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BillBeggs · 15-10-2011, 22:08

Hi, All, It is very exciting exploring this world of sailing. My wife & I are planning to buy our first boat, perhaps a ketch around 38 feet with a view to live aboard and cruise the eastern Queensland coastline. We noticed that there are some good looking boats in USA at very reasonable prices. Would it be a plan to buy in USA and sail back to Australia? How deep is the red tape? All advice is welcomed. Regards, Bill

Johnathon123 · 15-10-2011, 22:46

Hi Bill

Welcome Aboard

Here's 51 pages of analysis to get you started on the import road.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...alia-3346.html

A few members have done it, seems to be a reasonable way to go but don't expect a profit at the end of it all.

BillBeggs · 16-10-2011, 05:43

Thanks for the link. Bill

ozskipper · 16-10-2011, 06:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillBeggs

snip) We noticed that there are some good looking boats in USA at very reasonable prices. Would it be a plan to buy in USA and sail back to Australia? How deep is the red tape? All advice is welcomed. Regards, Bill

There are lots of threads on the subject. Yes its do-able. Very do-able. Duty applies on some boats and not on others. GST applies to all boats as well as a nice hidden GST on the cost of the delivery- even if you sail it here yourself. If your last stop is NZ you pay GST on that leg. Sigh.. Gotta love the ato.
http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4365.asp

Aus registration before you leave US is a good idea. Though not all people do it. But after a chat to google on those two subjects you will be well informed.

Shipping Registration - Forms

My own research todate shows that by the time you cost in converting a coastal cruiser to a Blue water boat plus running costs along the way, you wont really save that much money on an AUS bought boat. But you will get a wonderful 6/12 month experience that can continue around Aus when you get back.. Happy hunting...