remember to ask for the right documentation
Before signing an agreement, you should see a so-called declaration of conformity. The declaration of conformity is proof that the craft is CE-marked. Furthermore, you must ensure that the craft's frame number and identification number are the same as those given in the declaration of conformity. However, it is important to remember that a declaration of conformity is needed only if the craft is required to be CE-marked.
Example of declaration of conformity
Know your rights
If you buy a second-hand craft, you will normally buy it as inspected. Therefore, it is important that you make sure that everything is in order and that all equipment is listed in the bill of sale before you sign. When buying a new boat, the sale of goods act applies. This means that there is a two-year warranty on both the craft and the accompanying equipment.
Bill of sale and sales agreement
Before you sign a bill of sale, you should examine whether a mortgage is registered in the recreational craft. If the craft has a gross tonnage below 5, you should contact the person registry. If the craft has a gross tonnage above 5, you should contact the Register of Shipping by email: srg@dma.dk or by telephone: +45 72 19 60 00.
Contact the person registry (in danish)
When you buy a new craft, a bill of sale will be drawn up that obliges the shipyard or the distributor to deliver the agreed craft with the agreed equipment at the agreed price on the agreed date. In connection with the bill of sale, you will also agree whether the buyer or the seller is to arrange for the financing and insurance as well as who is to pay for any transportation and launching as well as the amount of the down payment. The bill of sale is a binding document, and legally the deal has been made when the bill of sale has been signed.
When the craft is ready to be taken over, the sales agreement will be drawn up. Before you sign the sales agreement, you should, however, make sure that all the equipment is available because the sales agreement also functions as confirmation of receipt. The signed sales agreement releases the purchase sum or its financing and at the same time the insurance must have been arranged.
Recreational craft are required to be registered only if they have a gross tonnage of or above 20. Smaller craft can, however, be registered at the owner's request.
Additional information about registration
Is your recreational craft required to be CE marked?
It is important that you make sure that your craft is CE-marked. The CE mark is your security that the craft meets EU standards. Without the mark, you may run into insurance problems in case of an accident just as it can be difficult to sell the craft again.
Read about CE marking.
Have you considered having a radio on board?
Your safety at sea may depend on whether you are able to communicate with the surrounding world.
Read more about radios in recreational craft.
Training programme for yachtsmen
Depending on the type of recreational craft that you have bought, you are perhaps required to complete a training programme for yachtsmen.
You can read more about the training programmes.