importing a bayliner from USA

[dobsy]

Hi,

Does anyone know about (or have experience of) importing a motor cruiser from the USA?

I wondered what was involved - I know there will be Vat and import duty, but are there any other pitfalls? (i.e. what are the spec differences, is any certification required on entry to the uk etc)

Also, what are the implications when it comes to resale, in particular to a boat like the bayliner 245? Are they worth any less?



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Freebee]

welcome to the forum ,try the search facility you will see this topic has been done to death in a nut shell the costs you have not reckoned with make it a poor proposition, hint VAT, import duty and CE marking and transport.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[dobsy]

Yes, I tried the search facility first, but I didn't get anything relevant in the results (hint: try "boat import" and see what you get)

And yes, I am aware of Vat, duty and transport - the CE marking is one i'm not familiar with.

Guess the guy I was talking to at SIBS who had done it successfully must obviouslyhave been a liar ;-)



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Freebee]

here's some encouragement put the word "carroll" in the search engine

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[dobsy]

Thankyou ... have read with interest and think on.

(Glad to see there is the usual amount of red tape in place to put most people off and keep the prices of "rip off britain" high as usual)

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Planty]

WhiteKnight I think his handle was, late of this forum has done this, this year, with no problems and little red tape as I understand. PM me if you would like me to ask him if he would mind talking to you and advising. By the way welcome, hope you enjoy your boating. Paul

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Nick_H]

Not sure if you mean second hand or new - my advice on second hand is DONT DO IT. You don't know what condition it will be in, the shore power will be 110V and is not that straight forward to convert, and whatever great deal you are offered, you can always match in the UK with a bit of negotiation.



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[itsonlymoney]

I beleive that the change to 240v shore power is one of the biggest problems, however not unsermountable.
Ian

<hr width=100% size=1>Play the best game you can with the cards you've been dealt ! ! !

 

[NorthernWave]

You could use a voltage converter to convert 220 down to 110 and then use an invertor to change it back to 220v. OK unless you want to run Dishwashers, AC, etc (note alot of US boats may have AC)

Chris

<hr width=100% size=1>Still in Trinidad

 

[NorthernWave]

If I can help at all I will be in Ft Lauderdale in about a month for at least 2 months.

coopersworks@yahoo.co.uk

Chris

<hr width=100% size=1>Still in Trinidad

 

[duncan]

putting together some of the stated and unstated -

(1) if it's got shorepower (2455 may or may not)?) then budget for a proper changeover.
(2) if buying new you can get the craft CE plated but it's expensive (4 figs) - if you don't then (a) technically it's illegal and (b) you will not be able to resell for the full value 'cos of (a).
(3) any trailer will not be legal and will require significant modification to bring to UK spec however, if you are only using as a launching/storage trolley that's not a problem. Issues range from 2" hitch to brakes.....
(4) many people seem to have successfully purchased s/hand boats using US full service agents and I seem to remember some favorable endorsements on here about a year ago. New is obviously safer.
(5) there may well be warrantee issues............
It follows that generally smaller, simpler new craft or s/hand ones out of warrantee anyway make a better proposition. I am aware of one person who bought 2 identical craft,had them shipped together in one crate and paid a single fee for CE. He imediately sold on the second craft and everyone was happy!

You might also consider a parallel import (previously know as a grey import).

<hr width=100% size=1>madesco madidum ..../forums/images/icons/smile.gif<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by duncan on 14/09/2004 16:24 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[dobsy]

Thanks. If you come across any brokers there that look helpful, and deal in good used bayliner/maxum 25 footers 'd be interested to receive their details.

Probably not looking to buy until next spring now, but it would be handy - plus have a friend who is in process of buying a place in Florida and wants to buy a 20 -25 footer to keep out there so any info would help.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[dobsy]

Thanx duncan, very helpful.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[dobsy]

I was thinking used.

I was going to go out there to view anyway, plus get a surveyor to report, so I don't think condition is an issue.

You say you can negotiate googd discounts on UK prices - what would you typically think you could "haggle" off of a 3 year old Bayliner 245 then?


You must be a good haggler ;-)

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[andyc]

Im sure I read recently that any boat imported into the EU after1998 had to conform to some standard or other and be marked .It said it is illegal to use boat without it and that resale values were pitifull as dealers will not touch them with a bargepole.I think you can employ a consultant to inspect a boat and give you a list of defects to rectify and then test the boat.
Ive seen some pretty nice cheap 40 ft flybridge boats over there and am tempted .
If the boat is around 25 ft why worry about shore power conversion that people seem to go on about.Are you likely to live on it any length of time?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Chris_d]

Have a look at http://www.essexboatyards.co.uk/, they have a 2001 245 with a KAD32 diesel for 29K reduced from 35K, might even get another couple of K's off that price.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[itsonlymoney]

Thats a very good price and a Diesel as well...........

<hr width=100% size=1>Play the best game you can with the cards you've been dealt ! ! !

 

[Chris_d]

Well it is Bayliner !!! .. only kidding, can't see the point in importing when you can buy at that price over here from a dealer.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[dobsy]

Thanks for the advice.

I would add that the boat is accident repaired, hence the 5k price drop -perhaps this has put people off and triggered the price reduction?

As they say "you gotta compare apples to apples, not oranges" so without any damage etc i guess it would still be up for £35 k.

Now take at look at www.yachtworld.com and you see "like for like" in the US up for $35 000 - that's £20 000. I know you've got shipping, Vat , Ce certification to worry about , but I would still think there's at least £5k saving there?

Then there's the fact that boats in most parts of USA suffer no frost, are mainly stored undercover etc, etc.

Anyway, it's an interesting debate. Each to his own I suppose. I for one wouldn't mind a little more "running about" to save £5k.
Anyone got direct experience of importing, that they want to throw into the ring?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[dobsy]

Sorry, broke my own rules there - overlooked it was a diesel. Does make it a bargain, though diesels are obviously "Rocking Horse Poo" in USA so nothing to compare with.

Think that was an unusal one though . . .the exception rather than the rule.

<hr width=100% size=1>