Buying a boat

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Sailor Mick

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Apr 16, 2012
2
hunter 35.6 Zululand yacht club
Hi,
I’m looking at purchasing a sailing boat in Florida with the intension to cruise the Caribbean.
The catch is, I live in South Africa. I have my heart set on a shoal draft Hunter 35.6. I actually saw one on this particular site.
My plans are to fly to Florida, buy a ready to cruise boat and cruise the Caribbean. I have plenty sailing experience, and I have sailed the Caribbean before. I have a RYA Yacht Masters Offshore ticket, and our local South African Sailing Coastal skippers ticket.
My question is; Would I be able to do the above, i.e. Buy a boat in Florida and leave a US port with my ticket? What other documentation would be required from me to follow my dream?

Any information on this subject would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Micus
 
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Benny17441

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May 24, 2004
7,215
CC 30 South Florida
You do not need a license to operate a private pleasure craft in this country. You do not need to notify customs or anyone when you sail out of the country. Decide in what country the boat will be registered and find out from them what would be the necessary documentation that they would require. If you want to get the boat titled in the US you may do so without having to pay sales tax. Local brokers are burdened by law to collect sales tax on all transactions but the State recognizes that boats to be registered out of the country do not have to pay tax. If using a broker get one that knows what they are doing. Decide about insurance and if you are getting it contact an insurer in South Africa and get a quote; it may be easier than trying to secure insurance in the US for a boat that is leaving the country. A marine survey for the boat at purchase will go a long way to help insure you get a good boat and will facilitate getting insurance coverage. Would suggest you contact a broker in the area where you are looking to purchase to work on your behalf and allow him to guide you through the process.
 
higgs

higgs

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Aug 24, 2005
3,736
Nassau 34 Olcott, NY
I'm guessing if you buy a boat in FL you are going to have to pay FL state taxes. US immigration would be a good source for how you exit the country, though my experience is that you do not need to inform US customs when you leave the US, but I am a US citizen who does sail frequently out of the country.
 
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