where in the world to buy a boat

[asterie]

I intend to retire early and cruise-I need to buy a bigger boat around 42ft+ , now it dawned on me that I do not have to start from the uk. Does anyone have idea of the cheapest places in the world to buy such a boat new or used.

 

[michael_w]

Welcome to the forums.

It depends is the answer. How much do you want to spend? What type? Where are you going to sail it and with how many people. What sort of residual? You will probably want to sell it some time. Red tape and the RCD/VAT/import duties.

Have a look at the Yacht World section of the YBW site to start with.

 

[J_Priedkalns]

Try www.1001boats.com or www.top10classifieds.com

 

[CodStewart]

Mexico. Perfect departure point for the South Pacific. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[snowleopard]

The best places are those where dreams collapse. Standard jumping-off points for ocean passages have plenty of boats whose owners have bottled out or split up with their crew. Panama is one such favourite.

 

[Salty John]

It is difficult to imagine a better place than the USA to buy a used boat because the prices are substantially lower than Europe and the choice is huge. The problems arise when you want to bring it back to Europe: You need to pay VAT and comply with the RCD. If you never intend to return to Europe, no problem.

 

[CodStewart]

Tell me about it!!

 

[aitchem]

I went through a rough calculation on buying a Swan in the US.
The conclusion I came to was, there was no saving really.
Lots of hassle uncertainty fruitless trips etc....

H

 

[oakum]

Agree with snowleopard "where dreams collapse". Gibraltar had some fair priced liveaboard boats earlier this year. With Sheppards closing and the need to free up that area there are still some bargains to be had. - Good hunting

 

[tcm]

i think it depends more on the seller, not the location. A friend made a ridiculous offer on a boat in french med where p[rices always seem optimistic, and got it 2years old at under 60% of new price.

 

[trouville]

Why is Sheppards closing??? surly they cant make the airport even bigger can they??

 

[aitchem]

I read Sheppards was movin, not closin.
twixt runway and La Linea.

 

[Davidjeff]

Does anyone know of a good broker/ contact with a few 38 - 42ft grp bluewater boats in Gibraltar

 

[absit_omen]

I thought that area was no mans land? Anyway, I will believe it when I see it.

 

[Wansworth]

Try boatshed

 

[temptress]

there are some good deals to be had in the Carribean or driving around the Spanish coast. I used to know a guy thta made a living buying boats in the3 Carribean and then sailinghtem to the USA for sale or Gib to UK or Germany.

He's now off in the pacific living on the proceeds. I've seen some bargins in many parts of the world but you need to go there and make the decision on the spot.

trying to do if from say the UK will end up costing you more.

Good luck

 

[Deleted member 478]

You'll need to get clarification on this, but I am under the impression that if you have lived aboard the boat for longer than 5 years and as long as you don't sell it within 12 months of returning to the UK, the boat will be considered as your Principle Primary Residence, and is therefore not VATable and there are no import duties on her.

 

[temptress]

you still need to get it through the RDC!

 

[oakum]

Re: sheppards

Sheppards has been sold off and new harbourside dwellings have been put up. The developers now want to free up the area in front i.e. where the boats are. I believe they are moving around the corner but don't know whether this has occurred or not yet, however there has always been "broken dream" boats for sale there and I believe one or two abondonees.

 

[absit_omen]

Re: sheppards

Well, I looked around what is left of the 'marina' in September. You would have to be a pretty desperate optimistic with X20 magnification rose coloured spectacles to make anything of the various hulks lying there.

Somebody has mentioned it before and I agree that the best way is to drive to every marina on the Costas and look for the boat you want. Make an offer (even if it isn't for sale - you leave your details with the office and ask them to ask the owner to contact you) you never know! A guy left a note on my boat last year saying 'beautiful boat, please let me know if you are ever putting her up for sale'. She was not for sale but I still invited him on for a beer and chat.

The place with most on the market is Almerimar. You could while away a week there. Oh yes. Have the deposit in CASH and the rest available pretty quickly. Above all, you need to be serious about it all. Brokers, in particular, will soon detect any rubbernecking.