A cursory glance through the online ads quickly reveals that you can find similar boats for sale in the USA much cheaper than in Australia.
It has become popular in recent years for people to buy boats overseas and either sail or transport them back here. Motivations for this vary. Some want a bargain, others are looking to make a profit, and some just want to make a trip across the Pacific. Possibly the boat you want isn’t available in Australia.
Is it really worth it?
If your prime motivation is to do the cruise across the Pacific then it makes a lot of sense. You buy a boat, suitably equip it, enjoy your trip, and either keep the boat or sell up when you get home. If you bought wisely you might even have financed your trip with the extra money the boat fetches.
For those trying to get a bargain for themselves or to on sell for a profit, it is not so clear cut. Once you have factored in all the costs associated with getting your boat back to Australia, you will probably find that if you are ahead at all, it wasn’t really worth the effort. I’m sure some people have done quite well, just as I’m sure some have regretted the experience.
A look at some of the cost and logistical factors:-
- travel and accommodation costs to view prospective boats
- surveyors pre purchase inspection fees in USA
- moving the boat to the port of embarkation if being transported
- transportation to Australia (ball park $30,000+ for a 40 footer on Dockwise)
- or delivery crew (from around $12,000 plus wear and tear on boat, extra equipment, fuel etc)
- or equipping the boat for an ocean crossing for self delivery (extra equipment, food, fuel, mooring fees, insurance etc)
- surveyor valuation for import taxes
- shipping/import agent fees
- import Duty of 5% (Not applicable for US built boats due to free trade agreement, proof may be required!)
- GST of 10%
- quarantine inspections and possible fumigation costs
- if selling, advertising costs or brokerage fees
To my mind, unless you want to do the trip or you can only get the boat you want overseas, then it’s better to save all that time and hassle and just buy something here and get out and enjoy your boat.
What do you think? Anyone have any stories to tell?
7 comments ↓
planing to buy overseas Bali, but cant find anywhere to check boat example financed, stoen etc can anyone help
thanks
craig
Hi Craig,
Unless the boat is owned by an Indonesian it should be registered in the country of the owner. Find out the boats registration number and nationality and you should be able to find the information you need. For Austalian registered vessels visit the AMSA website http://www.amsa.gov.au/ for all the details.
Ian
Hi Craig,
Just a further note if the vessel in Bali is US owned; there is a significant difference between US flagged and US documented. The latter is a proof of ownership, and the former merely a registration. Be careful to establish ownership, current status with Customs if foreign flagged, and appointment of a good agent. In a place where a lot of of bargaining dictate clearance and port movement and permits, be sure to have all your bases covered.
hi just resently found a boat in singapore at a cheap price , But the pictures and informatin on web site where exact words & pictures of a boat in the USA . what do u make of this
Hi Peter,
It could be that the boat is listed on the US website to get more enquiries. Is the boat definitely in Singapore?
Ian
Hi there , Yes it’s in batam island indonesia.I’ve been in contract with the boat seller . The thing that puzzles me is the price $73000.oo aud and $399000.oo usd , had to work out . peter
Hi Peter,
Just remember its buyer beware, carefully check everything is above board before handing over any money. There is some advice on this in the comments above.
Cheers
Ian
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