Importing a boat from the US east cost to the UK

[tombarnettuk]

Sorry

I have imported a number of boats over the years. Bayliners in particular can very easily and cheaply converted to exact UK specification i.e. no transformer, no 110v or US frequencies. Transport was as low as $1000 for me, if you bypass the multiple agents and middlemen who take 30+% each. Plus loading, dock costs, cradle, wrapping etc - none of which are significant. Of course VAT and something like 1.7% duty assuming I/O Adrive. CE around £600-900 for that size boat. I paid someone £1000 to show me the way, first time. If you expect an one stop shop to do the lot, clearly costs will be different. A bit less work, bit more cost, contact Gunnar Bohrmeister of Mayday Watersports in DE, usually on boatshop24.co.uk. If you need help converting to UK spec, IM me. There is a lot less cost than you think, if you know what to do.

Sorry to dig up an old thread but I am in need of your advice, I am looking to bring back an old Trimaran built in the late 60s in southampton from new york to southampton, its 40' long and comes on a trailer. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Bajansailor]

Welcome to the Forum Tom.

Can you give us some more info about this trimaran?
Eg what type / make it is? I presume that it is a sailing trimaran, not motor?
Be aware that even if it is shipped as deck cargo, they calculate the cost on the total square footage of area taken up - and if the outriggers are not retractable, that would probably be on par with 3 (maybe even 4) 40' containers on deck.
What condition is the trimaran in? Would it be possible to sail her back to England, perhaps via Bermuda and the Azores?

 

[Greg2]

Deleted - didn’t realise it was an old thread

 

[tombarnettuk]

Welcome to the Forum Tom.

Can you give us some more info about this trimaran?
Eg what type / make it is? I presume that it is a sailing trimaran, not motor?
Be aware that even if it is shipped as deck cargo, they calculate the cost on the total square footage of area taken up - and if the outriggers are not retractable, that would probably be on par with 3 (maybe even 4) 40' containers on deck.
What condition is the trimaran in? Would it be possible to sail her back to England, perhaps via Bermuda and the Azores?

She is an old sailing Kelsall Ocean racing trimaran, outriggers are retractable and she comes with a trailer. She isn't in great condition but I wouldn't be paying next to anything for her. I am considering fitting her with a selfsteering system and sailing her back over but if shipping is is cost effective I will probably do that.

 

[jrudge]

Not sure that “ she is not in great condition “ and crossing the atlantic are the best of bed fellows!

 

[Bajansailor]

She looks like she would be a lot of fun to sail.
When the mast is taken down, can it stow horizontally on deck without 'sticking out' beyond the stern or the front of the trailer?

It would be worthwhile contacting a couple of shipping agents to ask for quotes for shipping her on her trailer - ideally on a RO/RO ship rather than a container ship. As there would be 'bits sticking out' if you put the trailer on a 40' flatrack container, and it would have to be stowed on deck, whereas on a RO/RO ship it would be below deck, which would be safer, especially when crossing the North Atlantic in winter time.

VAT would be payable on her when she arrives back in England, never mind that she was built in England - even if you got her for nothing, I think you would probably still have to pay VAT on the cost of shipping, and the Customs folk might decide on a value themselves rather than virtually nothing.

 

[tombarnettuk]

Not sure that “ she is not in great condition “ and crossing the atlantic are the best of bed fellows!

I would plan on spending a couple of months working on her as I head south waiting for favourable weather for the crossing so I imagine it would quickly become more expensive than shipping.

 

[tombarnettuk]

She looks like she would be a lot of fun to sail.
When the mast is taken down, can it stow horizontally on deck without 'sticking out' beyond the stern or the front of the trailer?

It would be worthwhile contacting a couple of shipping agents to ask for quotes for shipping her on her trailer - ideally on a RO/RO ship rather than a container ship. As there would be 'bits sticking out' if you put the trailer on a 40' flatrack container, and it would have to be stowed on deck, whereas on a RO/RO ship it would be below deck, which would be safer, especially when crossing the North Atlantic in winter time.

VAT would be payable on her when she arrives back in England, never mind that she was built in England - even if you got her for nothing, I think you would probably still have to pay VAT on the cost of shipping, and the Customs folk might decide on a value themselves rather than virtually nothing.

It would be interesting how they calculate the value and tax, the mast could be an issue I would have to get good measurements on the trailer it may be worth shipping separately or loosing all together if I can find something similar here.

 

[EugeneR]

I agree with Bajansailor's comments re RO/RO especially as you have a trailer, not sure about the mast though. Companies that normally ship cars rather than boats seemed a lot cheaper. Sorry I cannot give current contacts since it's been a while since I did this.

Regarding electrics, 120/240v wiring should be Ok but you may need to replace the trip switches to 1/2 the value. 120v equipment may need replacing e.g. microwave etc There are ways around it, if needed. VHF needs reprogramming to Intl frequencies. Let me know when you get to that stage and we can look at details as needed.

Given the age, you may not need CE certification which would be a bonus.

 

[superheat6k]

Buy it, pay the import duties, then quietly take it away somewhere, rename it and 'sell' it it three times (to close family members with different surnames) and then quietly launch it in a backwater yard.

Then just enjoy it, but before you sell it for real 'sell & rename it' three more times.

Or not ...

but realistically who is checking for RCD and other EU imposed NONSENSE (and soon to be ) no longer relevant EU regulations. After all they are not enforced now, let alone after Brexit ?

Did someone actually say this !!!