What Paperwork Do I Need to Sell a Boat?

Thinking of selling your boat?

Whether it’s a narrowboat, cruiser, or luxury yacht, getting your paperwork in order is one of the most important steps you can take to secure a smooth, legal sale.

Today, we’re cutting through the fluff to show you exactly what documents you need to sell a boat in the UK.

(With tips and a clear checklist to help you get it right the first time).

Let’s get into it:

• Bill of Sale (required for ownership transfer)
• Proof of Ownership - Bill of Sale or any evidence to demonstrate current ownership.
• Ideally all previous Bills of Sale but showing at least 5 years of ownership. This means in the last 5 years if there has been 3 owners we would need 3 Bills of Sale or evidence of ownership and transference to a new owner.
• Boat Safety Certificate (BSS) or equivalent survey
• Registration or Licence Info (SSR, Part I, CRT Licence)
• Proof of VAT Status (if applicable)
• Maintenance Records (strongly recommended)
• Loan Clearance Documents (if boat is financed)
• Optional: RCD/RCR Declaration of conformity, Builder’s Certificate, Warranty Terms (if applicable)

Don’t worry if that sounds like a lot - we’ll walk through each one step by step.

1. Bill of Sale 

The most important document in your boat sale. This legally transfers ownership from you (the seller) to the buyer and acts as your primary record of the sale and ownership.

A proper UK Bill of Sale should include:

• Boat description & Hull ID number (HIN)
• Names and addresses and occupations of buyer and seller
• Sale price or £1.00 and other considerations
• Date of sale
• Signatures from the seller(s)
  
  

Top tip: If your boat is registered under Part I of the UK Ship Register, you must use the official MCA Bill of Sale template.

Selling a smaller craft with no formal registration? You can still use a basic Bill of Sale, just make sure the key details are included.

2. Proof of Ownership 

This might include:

• The original Bill of Sale from when you bought the boat
• Builder’s certificate (for new boats)
• A chain of previous Bills of Sale (for older vessels)
• VAT invoice if purchased from a dealer
  
  

Why it matters: Buyers want to know the boat isn’t stolen, financed, or subject to legal dispute. Solid paperwork builds confidence.

3. Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Certificate 

If you’re selling a narrowboat or any boat used on inland waterways, a valid Boat Safety Certificate is a must.

It’s basically an MOT for your boat and confirms the vessel is safe and complies with UK standards.

• BSS certificates are valid for 4 years
• You can get one through a certified examiner
• Cost: usually £150–£200

If your BSS has expired, consider renewing it before listing your boat—it can speed up the sale significantly.

4. Registration or Licence Details 

Depending on your boat and how it's used, it may be:

• Part I Registered with the UK Ship Register (often required for overseas travel or financed vessels)
• SSR Registered (Small Ships Register – common for small boats)
• Licensed through the Canal & River Trust (if used on inland waterways)

You’ll need to transfer or cancel the registration or licence upon sale. Be upfront with the buyer about the current status and any associated costs.

5. Proof of VAT Status (If Applicable) 

If your boat were:

• Bought new after 1st January 1985, and
• Located with the UK on the 31st December 1984

You should ideally have proof of VAT paid, such as the original invoice.

If you can’t prove it, your boat may not be considered VAT-paid, which could affect resale value, especially for buyers looking to take the boat abroad.

6. Maintenance & Service Records 

Not essential—but highly recommended.

Clean records can increase your boat’s value, speed up the sale, and give buyers peace of mind. Keep documentation for:

• Engine servicing
• Hull blacking
• Rewiring or plumbing
• Upgrades to electronics or systems

We recommend including dates, costs, and service provider details where possible.

7. Loan or Finance Documents 

Still paying off your boat? That’s fine, as long as the buyer and your lender are on the same page.

Here’s what to do:

• Contact your lender and request a settlement figure
• Inform the buyer and outline your plan to clear the balance
• Prepare documentation showing the loan will be cleared on completion (or include the lender in the transaction)

Buyers will understandably be cautious, so it’s important to be clear and honest during initial conversations.

8. RCD/RCR Declaration of Conformity

This document confirms that the boat was built to legally specified standards (a bit like building regulations for houses) and is illegal to sell without the boat conforming. If you haven’t got a Declaration of Conformity or if the boat was a “sailaway”, that usually means a self fit out, you may then need to have a Post Construction Assessment (PCA) on your boat before legally able to sell.

9. Optional (But Useful) Documents 

Depending on your vessel, it may also help to provide:

• Builder’s Certificate – especially for new or custom boats
• Warranty Terms – if you're offering a short-term warranty or if manufacturer coverage still applies

While not legally required, strong supporting documents can help build trust and demonstrate the care taken during ownership.

Once the deal’s done, make sure you:

• Cancel your insurance policy (after confirming the handover is complete)
• Notify the relevant registration authority of the ownership transfer
• Remove your listings from online marketplaces
• Keep copies of all sale documents for your own records

Missing paperwork is one of the biggest reasons boat sales fall through at the last minute.

But with just a bit of prep, you can turn that around and make your sale smoother, faster, and far more attractive to serious buyers.

Whether you're selling privately or through a broker, the goal is simple: make your boat easy to say yes to.