Bringing sailboat to USA

[siolaakis]

Hi, I did some searching on this subject but all I found was that lot of people do it the other way. That is from USA to Europe. Since I am hoping to sail on my EU sailboat back to USA ( I am EU citizen but have a Green card or permanent residency in USA) I need to know all of this before I sail in and get billed for big $$$$$$
Now I would like to know what is involved in brining European sailboat to USA. Such as what are the requirements for importing a pleasure (not for business) sailboat to USA, such as tax (federal or state), import dues and any other relevant information. Also what are the U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations or standards for imported boats. Do I than after importing her to USA, have to reregister her or is that legal to have her registered for some time in different country? Is there a difference if the first port of call would be Puerto Rico as to Florida???
Thanks for your input.

 

[JREdginton]

Looking at most of the prices of boats in the US I would be inclined to sell you boat in the EC (check comparable prices) and buy again in the US and have a very good party or 10 on the change you will be left with.

 

[Salty John]

Once you have cleared in and established your residency you will need to register your boat with the state in which you mainly use the boat. You will be asked to pay sales tax and or excise tax, generally about 6% of value, and an annual use fee of about $25. They may accept your own valuation or they will use the BUC book valuation if you don't have an invoice from when you purchased the boat. You will need to prove ownership via a bill of sale or somesuch.

Clearing in now involves the following, from my own notes:
Importing boat into USA:
Since 9/11 security has increased at entry points to the US for both US and foreign-flagged vessels.
For foreign boats, a face-to-face inspection is usually required and a Port of Entry must be used. Call 1 (800) 432 1216 or 1 (800) 451 0393. Procedures vary slightly depending on where entry is made.
Current regulations regarding entry clearance and cruising permits are here: http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/reporting_requirements_pleasure_boat.xml
Increased security means that although yachts may continue to obtain Customs clearance on entry into the US by telephone, that clearance is not valid until Immigration clearance has been obtained in person at the nearest INS office. All non-US nationals must take passports with valid visas, and a Green Card if held. If you arrive after working hours, you must remain onboard, and clear in the next morning. You must clear in within 24 hours of your arrival.
The US Coast Guard has the power to board any vessel within US territorial waters and they frequently do this, particularly off Florida. They can also board any US flag vessel anywhere in the world. All vessels entering the 12 mile territorial waters must fly the Q flag.
Failure to follow the correct procedure on arrival can lead to a substantial fine and seizure of the offending vessel.
Foreign yachts: The captain must report the arrival of the yacht to customs immediately and make formal entry within 24 hours. On arrival everyone must remain on board, except for the captain going ashore to report the arrival of the yacht. Documents needed include registration papers, a declaration of ship's stores and crew's possessions, last port clearance, and a crew list. Clearance must be completed with customs, immigration, health and agriculture. Sometimes the customs officer performs some or all of these other duties.

There are state and federal regulations regarding safety equipment and navigation lights etc. which you need to abide by. Very similar to EU regs.

Hope this helps. I've taken a couple of boats into the USA and this information seems to be correct, but it isn't an exact science!

 

[Blueboatman]

Thats interesting..I have only imported one vessel into the US,the fees were a lot less than 6%.In fact we used the purchase price from several years earlier because it would have cost more to have a surveyor(Re)value the boat for import . The whole process took less than an hour in the local Federal Building (Baltimore ) and cost all in just less than $300.
What you MUST have though is a clearly marked hull id number-if you ever sell the boat that wil be inspected and verified.

 

[Salty John]

Depends entirely on whether you have to pay sales tax (around 6%) or not. All other fees are small, as you say, but you have to provide evidence of sales tax exemption and this depends on the original posters status.

 

[siolaakis]

Thank you so much for your information this is very helpful.