US import Bayliner 175. Advice ?

[super7]

Hi,
I'm new to the forum & i am looking for good advice for a well-meaning boating novice! [ME]
I've been given the opportunity to purchase a zero hours US import 2005 Bayliner 175. However i am unclear as to whether this boat is suitable for UK use. So here are my questions :

Whats the difference between a UK & US boat ?
Would i have to have boat/trailer altered to allow use in inland Scottish Loch ?
If i do have to get import certified etc - how would i do this ?

Any advice would be great.
Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[duncan]

welcome

assumming standard trailer as supplied in US

1. trailer willl have a 2" hitch not the EU 50mm - big issue or just chuck a flannel over it before hitching - your choice! In practice easier to change the trailer hitch

2. It will be an unbraked trailer - illegal over 750kg here. Bigger issue.

but - good sturdy trailer

Boat -

1. Electrics irrelevant as no shorepower

2. no CE plate so illegal to buy and sell in EU - your call

3. no RCD rating -related to above. Again a problem.

4. Actualsuitability is to conditions - it's a 17.5' speedboat primarily designed for sheltered lakes but in practice is quite a good hull in a chop (but low freeboard).

Solutions

1. Buy it and negotiate on price against above - suspect you will suddenly find he knows more about it than when selling it!!!!!!!

2. Pay more elsewhere

 

[super7]

Thanks...
I've done some reading & seems the CE plate is an absolute essential - barring the desire to got to jail for 3 months and/or fines of £5000 !

Think i'll go back to seller armed with new info & see what he says.

 

[Spyro]

The boat will be absolutely fine for Scottish lochs it will be the same one you would buy if you went to a UK dealer as all Bayliners are imported . It depends on how much after all your costs, (shipping, Import taxes, trailer mods) it's costing compared to similar model. If you go to a dealer here you will buy the US boat but it will be put on a road legal trailer manufactured in this country.

 

[nac]

ONE PIECE OF ADVICE RE SHIPPING WOULD BE TO MAKE SURE BOAT IS IN CONTAINER NOT DECK CARGO.I KNOW A GUY WHO BOUGHT A SPEEDBOAT TWO YEARS AGOAND HAD TO STRIP THE ENGINE DOWN BECAUSE THE BOAT ARRIVED FULL OF WATER.HE WAS NOT A HAPPY CAMPER.