Where boats and boating equipment come from
Boats and boating equipment offered at auction in Germany come from several sources. Customs and administrations sell decommissioned service vessels and seized items on Zoll-Auktion, without buyer's fees. Courts and bailiffs auction seized goods via Justiz-Auktion, also without buyer's fees. VEBEG, a federal company, disposes of government and military equipment, often by sealed bid. Companies in bankruptcy or liquidation entrust their boats, engines and equipment to liquidation platforms or private auction houses. These sales are scattered and little known outside Germany, which explains why many lots remain without bids.
Checks before bidding
Read the German description of each lot carefully. The terms "nicht fahrbereit" (not roadworthy), "Motorschaden" (engine damage), "Unfallfahrzeug" (accident-damaged vehicle), "ohne TÜV" or "HU abgelaufen" (MOT expired) and "Zulassung erloschen" (registration cancelled) indicate risks. Check the year of first registration (EZ) and whether documents are present: Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and II, HU/TÜV roadworthiness test. For a motorboat, check the condition of the hull, engine and safety equipment. An inspection (Besichtigung) is often possible before the sale: ask for it. A bid generally offers neither warranty nor right of withdrawal. For private sellers, buyer's fees range from 15 to 20% at liquidators and industrial platforms, and often 25 to 33% at art auction houses, with 19% VAT depending on the scheme.
Collection, transport and formalities
Many lots must be collected on site ("nur Abholung"). Some sellers ship within Germany or the EU. For a boat on a trailer, arrange a suitable vehicle and check the weight. To take a vehicle or trailer out of Germany by road, the export plate (Ausfuhrkennzeichen, with temporary insurance) is the usual route; short-term plates (Kurzzeitkennzeichen) are intended for driving in Germany and their use abroad is often refused. In France, a temporary WW registration is possible; to register, you need a certificate of conformity, a tax clearance certificate and an ANTS application. Transport on a flatbed avoids the question of plates. There are no customs duties between Germany and another EU country. Delivery outside the EU (Switzerland, United Kingdom, Norway) incurs import duties and VAT. An EU business with a valid intra-community VAT number can often buy without German VAT by providing proof of transport (Gelangensbestätigung), depending on the seller.