Importing from USA

mrplastic

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Hi all,

Has anyone out there any experience with buying a boat from the states? I have a chance to buy a brand new fully loaded 2006 model Legend 45CC at a bargain price from a American dealer.

The boat will obviously have to be CE certified, but as it's a mainstream current boat I wouldn't have thought that would be a major undertaking...or would it? I understand the electrics will be 110V but surely that could be sorted quite easily with a suitable transformer?

Biggest issue I feel would be the dreaded VAT...is it a straight 17.5%.....

any and all advice appreciated.

Thanks

CLP
 

Lizzie_B

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Re RCD compliance - check with the RYA who are a 'notified body' If the model is already on their database rcd compliance can be done relatively cheaply.

Also check with the manufacturers. As Legend market direct in Europe, they should be able to tell you what differences there are in specification between the US market boat and the EU approved market boat.
My suspicion is it would be very little, and you would know exactly what, if anything, needed changing.
Make sure the boat comes with all the owners operating handbooks.

If you ship it direct to UK VAT is chargeable on what the Customs people decide is its market value in the UK, plus all costs such as shipping, insurance and port dues combined.

It is best to find another EU country with a less aggressive stance. I believe Spain used to charge VAT on the value stated on the Bill of Sale.

If you're intending to sail her back on her own bottom paying VAT in the Azores was, and as far as I know, still is the most straightforward place to do this - again VAT being charged on the Bill of Sail value.
I don't know the ins and outs of electrics, but those I am aware of who have done this have not had a problem in sorting them.
 

wingdiver

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Hi
A simple answer to the last part is probably no. Most goods are subject to duty and then VAT. As an example, I recently bought something and paid for international shipping. I was charged 4% duty (the rate that related to the type of goods I bought) on the total of the goods and the shipping. I was then charged VAT on that total!
If you get your new boat sent to the UK on the back of a ship you will presumably have to add the transportation costs to the purchase price.
Try this link for info - Customs web site
 

Gothik29

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Hmm, there's a lot of items which need to be addressed under the Recreational Craft Directive. I know someone who bought a boat from South Africa, sailed it to the USA, then brought it to Northumberland. Under RCD he wasn't supposed to sail it until it had been certified.

This included very time consuming items such as changing all water and fuel filler caps to CE approved fittings (the existing caps weren't). Stability tests (or calculations from the designer) were also required. In all, it cost him tens of thousands to take a boat (which he had proved to be seaworthy) to comply with the RCD.

As for electrics, I would recommend re-wiring the mains electrics completely. The US connectors aren't compatible with the UK, and it's likely that the cabling won't be rated at 230V. Any chargers, circuit breakers or other equipment would need to be replaced.

As for VAT, I've been told that all boats over 16 foot incur 17.5%.

You may be able to speak with someone who certifies boats to the RCD to see what items would need to be changed or upgraded to comply, and possibly get a budget price.

The only person I know who did get a boat certified for RCD said "never again".....
 

Capn Pugwash

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Been there - done that! Bought our yacht from New York in April and sailed it across in May/June this year. Imported via Azores (15% VAT on Bill Of Sale value). Very straightforward and friendly service.

RCD not a major hassle but pricey. Depends on various factors but expect to pay circa £4-8K dependant on age, availability of hull data, drawing pack etc.

IM me and I will provide a blow by blow account!!

Worth it in the long run (especially at $2+ to the £!) as long as you don't incur the cost of shipping it across the pond. Sail it over, a once in a lifetime experience!
 

npf1

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"cabling won't be rated at 230V" - what total rubbish. The electrical 'issues' are relatively minor and easily overcome.
 

scotty123

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"I have a chance to buy a brand new fully loaded 2006 model Legend 45CC at a bargain price from a American dealer."

If your going to all this trouble, wouldn't it be better to buy a 'quality' boat?

Legends don't have a reputation as such!
Ask any American!
 

Capn Pugwash

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[ QUOTE ]
I would have to agree with izzy! Go and get a proper boat!

[/ QUOTE ]

What ever happened to old fashioned courtesy? Someone asks a genuine question and you pitch in with an insult. Nice one! Makes you feel better does it? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 

mrplastic

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[ QUOTE ]
I would have to agree with izzy! Go and get a proper boat!

[/ QUOTE ]

Oops errr I understod that legends were a good quality boat, one above jeanneau, Benateau, Bavaria and the like,..... So what would you consider to be a 'Quality boat'.
My other interest is a Southerly 35RS..........
 

scotty123

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"So what would you consider to be a 'Quality boat'."

Depends upon a number of parameters - & not simply 'price'.
What are you going to use it for (specifically), where are you going to sail it, is there a local dealer to sort out problems, etc, etc.

You might want to look here on Hunter Owners website -
http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?brand=2&fno=0
but don't forget their views might be coloured!
 

chrisgee

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[ QUOTE ]
I would have to agree with izzy! Go and get a proper boat!

[/ QUOTE ]

out of interest what "proper yacht" do you own?
 

pelicanpete

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I think anything and everything should be bought from the USA. It might make our manufacturers sit up an take note of the fact they rip us off wholesale!!
 
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