international shipping

[s1jor]

thinking of purchasing a boat in the us and then shipping it back to the uk, any ideas of cost????? or recommendations of how the best way is or which compant to use????<br /><br />thanks

 

[s1jor]

Re: international shipping

that should read which company to use sorry

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: international shipping

s1jor,<br /><br />Cost depends more on where in the US you buy your boat. Florida for example - say up near Jacksonville or down Miami way - you can get your boat shrinked and shipped easily. But further west and you'll have to pay big bucks for transhipment, handling, storage etc. It all mounts up.<br /><br />If that, and the problems of a sound survey, trust in the seller, and transferring the cash with security, doesn't make you think again, then we've done this a time or two and I can give you addresses.<br /><br />We haven't come unstuck yet, but it could happen. One boat that should have reached us in two weeks took three months and ended up in France instead of Malta!<br /><br />Don't want to put you off, but there's a downside as well as an upside.

 

[stevens]

Re: international shipping

Good advise from Stillfishing here.<br /><br />I haven't done this myself yet, but have read in the papers that the private imports of US boats to Scandinavia have reached absolute record heights this year.<br /><br />It often seems best to start with the destination and see which shipping companies serve that particular destination/country. <br /><br />A google-search for "international yacht transport" should list quite a few potential leads. Many also have a pick-up service where they will pick the boat up anywhere in the US and handle it all the way to your doorstep.<br /><br />Buying over Ebay and paying with Paypal adds some convenience and a dimension of buyer protection, but you still need to ensure that the surveyor's report and pictures are genuine and tell the whole truth about the boat in question, and that you deal with someone reputable who will serve you well.<br /><br />Sometimes, you may find the boat & dealer first, do all the discussions and details by mail and then have the dealer list the boat on ebay in a private listing for you only. <br /><br />Do make sure you get all the paperwork required for a CE-certification, which is most often required if you want to insure or finance the boat.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[s1jor]

Re: international shipping

thanks for the info guys,<br />the boat will only be in the 18-20 ft bowrider category, so would you all still recommend the survey etc????? and whats the ce certification??????

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: international shipping

Hi s1jor,<br /><br />

the boat will only be in the 18-20 ft bowrider category

The size makes a significant difference to shipping costs. A standard container is 20' x 8' and will take a 18' x 7'6" boat. A double container is 40' long, and will take a boat up to 38' in length. Boats this long will normally have a beam too wide to fit the container, so exact size is important. If your purchase is on a trailer, then it's the trailer dimensions that must meet the above sizes. You are renting the container, so if you can fill the unused space with saleable goods as well as the boat, or other stuff you want from the US, you'll be making the best use of the space.<br /><br />If your boat will not fit into a container, it can be more or less any size you want. Get it shrinkwrapped, which is also a good thing both for weathering and for keeping fittings secure from pilferage. It will probably be stowed on deck. You will need to pay more for handling if no trailer is involved.<br /><br />A GOOD shipping agent will get you piecemeal prices for every stage of the game - but remember that they'll load their profit onto each price. Sometimes, if you buy on brokerage, the dealer will get you knock-down prices because he's anxious to make the sale. And he'll haggle on your behalf with the boat owner. Get a survey before you haggle.<br /><br />CE Certification?<br />Check out this site - it tells you everything: http://www.nmma.org/certification/programs/ce/

 

[andymach23]

Re: international shipping

Another issue is with trailers. I have seen US trailers advertised with boats in the UK that are for 'launching only' and are not 'road legal'. I am not sure what the deal is here but it would be worth looking into. <br /><br />Maybe someone else knows about this?<br /><br />A new UK spec trailer purchased in the UK might be an option for your boat instead of a US one.<br /><br />Good luck and let us know how you get on.<br /><br />Andy

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: international shipping

One of my customers bought a secondhand scarab in New York and got it shipped to Melbourne. <br /><br />He got an independent survey in the U.S before finalising payment. 40FT container, had to fit the boat inside the container on 45 degree angle. He employed a carpenter (in New York) to build a cradle that would accomadate the boat and fit snugly inside the container. After all that, and shipping/insurance etc, he still saved about $20,000 above what it would have cost to buy from and Australian dealer. <br /><br />Aldo

 

[Solittle]

Re: international shipping

Maube not a good comparison but in 1992 I sold a 27 1/2' flybridge on a triple axle trailer to a guy in Stockholm, Sw. It cost the buyer $6,000.00 to ship.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: international shipping

Andy mentioned the trailer aspect. Reminded me of a few more points:<br /><br />US trailers are not road legal in the UK. You might get away with it (we have before now) until the time comes to replace your trailer.<br /><br />Either way, both the boat and the trailer need clear title for customs clearance. Get photocopies of all titles, shipping documents and purchase receipts BEFORE the boat arrives. That way, you can see your local handler or customs contact and iron out any wrinkles in good time.<br /><br />If you intend to tow away your boat on its US trailer from the dockside, check on towball sizes - American sizes differ from UK sizes. We got caught the first time we did this, and had to cut off the trailer hitch and weld on another one, before we could tow the outfit away.<br /><br />Don't let any of that put you off - it's just routine procedure. There are great bargains to be had.

 

[s1jor]

Re: international shipping

does anyone no why us trailers are not road legal in the uk???????

 

[stevens]

Re: international shipping

Same here in Scandinavia; the US trailers are only good for winter storage, not for road use. I think it has something to do with them not having the proper brakes and lights. However, I believe it is possible to have them certified for road use once these issues have been rectified. But again, this is only my impression as I have not yet tried this out in practice.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: international shipping

s1jor,<br /><br />You'll find that a little research on your part will give you all the answers on boat importing and trailer legalities (saves the technical wizards here doing your work for you!). To start you off, try this site:<br /> http://www.ntta.co.uk <br /><br />It's the home of the official trailer regs site for the UK.

 

[s1jor]

Re: international shipping

stillfishing, and everyone else<br /><br />thanks for all the advice, i'll check out the trailer stuff and then see where i go <br /><br />thanks again