raw recruit needs help!

harrylambert

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I want to start motor cruising and have selected a 1975 Hatteras 58' as a possible within my price range. It has 2-380hp GM engines with 1200hours since overhaul in 1998. it is offered VAT paid in the med and has a panama flag.
Has anybody got any advise to offer on these boats and what is the significance of the flag?

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harrylambert

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thanks for the advice-are there really unscrupulous foreign sellers out there who would tell porkies in order to sell a boat?
seriously though, I will check very carefully.


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Koeketiene

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Buying abroad shouldn't not scare you unduly - we did. Just be that extra bit carefull. As rule of thumb: when buying a non EU flagged vessel -> demand cast-iron proof of VAT status & CE complience. In most cases they will unable to provide this. If you're undaunted, this does not necessarily mean that you should not buy the boat. It's an argument you have to knock large bits of the asking price. Also, prepare yourself for an impressive paperchase. The amount of red tape involved.... not for the faintharted.

Re: unscrupulous foreign sellers -> we have more than a fair share of the home-grown variety as well. IMHO, a private sale is always preferred.



<hr width=100% size=1>Experience is a good teacher, but she sends in terrific bills.
 

snowleopard

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in the absence of any biog in your profile.... if you really are a 'raw recruit' rather than an expereinced yottie transferring from another type of boating, i'd think twice about something that could cause so much damage if you misjudge a manoever!



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harrylambert

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thanks your sound advice. I am new to cruising but have experience of power boats up to 25' so-yes, I know exactly what you are talking about. I expect the transition from 25'-58' will be careful but manageable.

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richardandtracy

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I'm curious.. I have never tried to buy a boat & don't know the ins & outs of the problem. (if you're interested, I built mine from scratch so never had to bother about RCD etc)

Can't it stay Panama registered & save all the hassle with paperwork? Would it not just end up with a Panama flag in a UK port?

Regards

Richard.


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Koeketiene

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It could stay Panama flagged - but I guess you would need a local "holding company", or a local person to register the boat to.

We flagged Yanita in Gibraltar - because when I was posted there I got to know people, procedures, etc... Took me a morning to get the paperwork sorted. Haven't been posted to Panama.

<hr width=100% size=1>Experience is a good teacher, but she sends in terrific bills.
 
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