Importing Swan 36 US -> UK

CGFR

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I'm considering importing a 1970s S&S Swan 36 from the US to the UK because (a) there are very few good examples in the UK, (b) post Brexit paying VAT on import of an EU a boat makes it more attractive to bring one in from the US where prices are better (even after transportation). Anyone know of any reason not to do this, and what should I expect to pay for shipping costs East Coast USA to UK? I am expecting it to be in the region of £8-10k.
 

Tranona

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Depends on where you are shipping from and how. Deck cargo cheapest but you may have to build a cradle. There are specialist boat transporter ships that run from Florida. suggest you talk initially to Peters and May in Southampton. Your estimate is probably in the right ball park. You will pay VAT on that as well though. You are lucky in that Swans were built in the EEA so will not have to comply with the RCD. That is what has killed most imports of cheap old boats from the US.

Beware of bargain boats from US. They are often cheap for very good reasons that only become obvious when you actually see the boat.
 

CGFR

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Depends on where you are shipping from and how. Deck cargo cheapest but you may have to build a cradle. There are specialist boat transporter ships that run from Florida. suggest you talk initially to Peters and May in Southampton. Your estimate is probably in the right ball park. You will pay VAT on that as well though. You are lucky in that Swans were built in the EEA so will not have to comply with the RCD. That is what has killed most imports of cheap old boats from the US.

Beware of bargain boats from US. They are often cheap for very good reasons that only become obvious when you actually see the boat.
Thanks for this - I will check them out
 

CGFR

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Here is a link to four Swan 36's for sale on Yachtworld.
Two are in the USA, and two are in Italy - all are either 1968 or 1969 models.
1965 swan 36 (Sail) Boats For Sale

Is this the one that you have in mind?
1969 Nautor Swan 36 Sail New and Used Boats for Sale -
She is in Maine, with an asking price of GBP 42,000
Thanks - yes, that’s one of them. The other one is up in Burlington, VT, and appears in very fine condition having lived a life of relative ease in a freshwater lake environment: S&S Swan Association
 

DownWest

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I know one who found his prefered Swan 431 in Hawaii (so US) and bought it back. A few years ago, it is now kept in Spain for the mo, but on the UK register.
 

Tranona

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Thanks - yes, that’s one of them. The other one is up in Burlington, VT, and appears in very fine condition having lived a life of relative ease in a freshwater lake environment: S&S Swan Association
That one looks like a time warp. Even got its original MD2 engine which should be OK without salt water running through it! Likely to be hard work keeping it in that condition in our harsh environment. Bet it spend 6-8 months a year in a nice warm barn.
 
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