Do I need CE?

Why a CE mark

CE marking is required on recreational craft in order to demonstrate compliance with the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) which became law across the EEA on 16 June 1998.

Does your (intended) craft need a CE plate?

This largely depends on the age, location and history of the craft. The starting point is to recognise that the RCD applies to all recreational craft (with few exceptions) between 2.5m and 24m at the first point of sale or use of a craft in the European Economic Area (EEA) – whichever comes first.

So, in brief, craft:

built within the EEA after 16/6/98 must be CE marked.
imported from outside the EEA (eg USA) which have not been in EEA waters prior to 16/6/98 must be CE marked.
put into service within the EEA before 16/6/98 are exempt from the RCD and unlikely to carry a CE plate.

Any recreational craft must either be exempt or compliant. If not exempt a craft should come with RCD related documents, including Owners Manual (OM), Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and CE Plate. For craft assessed as a Post Construction Assessment (PCA) you should also expect to find a new craft identification number (CIN, formally HIN) and a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by a Notified Body.

These should be available to the buyer / broker at the point of sale and the CE Plate should be visible next to the helm position.

1st time import for me - Gablemarine made it work, and work brilliantly. Use them with complete confidence!

Nigel Talbot, Chaparral 285 SSi - Lake Maggiore, Italy

Average: 5 (1 vote)

Gablemarine's service and knowledge made bringing a motorboat into the EU from the U.S. a smooth process.

James Auld, 1972 Bertram B31 Sports Fish - Edmiston Company, Monaco

Average: 5 (1 vote)

Jeg brukte Gable Marine da jeg importerte min Bailiner 285 sommeren 2008 Det var problemfritt.

Rune Hansen, Bayliner 285 - Norway

Average: 5 (1 vote)

I would recommend Gable Marine to anyone seeking to get their boat CE Marked - they provided a very high quality service and made the whole process straightforward and easy for me as the owner.

Peter Godsell, Bayliner 185 - UK

Average: 5 (1 vote)

En litt skremmende jobb med CE merking gikk som smurt med hjelp fra Gablemarine.

Age Dahl - Mekanikk og Elektroservice, Norway

Average: 5 (1 vote)

As a 'private buyer' with little knowledge of importing a boat from the US to Europe, Gable Marine helped me through all the technical aspects and legal jargon. They were generous with their advice and time pre purchase, which enabled me to modify the boat in the US (cheaply) to enable the EU certification to take place smoothly. Bilge pump, and battery fittings etc. I would happily use Gable Marine again and am happy to recommend them to anyone else in need of their services.

Tim Luffingham, MacGregor 26M power sailer - Antibes, France

Average: 5 (1 vote)

It was a pleasure doing business with you. You were courteous and professional through out the transaction.

Steve Miglin (seller) 2002 Bayliner 2855 SB - Toms River, NJ, USA - imported for UK dealer

Average: 5 (1 vote)

As a private importer, I checked around with a few companies offering CE and importing services. After speaking with the folks at Gablemarine, it became immediately clear that they had the experience and knowledge that I was looking for. They provided excellent advice and outstanding customer service. I would definitely recommend Gablemarine for anyone considering importing a boat to the EU!

George Cullen 2007 SeaRay 260 Sundancer - NATO, Germany

Average: 5 (1 vote)