Does importing an American boat make sense?

[stillwaters]

Would appreciate any thoughts from the learned panel about the possible pitfalls of bringing a used boat to the UK from the States. Obvious considerations so far are additional costs of shipping,VAT and CE certification,which may not be deal breakers in themselves,that is if it were possible to find the right boat at the right price,something which has so far eluded my search closer to home. However,has anybody any experience of the costs or difficulty which the different electric rating could cause or,are there also other problems to watch out for that I haven't even considered yet? Thanks.

 

[oGaryo]

Would appreciate any thoughts from the learned panel about the possible pitfalls of bringing a used boat to the UK from the States. Obvious considerations so far are additional costs of shipping,VAT and CE certification,which may not be deal breakers in themselves,that is if it were possible to find the right boat at the right price,something which has so far eluded my search closer to home. However,has anybody any experience of the costs or difficulty which the different electric rating could cause or,are there also other problems to watch out for that I haven't even considered yet? Thanks.

never done so myself but a couple of things spring to mind. 1: if trailerable size and coming into the uk on a trailer, ensure that's factored in too as many of the trailers are not UK legal spec. 2: get the details of the engine before purchase to confirm it'll fly through the CE certification checks, if not, you're in the game of emissions testing and possible failure = replacing the engine

 

[Keen_Ed]

OK, so he's a raggie, but Tom Cunliffe bought his current boat over from the US. Wrote up the process in YM.

 

[stillwaters]

never done so myself but a couple of things spring to mind. 1: if trailerable size and coming into the uk on a trailer, ensure that's factored in too as many of the trailers are not UK legal spec. 2: get the details of the engine before purchase to confirm it'll fly through the CE certification checks, if not, you're in the game of emissions testing and possible failure = replacing the engine

OK, so he's a raggie, but Tom Cunliffe bought his current boat over from the US. Wrote up the process in YM.

Thanks but,just to clarify,I'm looking at something like a 50-55' SemiD twin engine jobby.

 

[oGaryo]

Thanks but,just to clarify,I'm looking at something like a 50-55' SemiD twin engine jobby.

ah, sorta discounts the trailer aspect then

 

[Resolution]

I have an American-made yacht, which was modified at the factory for UK standards.
As well as complete changes to shorepower circuits, RCD / CE factors, and shipping costs, there were a few minor negatives:
a) the compartment for cooking gas cannisters is the wrong shape for UK bottles;
b) you never know whether the nuts and bolts are US imperial (for parts made in the States) or metric (for parts made in Europe;
c) spares for many of the units like the fridge motor are not always available over here.

On the other hand there are some hidden advantages, like all the wiring is tinned and properly labelled.

 

[Beamishken]

I've brought 2 boats over from the states both were models available in the uk & found the ce procedure fairly simple I used CE Proof who will survey the boat wherever you want, even in the states pre purchase if required, then you will know exactly what your getting into

I had less than a days work to make my current boat comply

I saved about 50% on the cost of an equivalent age/condition UK boat on both boats even factoring in transport etc

both boats were sports cruisers the first a 24' crownline & our current 37' regal

deffinately worth considering but obviously you need to do some carefull homework

 

[Bertramdriver]

Mine is an old US boat. You've got most of the issues nailed and you're correct in your assumption that the bigger the boat the bigger the saving vs UK. Your main consideration lies in the support systems you need whilst using the boat. It will probably operate a 110v 60mhz circuit vs UK 220v@50mhz. The genny will be set to produce 110v so the only issue is shorepower. So you will need to buy a substantial step down transformer sitting between the shorepower input and your distribution board. It must be big enough (80amps+) to power the battery charger, aircon, cooking, hot water, lighting and other electrical bits so it will cost serious money and needs to be professionally connected with a big RCD. The alternative is a big investment in changing the boat from 110 to 220... Not practical.
Ironically it's not the transformer that causes the problems it's the ancillary stuff that you want to add like a microwave, laptop chargers, electric toothbrushes, corded power tools etc etc, but that can be overcome by buying 12volt stuff and small step up 110 to 220 inverters.
Over 9 years I've got my boat onto mainly 12v / 220v including resetting the genny (not difficult) and all I have left running on 110v is the aircon, battery charger and hot water heater. Those I will replace with 220v as they wear out. However I suspect they may last longer than me. Good luck with the project. It sounds like fun.

