My brother wants to buy a boat in Spain. Help!

[FullCircle]

My brother is considering buying a boat in Torrevieja, a 2003 Sealine F33 here...

http://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats_for_sale/1117747/

Now, I know there are issues with keeping boats in Spain over a long period. It is a UK registered boat at the moment.

So:
Is the boat well regarded, if not, what is a possible alternative?
Is it value, or what should he be paying,
Waht are the issues with ownership in Spain
Skipper training and licensing, I think the exam is in Spanish?
What are the marina fees and yard costs like compared to UK?
Any other problems?

Cheers.....

 

[Tranona]

Don't know anything about the boat - but if he is not resident in Spain there are no restrictions on keeping his boat there on the UK register. No formal requirement for qualifications but sensible to have an ICC. if he is resident then again no restrictions and he can keep it on the UK register (although being resident there may disqualify him from using the SSR). However, he should take advise on declaring his new asset as it may be treated as an import and potentially liable to a tax, although this can be avoided by declaring it. The broker selling it should be able to give him more detailed advice.

 

[kashurst]

Can't comment on the boat as he would have to get it surveyed. A 2003 f33 has out drives so budget in a quality full strip and rebuild and new rams.
Mooring around here is cheap I would estimate 2500 to 3000 Euros plus about 300 Euros for the valencians g5 tax, contact navicularia and ask for Shekzhad, he does all the berth around here. If you ask the marinas direct it will be more.
If you are UK resident then boat can be on SSR no problem. Technically there is no requirement for ICC but Guardia civil\coast guard can make your life difficult if you haven't got one and they do pull people over and check. Easy to do locally or do a day skipper in UK. Also no ICC no Spanish co will insure you.
Yard costs good I pay @250euro for a lift and scrub. I have found Andy at Sealine very good for technical stuff (but he is always busy so book early) but there is also Oscar marine and Costa blanca yacht services too, that's just in the Torrevieja Harbour, but there are loads of marinas and service people so there is competition in the area.

 

[Steve Clayton]

Just to add: insurance - make sure he has a copy in Spanish

 

[Hurricane]

The comments above regarding the legal aspect are correct.

However, I wonder if an F33 might be too small to use as a holiday home/boat if that's what he is intending to do with it.
Also, several people I know who have owned F33s, have said that they are a bit top heavy giving a feeling of being tippy.

Whightlighter might pop in here and comment but there are lots of deals around so for that money you might pick up something 10 feet longer and something with shafts might prove more reliable. IMHO

 

[Greg2]

I suspect that Hurricane is being a little diplomatic inasmuch as the F33 has a reputation for being difficult to handle in close quarters, particulary if there is anything of a breeze. The combination of outdrives, a planing hull and a flybridge all captured within 33 feet can make things a tad challenging on occasion.

That said, as with many Sealines they get the most out the given space and you won't get much more in a thirty three footer. Overall I think that they are okay so handling issues not necessarily a reason not to buy if it ticks lots of other boxes and something long with shafts isn't an option

 

[AIDY]

I know nothing about powerboats, however as a yacht owner in the med size matters. As you spend most of the day onboard lounging about sunbathing and swimming. We've just gone bigger for this reason. We spend most of the summer onboard. Now have 50 foot. I appreciate a bigger boat cost more to run, but layout is key, especially when it's hot.

 

[DavidJ]

Great price when you think the euro hit 1.40 today (I've just bought some for my annual Spanish servicing. Like mooring fees it gets cheaper every year!!)
I notice you have bow thrusters which will help with the handling issue.
Agree with the good comments above.
Interested in the description Heating- aircon ready. You can't run aircon through the non insulated heating ducts and also the heating will exit at a low level and aircon needs to be a high level. I may have interpreted it wrong though. Aircon essential so budget for it.

 

[Whitelighter]

It's a great price when you convert to Stirling and compare it to UK prices but a poor price considering what's on the market.

I have found 2006/07 F34 for less
A 2004 s34 for 75000
A 2002 astinor 1275lx in out of the box condition for 85k euros
S38 from 2004 for 80000 euro
2002 s41 for 79000 euro

The F33 is a worthy boat - depending on what he wants to do with it ut Id be wanting that for 70,000 euro.