importing boats

[sch3nk3r]

As anyone out there ever purchased a boat from Global Trade Partners of Jacksonville Florida? Are there any pitfalls to buying a boat from abroad? The advert says they are EU compliant does anyone know different?
Thanks

 

[Whitelighter]

It is worth a search - GTP have been discussed many times on the forums. While many customers have been happy with their boats, there have been a few, very vocal, dissatisfied ones.

If you really want to buy in the states, consider doing it yourself. I did 3 years ago with a 97 chris craft. Take a week in Florida and go and look at some boat - pre select from the US web sites and make sure they are available. I don't see GTP really give you much over doing it yourself - and they are making a decent profit.

They do have a UK based arm now, with stock boats on display, but they tend to be the smaller cruisers and sports cuddies though. Might still be worth a visit.

 

[scubaman]

As probably already mentioned in other threads, one issue is that the boat has to be ce-marked to be admitted to eu-waters (at least when importing to Finland, but as far as I can tell the same goes for the whole EU).

It's well worth checking what exactly are the requirements for getting a ce-badge to the boat of your interest.

 

[Sneds]

Just looked at the web site and they have a few boats in stock in the UK.
All petrol though, as I suspected. Some nice stuff though, well worth a peruse.

 

[duncan]

GTP handle all that - it's one of the reasons to use them.

if you are a self starter type like Jez then cutting out every possible middle man makes sense; if you are not then using just 1 to do your purchase, shippig, tax and paper work also makes sense.

Personally I would still make a trip to view/trial the boat as well.

 

[stefan_r]

I have just impoerted a 1999 Sunseeker Superhawk 34 from Los Angeles and found it relatively painless.

Saved about 40% off the European price.

Not that difficult BUT the broker (funnily enough on the seller's side) was EXCELLENT and did way more than he needed to and made the deal and shipping happen.

PM me if I can help...