Importing to UK

Hi Everyone,
Does anyone have any good experiences of sending a boat to the UK or bringing one in? I see there are some threads about scams etc on the subject of foreign sales, but very little about successful purchases. Because of the exchange rate US boats are quite attractive but I want to find out as much as possible about the perils and pitfalls. Thanks.

PS I am also posting this on offshoreonly.com so apologies to those watching both forums.

[Tony Davis]

I've brought a couple of boats in from the US, the last one was 2 years ago. No problems whatsoever, although I haven't ever bought privately, and I've always been out there when buying.

I use Peters and May as my shipping agent, a reputable company with years of experience. No hidden charges, and a prompt and efficient service at a reasonable price.

I'll certainly be doing it again, maybe quite soon.

[Wild Thing]

What sort of boat are you after?

Heart says 311 SR1, head-wife-bank manager says avon tender (no outboard). I do fancy a Formula though - the SR1's tick all the boxes. I know Matt Yorke's is for sale but I'm just curious about whether there's maybe something younger and fresher available for the same money (boat that is - not Matt) with a bit of effort and organisation. Whatever I save could keep me in fuel (till the end of the jetty).

[Athito]

I have recently imported and have had no issues at all. Biggest problem is waiting for the thing to get shipped after you have spent the cash!!!

Need to use a reputable broker and try and find a good surveyor...just like buying something locally - but harder to judge how good they are over the phone or off their website.

I saved about £30,000 by importing.

Don't forget there are "hidden" costs:
--Import tax of 19.2% on cost of boat AND shipping
--few grand to get an RCD inspection (otherwise the boat shouldn't be used in UK waters)
--inland shipping to get to a transit port

But as long as you have your eyes open it isn't any harder buying from 3,000 miles than it is from 3.

Stef

[freddan]

Originally Posted by pizzapeetso

Heart says 311 SR1, head-wife-bank manager says avon tender (no outboard). I do fancy a Formula though - the SR1's tick all the boxes. I know Matt Yorke's is for sale but I'm just curious about whether there's maybe something younger and fresher available for the same money (boat that is - not Matt) with a bit of effort and organisation. Whatever I save could keep me in fuel (till the end of the jetty).

There is a 311 for sale here in sweden recently imported from Michigan, US.
2*370HP with TRS drives and a brand new trailer (2007).
I think the seller wants something like £26-24.000. He is motivated to sell because he just bought a 357....

Link to ad

[Matt]

That's quite a lot of money for an old boat, old (obsolete) drives and old motors. The 311 in guernsey looks better value.

[Carl]

nice trailer

[Matt]

If that boat's worth GBP24K, mine has just gone up in price.
Mebbe I should buy the one at port solent too...

[Tony Davis]

Originally Posted by Carl

nice trailer

and almost big enough for the boat!

[Jon Holmes]

I too am planning on buying my next boat in the states and shipping it back to Southampton using Peters & May. Bad news is that i dont have a date yet!

I am leaving Dubai this December and hope to return to the Solent, though there are whispers that i may go to either to the states for a couple of years or possibly Antwerp!

At the moment to keep me going i am planning to purchase a boat at the beginning of next year and be on the Solent as soon as possible.

Looking for something around 30' with twin inboard petrols and resembling a Phallus!

[Pizzapeetso]

Nice but its too much – I cåån’t ååffyord it. Rusty pancake filters too.