The current registration system, introduced in the 19th century to provide security for the shipping financiers, offers only the option of a worthless Small Ships Registry, or an expensive renewable system that divides a pleasure craft into 64 shares and obliges owners to calculate how many wine barrels she will carry, whilst making no provision for relevant matters such as VAT status, pending claims, warranty expiry dates and claims history.

Many European countries have created, and benefit from, compulsory pleasure craft registration. Why cannot we establish a cheap, effective pleasure craft registry which, like the Land Registry, will investigate and confirm ownership upon first application for registration and will thereafter record all pertinent issues, such as ownership, finance and disputes and, like the DVLA, record total losses and write offs?

Better still, if HMC&E co-operated by certifying the VAT status of each craft upon first registration, if necessary on the basis of modest one-off payments where appropriate, then this would sort out the current VAT problems and transform the used boat market. The tax gained would pay for the costs involved.

A regionally maintained statutory registry, accessible over the Internet, charging a significant fee for first registration, but thereafter modest dealings fees, would greatly simplify matters, permitting cheaper, quicker and risk-free transactions.

Indications suggest that both the RYA and the BMF have put the matter on their agendas; meanwhile, I continue shuffling!