This typically involves investigating the title of the boat concerned, de-registration from a foreign registry, payment and forfeiture of deposits. We also advise clients in respect of unfavourable survey results and late delivery.
We can advise in relation to charter and management agreements, distribution agreements and franchising. We can also assist with the development of websites specifically for the sale of boats.
Collision and Salvage
We are ideally located for rapid response to collision and salvage incidents. We can attend the boats concerned, inspect the damage, interview witnesses, collect all relevant evidence and assess potential liabilities quickly. We can pursue or defend salvage claims and may also act as arbitrators in salvage disputes.
Crew Agreements
We are experienced in drafting agreements for yacht skippers, crews and delivery skippers. We are also often instructed by professional yacht crews to assist in the preservation and enforcement of contractual rights.
Criminal Proceedings and MCA Prosecutions
We have considerable experience in defending boat owners prosecuted by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for breaches of regulations, including the International Collision Regulations.
Debt Recovery and Arrest
Our clients are often surprised to discover that they are entitled to arrest a boat to recover outstanding sums due to them. Arresting a yacht is a fast and extremely effective means of recovery.
Claims for which this remedy may be available include:
- Cost of equipment supplied
- Fees for repairs undertaken
- Overdue management fees
- Berthing or mooring fees
- Crew wages
- Salvage remuneration
- Compensation for collision damage
- Dispute as to ownership
Finance and Mortgages
We have particular expertise in relation to marine mortgages and the underlying finance agreements.
Inland Waterways
We advise clients on lease and tenancy agreements, lock incidents, berthing disputes and canal maintenance.
Insurance Disputes
Disputes concerning policy coverage, policy wording, non-disclosure of material facts and insured values are just some of the issues for which we receive instructions.
Marina Developments
We act for marina developers and operators and have been involved in several major local developments including Hythe Marina, Ocean Village and Poole Yacht Haven.
Personal Injury and Loss of Life Claims
We are instructed by insurers on behalf of boat and marina owners, operators and boatyards to defend claims brought against them for personal injuries suffered by crew, marina users and employees. We are conveniently situated to investigate and evaluate liability for such incidents occurring across the south coast.
Registration
We offer a fixed fee registration service and an on-line facility. We take care of all the formalities, including tonnage measurement surveys and ensure that title documentation is in order before applications are submitted to the Registry. We can also arrange carving and marking if required.
Please click on the link below, and print out and complete the details on the form and forward to the address shown, enclosing a cheque (made payable to Lester Aldridge) for the appropriate amount.
Survey Disputes
We are called upon to assist boat owners with disputes involving surveyors following pre-purchase condition survey reports which have failed to identify defects in boats subsequently purchased.
VAT Status
Members of the team regularly provide lectures to professional bodies on the thorny issue of VAT on yachts. We advise owners, brokers, banks and potential purchasers on the pitfalls and evidence required to establish a boat's VAT status. We also advise in relation to the various VAT mitigation schemes available on the market.
Publications
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