Exporting a boat

redfred50 · 30-08-2008, 00:15

Hi folks,
I would like any advise on the rules and regs required for a non US citizen to buy a used boat in the US and sail the gulf for 6 months .What paperwork and how long it would take to obtain it
Cheers Fred

Zanshin · 30-08-2008, 06:12

This subject has been discussed several times in recent weeks. It boils down to not being able to register a boat with the CG if you are not a citizen. How you proceed depends upon what you ultimately wish to do with the boat. What flag do you wish to register the boat with? You can purchase a boat, re-register it and then apply for the necessary cruising paperwork. Remember too, that you will need a tourist visa in order to sail into and out of the USA on a private vessel (the normal visa waivers do not apply!).

redfred50 · 30-08-2008, 18:56

Hi Zanshin ,
thanks for the info, I intend to leave the boat in the Dominican Republic and fly back to Europe Regarding the country of registration I would be glad of any suggestions , I am English , but now reside in Spain ,and would be using the boat as a holiday home .Whatever reg would be the least complicated will do for me
Cheers redfred50

Zanshin · 31-08-2008, 06:35

I think that Gibraltar, BVI and Malta are great flags of convenience. Although you don't need to go to the BVI to register there, it is just short hop (upwind, of course) to the wonderful cruising grounds there.
Good luck on the purchase!

redfred50 · 31-08-2008, 15:39

Thanks a lot for your help BVI sounds good to me
Cheers Fred

30-08-2008, 00:15	#1
redfred50 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 6	Exporting a boat Hi folks, I would like any advise on the rules and regs required for a non US citizen to buy a used boat in the US and sail the gulf for 6 months .What paperwork and how long it would take to obtain it Cheers Fred

30-08-2008, 18:56	#3
redfred50 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 6	redfred50 Hi Zanshin , thanks for the info, I intend to leave the boat in the Dominican Republic and fly back to Europe Regarding the country of registration I would be glad of any suggestions , I am English , but now reside in Spain ,and would be using the boat as a holiday home .Whatever reg would be the least complicated will do for me Cheers redfred50

31-08-2008, 15:39	#5
redfred50 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 6	Zanshin Thanks a lot for your help BVI sounds good to me Cheers Fred

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30-08-2008, 06:12	#2
Zanshin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: British Virgin Islands Boat: Jeanneau 43DS Posts: 147	This subject has been discussed several times in recent weeks. It boils down to not being able to register a boat with the CG if you are not a citizen. How you proceed depends upon what you ultimately wish to do with the boat. What flag do you wish to register the boat with? You can purchase a boat, re-register it and then apply for the necessary cruising paperwork. Remember too, that you will need a tourist visa in order to sail into and out of the USA on a private vessel (the normal visa waivers do not apply!).

31-08-2008, 06:35	#4
Zanshin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: British Virgin Islands Boat: Jeanneau 43DS Posts: 147	I think that Gibraltar, BVI and Malta are great flags of convenience. Although you don't need to go to the BVI to register there, it is just short hop (upwind, of course) to the wonderful cruising grounds there. Good luck on the purchase!