 

[Spi D]

The greater selection at lower prices is tempting.

I've taken boats (own or others') in from countries in- and outside the EU.

From inside the EU it's almost local shopping at usual precaitions, from outside it takes more homework, risk assessment, travel costs (viewing) etc. It goes without saying that to justify the cost of importing (transportation/delivery and insurance might surprise you) you need to spend quite a lot, pushing the risk furher.

Any kind of post sale seller responsibility discussions tend to get hard, so in reality prepare for 'as seen without any warranty' conditions when importing from distant markets.

 

[Beamishken]

Mine is an old US boat. You've got most of the issues nailed and you're correct in your assumption that the bigger the boat the bigger the saving vs UK. Your main consideration lies in the support systems you need whilst using the boat. It will probably operate a 110v 60mhz circuit vs UK 220v@50mhz. The genny will be set to produce 110v so the only issue is shorepower. So you will need to buy a substantial step down transformer sitting between the shorepower input and your distribution board. It must be big enough (80amps+) to power the battery charger, aircon, cooking, hot water, lighting and other electrical bits so it will cost serious money and needs to be professionally connected with a big RCD. The alternative is a big investment in changing the boat from 110 to 220... Not practical.
Ironically it's not the transformer that causes the problems it's the ancillary stuff that you want to add like a microwave, laptop chargers, electric toothbrushes, corded power tools etc etc, but that can be overcome by buying 12volt stuff and small step up 110 to 220 inverters.
Over 9 years I've got my boat onto mainly 12v / 220v including resetting the genny (not difficult) and all I have left running on 110v is the aircon, battery charger and hot water heater. Those I will replace with 220v as they wear out. However I suspect they may last longer than me. Good luck with the project. It sounds like fun.

I guess it depends on how old the boat is we decided to swap our 2006 boat to 220v from the kick off & found that most systems were dual voltage

obviously the boat is built with the European market in mind & was fitted with equipment to suit both voltages

the microwave had to be binned but that's no great hardship given the cost of a new one

the only item we haven't looked at converting was the aircon as we decided that an eberspacher would be far more usefull on the west coast of Scotland

 

[stillwaters]

ah, sorta discounts the trailer aspect then

OK,on yer bike!

 

[Vitesse]

Slightly OT, but I understand many boats were damaged in the storms the US has suffered (there was one in particular which name escapes me). Probably doesn't apply to the OP but there was an expectation that many written off/salvaged hulls and particularly outboards would find there way onto the market.

 

[stillwaters]

Mine is an old US boat. You've got most of the issues nailed and you're correct in your assumption that the bigger the boat the bigger the saving vs UK. Your main consideration lies in the support systems you need whilst using the boat. It will probably operate a 110v 60mhz circuit vs UK 220v@50mhz. The genny will be set to produce 110v so the only issue is shorepower. So you will need to buy a substantial step down transformer sitting between the shorepower input and your distribution board. It must be big enough (80amps+) to power the battery charger, aircon, cooking, hot water, lighting and other electrical bits so it will cost serious money and needs to be professionally connected with a big RCD. The alternative is a big investment in changing the boat from 110 to 220... Not practical.
Ironically it's not the transformer that causes the problems it's the ancillary stuff that you want to add like a microwave, laptop chargers, electric toothbrushes, corded power tools etc etc, but that can be overcome by buying 12volt stuff and small step up 110 to 220 inverters.
Over 9 years I've got my boat onto mainly 12v / 220v including resetting the genny (not difficult) and all I have left running on 110v is the aircon, battery charger and hot water heater. Those I will replace with 220v as they wear out. However I suspect they may last longer than me. Good luck with the project. It sounds like fun.

Thanks for such a detailed account of how you tackled the same issues. In the absence so far of a real idea of the true cost of a total conversion to 230v,I think your suggestion of building-in a step-down/step-up transformer might be the better compromise. As you suggest,though,the downside would be when wanting to either add or replace equipment or appliances,although you presumably have taken the decision to gradually introduce European voltage items as and when required. Still not sure yet whether the situation of having mixed voltage items on board would fry my brain or not and wonder whether sticking to everything at 110v and importing replacements or upgrades when required might not be preferable. Thanks again.

