Buying in EU bring back to USA

[SailingAussie]

Hello
Looking at going up from our Beneteau 285 to something in the 40-45fr range.
I am intrigued by the amount of boats in Europe and in particular my wife and I really like the Bavaria 44 (circa 2000-2005).

Was looking for some help!

Has anyone bought one?

If not that model, has anyone bought a boat over there and had brought back to the US?

How was the experience, any wisdom you can share?

Any help with what’s required for docs, titles, registration etc ?

Is there a good broker/ middle man who is worth contacting?

I am trying to ascertain how worth it is pursuing and if I should just stick with local waters for my search!

Many Thanks in advance!

[boatman61]

Don't have to go that far..
https://www.boats-caribbean.com/sail...owned_788.html

Your only problem may be the 220volt system.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by SailingAussie

Hello
Looking at going up from our Beneteau 285 to something in the 40-45fr range.
I am intrigued by the amount of boats in Europe and in particular my wife and I really like the Bavaria 44 (circa 2000-2005).

Was looking for some help!

Has anyone bought one?

If not that model, has anyone bought a boat over there and had brought back to the US?

How was the experience, any wisdom you can share?

Any help with what’s required for docs, titles, registration etc ?

Is there a good broker/ middle man who is worth contacting?

I am trying to ascertain how worth it is pursuing and if I should just stick with local waters for my search!

Many Thanks in advance!

Are you a US citizen ? This can make a big difference on bringing a boat into the US and how you are allowed to use it.

[Yellow bird]

As Boatman said "Don't go so far"

https://www.yachtworld.com/core/list...783+4294959101

[BHRice]

Just bought a fantastic boat in Europe and having it shipped here. I can recommend a broker if you are interested.

[SailingAussie]

Yes thanks a recommendation would be great.

Thanks also for the links. I will check them out now!!

I am a US permanent resident. My wife is a citizen so we could purchase in her name. Thanks for any info you have

[Chris777]

Originally Posted by SailingAussie

Hello
Looking at going up from our Beneteau 285 to something in the 40-45fr range.
I am intrigued by the amount of boats in Europe and in particular my wife and I really like the Bavaria 44 (circa 2000-2005).

Was looking for some help!

Has anyone bought one?

If not that model, has anyone bought a boat over there and had brought back to the US?

How was the experience, any wisdom you can share?

Any help with what’s required for docs, titles, registration etc ?

Is there a good broker/ middle man who is worth contacting?

I am trying to ascertain how worth it is pursuing and if I should just stick with local waters for my search!

Many Thanks in advance!

Did that 2 years ago. I am EU and US Passport holder... not sure if that matters. Authorities checked the bill of sale and both of my passports a coupke of days before we loaded on to a ship. I shipped with coplete marine freigh,t $10K for a 36' vessel Netherlands to Jacksonville FL. 3% import duty based on bill of sale.... It realy was easy, and I am glad I did it.

Good luck

[Orion Jim]

That 3% import duty seems very reasonable. Never been involved in importing but would have thought the duty would have been much more substantial.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Chris777

Did that 2 years ago. I am EU and US Passport holder... not sure if that matters. Authorities checked the bill of sale and both of my passports a coupke of days before we loaded on to a ship. I shipped with coplete marine freigh,t $10K for a 36' vessel Netherlands to Jacksonville FL. 3% import duty based on bill of sale.... It realy was easy, and I am glad I did it.

Good luck

And no Florida use tax? Or did you not leave tbe boat in Fla?

[Gypsy23]

Can't speak about importing to US but I was an owner of a Bav44-3cabin 2002 for 17yrs, 5 in the Med and the rest in Aust. Shipped it from Italy to Syd in 2006.


The 44's of that era, were in my opinion, the leaders of the Bavaria fleet, as good as any production boat of their time and better than many. We cruised many miles with safety, confidence and comfort. Plenty of life in those boats still, in my case I needed to downsize to suit a different lifestyle.


I hope it works out as well for you as it did for me.

[Wendi]

I bought my Lagoon Cat from Europe. It was in Croatia. I set up a BVI corporation, so the boat was owned by that. I had a broker handle the money exchange.
I paid to have the boat brought to the Grand Canary. Then I flew over and sailed to St Lucia with the ARC.
You should consider the BVI corp, it saves a lot of money and there are no import fees. I think I paid about $1500 to set it up. No yearly property tax, no sales tax. You fly a British flag which can be an advantage.
Bringing a sailboat from Europe can result in a higher value when it reaches the Caribbean, especially since so many boats were destroyed in the last hurricane.
If you are into sailing an ocean, the ARC leaves late November and you have the company of 250 sailboats. Makes arriving very fun! But you won't see any of those boats along the way. Turns out, it is a very big ocean. I think I saw 3 other sailboats in the 3 weeks I sailed over.
You don't need to join the ARC of course, but if are part of it and you get into trouble they help find another sailor in the group nearby to come and rescue you. Plus, the classes for the week before were great.