California Sailor Wants to Buy a Boat Near Greece

[usgreek]

Hello all,

Thanks ahead of time for your help. I'm trying to put together the following puzzle and I'm sure many have gone before me.

I live in California and want to buy a boat near or in Greece, get it to the Ionians and spend at least 2 summers boating there, putting it on the hard for the winters. I may then sell it or maybe move it to Italy or Spain or...The boat will be around 26-32', ~USD25,000, something easy to handle and that won't break the bank. This will be my first owning-in-another-country experience. The biggest challenge I seem to be facing is insurance. Do you folks have suggestions? I also see that there's a great selection of powerboats and sailboats in Croatia as well as other nearby countries. I am also thinking about single-handing it in very easy conditions. I have a very decent sailing resume so hopefully that won't be an obstacle.

All suggestions/cautions/warnings welcome.

Thanks.

USGreek

[Charlie]

I am at the tail end of purchasing a boat in Europe. It has been a time consuming affair. A few things that come to mind are:
\1) You will need to pay for the boat in cash.
2) Get a boat with VAT paid. While not required it is much easier to not have to move the boat.
3) Real good deals move fast so watch the internet. \
4) Find a broker you can trust
5) Be patient. It has taken us months to close this boat.
6) Figure out where you will register the boat so that the paperwork is drawn up in the correct manner.

[boatman61]

www.apolloduck.com is a pretty good site for your hunt

[usgreek]

Thanks for the info! I'm sure I'll have more questions soon...

[SV.Maverick]

There is a guy on here who did the same thing with a Islander 36 even has a cool site. Something like Geigi he is from California and summers in Greece.

[usgreek]

Thanks. I'll look him up.

[ShayK]

How registration may affect the future Med. cruise? If I buying boat at Greece, I have to register it there? Or there is other options? If yes, what prefer?

[usgreek]

Hello all,

I'm working on buying a Tomahawk 25 (1978) in Greece right now and was wondering if anyone knows the mainsail measurements/specs for this boat. Or any info on how to contact the builder...I think it was either Marine Construction Ltd. or Marcon Marine.

Thanks ahead of time.

USGreek