Boat Hunting for Liveaboard in Dubai

Will be in Rome tomorrow to start some viewings (Rome - San Remo). First up should be the Fipa (if everything goes to plan which I doubt, but as they say planning is everything plan is nothing).
I take tourist advice so feel free to suggest.
 
Started the viewings yesterday. So far saw 7 boats.
san Lorenzo 57, Canados 70s and Akhir 25 are so far the best I've seen, all exceeding my expectations. The Akhir in particular is just majestic and this one was immaculate.
Looking forward to a 22 tomorrow and the T62 which sounds very promising on paper.
Will have lots to ask to owners of any of the boats above. Just amazing whats on the market these days.
Having a blast!
 
I did see the Maiora. Very beautiful boat from outside, it probably looked out of this world in 1993. This particular one needed some work in the interior due to wear and some leaking. In general this went down a bit in our list as we didn't see much soul in it. Interior space and quality of fitting didn't seem on par with other boats we've seen. Bit neglected and even with the effort of bringing it back to a better condition it would still be a little bit tacky. Will put some pics shortly
 
This is an interesting thread .i think your basic concept is good ,the ability to move around the gulf -following work etc .
Is fun boat shopping in Italy and the people are so nice easy going to deal with too.
A picture paints a 1000 words -:)
Good luck
 
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Once again, I'll throw some thoughts in about restrictions ... sorry!! ... Love the thread, the boats and your enthusiasm!!

The CdP Akhir's ... if of older generations may have Detroit Diesels onboard.... know that the 25's used to have some beautiful V16's installed.... others had CATS.

Now nothing wrong per say about this, but from an emissions perspective they do not cut the mustard by todays standard....

So, you need to do your research about import regulations to Dubai ... this will, from a customs perspective, be a new import and as such subject to current import regulations in respect to emissions from the engines and generators. You do not wish to go through a purchase process only to be find that you will not be permitted to import the boat with the existing engines.... Inside EU, these boats are perfectly OK ... but once outside, the import challenges starts...
 
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The situation now is in major stall :)
Akhir 20s (ready to go) or Canados 70s (needing some work)?
Style or Practicality?
 
The situation now is in major stall :)
Akhir 20s (ready to go) or Canados 70s (needing some work)?
Style or Practicality?

Could be even simpler than that ...

If any of them has 2 stroke Detroit Diesels onboard, I doubt you'll get to import the boat due to the aforementioned emissions issue..

If they have other engines (Suspect the Akhir 20 have MAN's), then I'd get the full engine specs etc., and start talking with Customs to ensure that you are able of importing a boat with those engines etc.
 
Which do you prefer?

If the C70 - what's the definition of 'needing some work'?

Both! this is the issue. If only the Canados looked like the Akhir... if only the akhir had the space of the canados...

Well in terms of works, it was mentioned/guessed to be around 30k. Bottom to be scraped and antifouled and maybe a good opportunity to do some epoxy, polishing, engine check, re upholstery here and there, helm station on the fly needs some work, new batteries etc.
Boat has been in the dry for 3 some years. Other small issue, but I don't know if it's an issue, sea trial cannot happen until yard is paid as the current owner is behind. I see an opportunity for lowballing but only an on-land survey can be conducted before any serious money is paid up.
Pictures are here:
http://s1072.photobucket.com/user/ebabah/library/Canados 70s?sort=3&page=1

The specs on the boat are extremely interesting. Including 2x24kw kholers, bow and stern thrusters, huge huge inside.
Owners chime in ;)
 
Could be even simpler than that ...

If any of them has 2 stroke Detroit Diesels onboard, I doubt you'll get to import the boat due to the aforementioned emissions issue..

If they have other engines (Suspect the Akhir 20 have MAN's), then I'd get the full engine specs etc., and start talking with Customs to ensure that you are able of importing a boat with those engines etc.

Both have MAN 1100hp (although my heart was stolen by a CdP Akhir 25 with wooden hull and 2xv16 DD)
Do you have any reference to these import regulations? I am searching but cannot find anything.
I have also asked few people in the area but still no definitive answer on this matter.

this article refers to outboard 2-stroke petrol (gasoline) engine:
http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/environment/concern-over-boat-motor-rules-in-the-uae

In any case I plan to flag the boat in Bahrain...
 
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I cannot advise you on import regulations in UAE, you need to speak with the UAE Customs about this...

I was once considering registering my boat (with DD's, bought in Italy) in Norway as I was considering moving back, but as Norway is outside the EU, it would have been considered a "new import" and as such, the engines would need to meet with current emission standards. I would expect that UAE have similar regulations in force on "new imports"....

No problem taking the boat across from the UK (where we live) and using it, but I could not import it... Not considering moving back to Norway .... just yet... but that is a different issue.. :)
 
I cannot advise you on import regulations in UAE, you need to speak with the UAE Customs about this...

Of course, thought you were referring to some particular news or regulation you were aware or heard about specifically related to the UAE/GCC
I am checking, but so far nothing sure, so I'll keep asking until I get a clear cut answer on this regard.
 
Both! this is the issue. If only the Canados looked like the Akhir... if only the akhir had the space of the canados...

Well in terms of works, it was mentioned/guessed to be around 30k. Bottom to be scraped and antifouled and maybe a good opportunity to do some epoxy, polishing, engine check, re upholstery here and there, helm station on the fly needs some work, new batteries etc.
Boat has been in the dry for 3 some years. Other small issue, but I don't know if it's an issue, sea trial cannot happen until yard is paid as the current owner is behind. I see an opportunity for lowballing but only an on-land survey can be conducted before any serious money is paid up.
Pictures are here:
http://s1072.photobucket.com/user/ebabah/library/Canados 70s?sort=3&page=1

The specs on the boat are extremely interesting. Including 2x24kw kholers, bow and stern thrusters, huge huge inside.
Owners chime in ;)

To be honest, that doesn't sound like a lot of work, on any second hand boat you'd have to assume the batteries haven't been replaced recently and you'd need a coat of antifoul, there might be no need to scrape it, a powerful pressure washer will remove any loose paint. Engine you will need checked anyway and upholstery isn't a big job.
And once you get the bug, you'll be looking for stuff to upgrade anyway ;-)
 
I would try to discuss the sea trial with the yard directly.
I guess their only worry is the boat will not be returned to them.
They might be willing to come to some agreement where you pay them a deposit to ensure the boat comes back out of the water again if you don't buy it. It does start getting complicated though.

Also they might give you some good advice on what offer is likely to be accepted etc. It is in their interest for you to buy the boat.
 
I would try to discuss the sea trial with the yard directly.
I guess their only worry is the boat will not be returned to them.
They might be willing to come to some agreement where you pay them a deposit to ensure the boat comes back out of the water again if you don't buy it. It does start getting complicated though.

Also they might give you some good advice on what offer is likely to be accepted etc. It is in their interest for you to buy the boat.


Yes I think the situation is more positive than negative as you have two parties interested in the sale. The yard in particular knows that a buyer means recovering their credits so they might be accommodating with the buyer.
As I said I see potential for a low ball.
It 'd be great if anyone with a more clinical eye than mine could have a look at the pic and see if any obvious problem can be spotted. I forgot to mention one prop is slightly dented.
 
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