Buying Boats from America?

[landahoy]

I have been looking at boats for sale in America & they seem to be priced a lot cheaper than they are in the U.K.

Has anyone got any information about bringing boats across the pond?

A few points that spring to mind are:

prices of shipment.
registration
electrics (same as U.K.?)

I imagine the list of points to take into consideration are endless.
Any help with this?

"Have a nice day !!"

 

[BrendanS]

There have been a number of threads here and on scuttlebutt discussing this in some depth, and they are well worth a read. The biggest two sticking points are CE certification (RCD) and VAT

 

[Magnum]

Some useful info here - http://www.ceproof.com/RCD_ASB.htm

 

[ipw]

I looked into importation and was about to go and view a 30 ft. boat but decided i could,nt afford putting petrol into the twin guzzlers and went for a uk diesel fairline instead

 

[NorthernWave]

Also the power will be 110v 60hz

I honestly wouldn't bother, even though the boats are cheaper out here.

About to bring a 28 foot chris craft over but that is to be used as a tender so will return at the end of the year.

 

[brianrunyard]

Go for one that is already CE approved.

 

[Dave_Snelson]

You need to do a search here on this forum Simon, coz the subject has been extensively covered by this quite a few peeps. There is a company called Global Trade Partners based out of Jacksonville, Florida. The company is headed up by a personable chap called Mark O'Carroll, who appeared here on this forum approximately two years ago to answer a whole barrage of questions regarding the sale of US boats into Europe. Mark was working with some CE guys at the time and how far that got, I don't know. However, Magnum's recommendation of CE Proof is good enough and they seem very keenly priced.

With the dollar in the state its in, this could be an opportunity to look seriously at this. Mark O'C oversees the import and all associated costs - and he's worth a phone call, and he will take your call personally.

Good luck

 

[gjgm]

one point that has been raised before is that unlike here where it costs a fortune and we lovingly look after the boat, in the USA it can be a different story, and the boats can be used more often and much harder.
Also, although a search might reveal plenty to choose from, it might not be practical to see so many because of the distances. And as i know from a friend who had problems with the third car he imported, come back is a long way off. Florida has its own legislation for example, you have to bring the case in person (another trip) etc etc.
Not saying there shouldnt be success possible, but i think alot of that initial enticing advantage might start slipping through your fingers