Advise about CE

[Al.]

Ive spent few years saving, learning, training and basically dreaming, and now its time to do something. Im not rich, but feel I have a budget that will allow me a few years of freedom.

I have finally decided on what type/style and size Yacht I'm looking for, Albin Vega 27 tops the list. followed by Contessa 26 or 28. And I have been hunting for the last few months, UK/EU side for a few months. Without luck so far.

I have found a nice one in the states, and would like to consider buying it and bringing her home. I sort of understand the VAT side, but The CE side, confuses me a bit.

Albin Vegas were built in Sweden in the 1970s (this one is 1974) so were does it stand with CE/RCD approval.

Thanks

 

[Tranona]

Ive spent few years saving, learning, training and basically dreaming, and now its time to do something. Im not rich, but feel I have a budget that will allow me a few years of freedom.

I have finally decided on what type/style and size Yacht I'm looking for, Albin Vega 27 tops the list. followed by Contessa 26 or 28. And I have been hunting for the last few months, UK/EU side for a few months. Without luck so far.

I have found a nice one in the states, and would like to consider buying it and bringing her home. I sort of understand the VAT side, but The CE side, confuses me a bit.

Albin Vegas were built in Sweden in the 1970s (this one is 1974) so were does it stand with CE/RCD approval.

Thanks

All built in the EEA so no problem with RCD. If you want an opinion in writing suggest you contact the RYA if you are a member.

BTW surprised you want to bring such a low value boat from the US when there is a good choice here for little more than the cost of shipping and VAT.

 

[AB1707]

RCD only applies to boats from 1998 onwards so your boat pre dates that. It wouldn't be economical to get a RCD approval

 

[Al.]

All built in the EEA so no problem with RCD. If you want an opinion in writing suggest you contact the RYA if you are a member.

BTW surprised you want to bring such a low value boat from the US when there is a good choice here for little more than the cost of shipping and VAT.

So far, I've not found any Albin Vegas in the uk, I don't want a series 1. I plan to look at one next week, but from enquiries, it's basically been neglected for the last four years, yet they want top book.

One thing I don't understand, is why when people sell boats, they use pictures that are years old, when their boat looks nothing like it did.

 

[AndrewB]

One thing I don't understand, is why when people sell boats, they use pictures that are years old, when their boat looks nothing like it did.

Possibly because good action shots of one's yacht are, in practice, few and far between. It's worth going out with another yacht on a breezy day to get some photos if you're thinking of selling. Or for the seriously affluent, there's always Beken.

 

[KellysEye]

If you search the web there are lots of Contessa 26 and 28s for sale and some Albin Vega 27s but I didn't check if they are Mark 1.

 

[Tranona]

So far, I've not found any Albin Vegas in the uk, I don't want a series 1. I plan to look at one next week, but from enquiries, it's basically been neglected for the last four years, yet they want top book.

One thing I don't understand, is why when people sell boats, they use pictures that are years old, when their boat looks nothing like it did.

There are 2 for sale on the Vega owners association site. Suggest you Google Albin Vegas for sale for more leads. The Contessa 26 also has a very active owners association and there are about 5 boats for sale listed there. The Contessa 28 is a very different type of boat from a 26.

Clearly there are less Vegas in this country but probably plenty for sale in Sweden. However, when looking for this type of boat perhaps you should cast your net wider as there are many similar types of boats, particularly Folkboat derivatives such as the Invicta, Halcyon 27, Bowman 25, Nic 26, or Twister 28 if your budget runs to it, to look at. However, these boats are over 40 years old so finding one that is both in good condition and for sale is not easy. They have low market values so many that come up for sale need lots of work the cost of which is disproportionate to the value. So those that are in good condition are not often for sale.

The old photographs, poor presentation often reflects the fact that owners have lost interest and boats deteriorate, but they still imagine they are the same as they were in their prime (both owners and boats!). So expect to waste a lot of time sifting out the problem boats.

If you go up a size and in budget the choice widens significantly. For example there is a Halmatic 30 for sale in Poole that needs a bit of work done on the mast step, but is only £13500. £20k will buy you quite a range of similar boats such as Twisters ready to go.

 

[Al.]

There are 2 for sale on the Vega owners association site. Suggest you Google Albin Vegas for sale for more leads. The Contessa 26 also has a very active owners association and there are about 5 boats for sale listed there. The Contessa 28 is a very different type of boat from a 26.

Clearly there are less Vegas in this country but probably plenty for sale in Sweden. However, when looking for this type of boat perhaps you should cast your net wider as there are many similar types of boats, particularly Folkboat derivatives such as the Invicta, Halcyon 27, Bowman 25, Nic 26, or Twister 28 if your budget runs to it, to look at. However, these boats are over 40 years old so finding one that is both in good condition and for sale is not easy. They have low market values so many that come up for sale need lots of work the cost of which is disproportionate to the value. So those that are in good condition are not often for sale.

The old photographs, poor presentation often reflects the fact that owners have lost interest and boats deteriorate, but they still imagine they are the same as they were in their prime (both owners and boats!). So expect to waste a lot of time sifting out the problem boats.

If you go up a size and in budget the choice widens significantly. For example there is a Halmatic 30 for sale in Poole that needs a bit of work done on the mast step, but is only £13500. £20k will buy you quite a range of similar boats such as Twisters ready to go.

Thanks for the reply, in regards to the 2 Albin Vegas on the owners site, they are both sold, the Steve who runs the site, is very busy, and struggles to keep it up to date, but when you ring him, he's always very helpful. I agree with a few points you made, Maybe its time to spread the search, With that in mind, if anyone see anything that's around 27. please send me a link. Budget. 10k boat & 10k for refit. so I have room to play.