Declaration of Conformity for Boats

The Declaration of Conformity is a fundamental document in the process of selling a used boat, as it serves as a legal guarantee that the vessel has been built in accordance with current regulations and meets all required safety standards. This document is issued by the manufacturer of the boat and must be kept on board the vessel permanently.

The Declaration of Conformity certifies that the boat has been produced in compliance with Directive 2013/53/EU concerning recreational craft, which imposes stringent requirements in terms of safety, reliability, and environmental performance. For boats placed on the market after 18 January 2017, adherence to this directive is mandatory.

Within the Declaration of Conformity, detailed technical information about the boat is listed, including:

• Identification of the manufacturer and the boat (model, type, serial number).
• Year of construction of the boat.
• CE design category, indicating the type of waters in which the boat can safely navigate.
• Maximum load limits, which include the number of persons allowed and the total weight that can be carried.
• Nominal and maximum power of the installable engine, expressed in kW (kilowatts).

Before proceeding with the sale of the boat, it is crucial to verify that the Declaration of Conformity is up to date and accurately reflects the current specifications of the boat. If there have been substantial modifications to the boat that could affect its compliance, it is necessary for the manufacturer or a certified body to issue an update to the declaration.

In the context of selling a used boat, the Declaration of Conformity is a document that can significantly influence the buyer's decision. It not only provides proof of the legitimacy and safety of the boat but also serves as an indicator of the owner's maintenance and attention to detail. The absence or incompleteness of this declaration can pose a significant obstacle during the sales process and may raise doubts about the vessel's compliance. Therefore, it is essential that this document is present, legible, and compliant with current regulations.

By ensuring you have an accurate and adequate Declaration of Conformity, you will increase transparency and trust among potential buyers, thereby facilitating the sales process of your used boat.