I have locate a few Beneteau's that are located in either Italy, France and Ireland. If I buy one of these boats, sail them back to Canada (save the shipping fee) what other cost are associated with this type of purchase transaction? What are the duties/tax implications associated with the purchase of a vessel that is manufactured and purchase (used) from overseas? Thanks
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Electrical Wiring
From a construction standpoint probably the biggest item would be changing the electrical wiring to accommodate 120V current. European boats area wired for 240V which is much smaller wiring than in North America. Several years ago when the dollar had some value to it (2000) I was looking seriously at doing what you're contemplating but my wife didn't want to cross the Atlantic so that was nixed. Anyway, the cost to factory-install wiring to meet your codes will be expensive, at least with Bavaria. It could be cost-effective to change it out yourself but if you're getting a large boat this can be a daunting task as everything is in wire harnesses. It'd be a lot of work. As for used boats I doubt you save anything unless the VAT hasn't been paid yet - then maybe. It'd be my guess that there are more Europeans buying our boats than the other way around due to the value of the Euro. There is a situation that could justify it though, and that's to use the boat as a floating apartment while cruising Europe. Since the North Sea and the Baltic gets VERY cold (but you're probably used to that???) you'd probably want to store the boat on the hard and go home for the winter - and their season is very short in the north. For southern Europe, moorage can get expensive and in the Adriatic (sp?) they can get strong winds. On the other hand, there are some fringe benefits - see picture - taken in Vienna last month. Just don't count the calories. Then check out the wines in Portugal, etc.
From a construction standpoint probably the biggest item would be changing the electrical wiring to accommodate 120V current. European boats area wired for 240V which is much smaller wiring than in North America. Several years ago when the dollar had some value to it (2000) I was looking seriously at doing what you're contemplating but my wife didn't want to cross the Atlantic so that was nixed. Anyway, the cost to factory-install wiring to meet your codes will be expensive, at least with Bavaria. It could be cost-effective to change it out yourself but if you're getting a large boat this can be a daunting task as everything is in wire harnesses. It'd be a lot of work. As for used boats I doubt you save anything unless the VAT hasn't been paid yet - then maybe. It'd be my guess that there are more Europeans buying our boats than the other way around due to the value of the Euro. There is a situation that could justify it though, and that's to use the boat as a floating apartment while cruising Europe. Since the North Sea and the Baltic gets VERY cold (but you're probably used to that???) you'd probably want to store the boat on the hard and go home for the winter - and their season is very short in the north. For southern Europe, moorage can get expensive and in the Adriatic (sp?) they can get strong winds. On the other hand, there are some fringe benefits - see picture - taken in Vienna last month. Just don't count the calories. Then check out the wines in Portugal, etc.
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