Holiday Mansion

[battersea1]

Hi,

Has anyone imported into the UK a Holiday Mansion or Gibson from the USA. I'm aware of the

RCD issue and VAT / duty but are there other, better hidden, problems awaiting me?!

The boat owner I'm currently speaking with has told me to expect to put 2 gallons an hour

into her at 8 knots cruising speed on a 39' x 12' hull. Sound about right (2 x 200hp Volvo,

petrol)?

Has anyone dealt with the 60 / 50Hz issue? A step-down transformer will cost me about?

With regard to the RCD should I get her tested for group C or D? Will this choice effect my

insurance cost? Insurance expensive for a liveaboard on the Thames, in a secure marina?

She is called a 'coastal cruiser'. Will it be possible to take a boat like this acrosss to

France or Germany and travel the canals? Is it possible to hire a captain for the trip

across?

Thanks very much, bye.

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[Col]

Apart from the RCD which you appear to to be aware of, there is also the BSS to pass and you may have your work cut out to make it conform. Prob worth talking to a BSS inspector.
I wouldn't go to sea in a pontoon boat as I believe it would not be suitable for Channel crossings in all but a flat calm

I would also think that for French canals it's too tall and square as typical airdraught limit is 3.3mtrs (mid span of an arched bridge)

Beam and draught should be OK.

I think your main sticking point will be CE marking, do a search on this site as it has come up a lot recently.
Good luck.





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[BSSOffice]

An annual or similar long-term registration on the Thames usually requires either a Declaration of Conformity to the RCD for boats less than fours years old, or after that a Boat Safety Scheme Certificate.

A boat that has a valid RCD and has been maintained to meet the standards in Recreational Craft Regulations of the Directive, should meet the requirements of the Boat Safety Scheme. Details of our requirements can be found at www.boatsafetyscheme.com.

We can also send you a small leaflet about the BSS examination on request, email us at bss.enquiries@boatsafetyscheme.com or call 01923 201278.

<hr width=100% size=1>Rob@BSSOffice
Go boating - Stay safe

 

[Col]

Blimey!! look at that!! Mr BSS himself.
The power of these forums amazes me

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[LittleShip]

Hey up!!! big brother is watching /forums/images/icons/shocked.gif

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I wish I'd been born rich instead of good looking ?