I look at boats coming out of charter and they are much cheaper than in the US especially West Coast. You can find late model, well maintained vessels, for 1/3 less. I realize a lot of these boats have high engine hours, no radar, etc. but some do and they seem like a very good buy. I am looking in the 40-50' range. If not the Med then what part of the world to buy in?
Buying a Beneteau in Mediterranean
- Thread starter grboregon
- Start date
There might be some savings at present in different parts of the world related to currency exchange rates. Check out the market in Croatia as they also have a large charter fleet. Remember that ultimately purchasing a used boat requires to look at and appraise the condition of individual vessels and their selling price. I applaud folks that look out of their area to seek a good purchase but do not loose sight of the overall cost to pay taxes and deliver it to the intended keeping location. For boats which will ultimately be kept in the US I find the Miami market hard to beat as far as availability and prices. Also look for ways to cut down on "finding costs" perhaps enlisting local brokers to look for boats that may fill your criteria. Good hunting.
Thanks for the input. I realize there are costs to move the boat, VAT/Registry and other issues but I do see a big disparity in prices which I suspect are because of the huge charter companies in the MED and the downturn in the EU countries and problems over there. I recently bought a Porsche 911 on the East coast and drove it home and it was 20% cheaper there than in the Pacific NW. I think I can drive it for 3 years or so and break even which for expendables like cars, boats, etc I think is a good deal. A "free" toy except for having your money tied up. Do you know any good brokers that can find owners that want out in Miami or thereabouts? Most boat brokers are like real state brokersin that they just look at the listings and don't actually go out and find a deal somewhere. If you know of any places to search let me know.
Unless you plan to SAIL her home, deck transport of a 50 footer from the eastern Med to the Pac Coast USA will most than crush any savings. That cost will be mindlowing.
Then you have to deal with 220 power, and maybe a new diesel if the current one is not federalized.
But you are right. boats in the eastern med right now are very reasonably priced, in particular with the strong dollar.
Then you have to deal with 220 power, and maybe a new diesel if the current one is not federalized.
But you are right. boats in the eastern med right now are very reasonably priced, in particular with the strong dollar.
Jackdaw,
What did you mean "federalized" for the engine? I was not aware of US rules on small marine diesel engines emissions or installations. These engines do not have emissions controls like cars and trucks do, do they?
If you import a boat from say Europe, newer than 1996-2000, the motor must pass the EPA diesel emission specs at the time of creation. In (I think) 2004 the EPA ramped up the specs on emissions, and many of the builders (Volvo for sure) created two version of their motors, one for the USA and one for elsewhere. If you get say a 2009 boat, to bring it in it has to meet the spec in place in 2009. Many will not. Re-power time if it gets caught. This has happened to a good friend of mine.
Read more here.
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1184/~/importing-a-boat-for-personal-use-into-the-u.s.
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