 

[stillwaters]

Thanks to everyone who has taken the trouble to offer advice - all helpful and most appreciated,thanks.

 

[MapisM]

Still not sure yet whether the situation of having mixed voltage items on board would fry my brain or not and wonder whether sticking to everything at 110v and importing replacements or upgrades when required might not be preferable.

There are pros and cons of course, but imho yes, it would be preferable.
At least nowadays that ordering stuff directly in the US through the web is easy peasy.

Anyway, considering the type of boat you're looking at, and that you're talking of used boats, I'd rather look this side of the Pond first.
There are amazing deals around, possibly as good as those available in the US.
Or at least good enough to make US import not worth the hassle, anyway.
You would have more choice for sure over there, though.

 

[npf1]

... wonder whether sticking to everything at 110v and importing replacements or upgrades when required might not be preferable. Thanks again.

I've stuck to the 110V. There's only been a couple of situations where I could have done with UK shorepower. Buying spares has not been an issue at all. I did buy a whacking great lump of a soft start step down isolation transformer, but it's been sitting in my garage for the past eight years as I never found enough need to fit it, nor do I want to add another 60kg to the boat.

 

[stillwaters]

There are pros and cons of course, but imho yes, it would be preferable.
At least nowadays that ordering stuff directly in the US through the web is easy peasy.

Anyway, considering the type of boat you're looking at, and that you're talking of used boats, I'd rather look this side of the Pond first.
There are amazing deals around, possibly as good as those available in the US.
Or at least good enough to make US import not worth the hassle, anyway.
You would have more choice for sure over there, though.

My thinking as well regarding the now easier availability of supply of electricals etc. from the US.
Your second point about boat availability is an interesting one. The reasons why I am considering looking in the US are twofold - firstly,because we had been considering maybe spending some time over there doing some of their waterways such as the Great Loop etc.up into Canada where we have friends living,which of course led me to look at what was available over there already and,secondly,because I've yet to find anything over here that achieves what we are looking for if we are to change from what we currently have. In truth,I don't believe it actually yet exists but,short of the Fleming 55,there does appear to be one or two nearer the mark in the US,albeit maybe a little longer in the tooth than I might prefer. So,my looking further afield is not really about cost saving but about ticking the following boxes - not much longer than 50ft.(preferably not at all),GRP,twin engines,separate dining & lounge seating areas with mid or aft main cabin,decent stabilisers and semi-displacement rather than full disp.hull (deffo not planing). Of course,full disp. would be much easier to find but they tend to lose out on higher cruising speed economy of say 8-10 knots. As already said,the F55 is maybe the nearest but I believe is let down by both a poor interior layout as well as being overpriced for what it is,just my opinion,of course.

 

[MapisM]

I see your point. And I very much agree with your last opinion, btw.
Based on your requirements, Hatteras (m/y, not fisherman) and Grand Alaskan are two names which pop to mind...

 

[stillwaters]

I see your point. And I very much agree with your last opinion, btw.
Based on your requirements, Hatteras (m/y, not fisherman) and Grand Alaskan are two names which pop to mind...

Ah,obviously a person of discerning taste.Both,imho,quality builds but sadly neither available in anything under 10-15 years of age minimum with Hats seemingly having concentrated on sportfishers in recent years and GA disappearing in about 2005,I seem to remember.Both,I think,were more into the 60-80 ft. market,in any case weren't they? It does,though,seem a pity that current builders do not see a market for 40 to 50 footers more suited to current times by providing more economical 8-10 knot cruising (or more when required),so it is still possible to get from a to b in daylight,combined with good low-speed handling and having the benefit of decent pre-fitted stabilisation. And no,the recent crop of pseudo trawlers don't even come close to this.

 

[MapisM]

And no,the recent crop of pseudo trawlers don't even come close to this.

Well, this statement alone is well worth reciprocating your comment re. discerning tastes. I couldn't agree more!

You are right that both Hat and GA mainly mainly built somewhat bigger boats (sorry, TBH I was more thinking to your other requirements in my previous reply), but by heart I would say that they did build something around the 50' mark...
Defever is another name which you might wish to check out, at that size.
And maybe also the Maine 53' built by Cantieri Estensi. Someone might argue that she also falls in the "pseudo trawlers" crop to some extent, but she's actually in another league, compared to Beneteau etc.

All the very best for your search, anyway!