New Aussie Member

[Europa]

In December 2005 I left the UK to start a new life in Brisbane,Australia, its a tremendous country with fabulous warm waters. I,ve been sailing in the UK intermittently for the past 5 years on small dingies, but its so cold. Having arrived here, and having experienced the warmth of the sailing communities welcome, the bug has really bitten, and am regularly crewing on 36ft/40ft boats, just short costal trips in and around Brisbane.
Therefore I,m now working towards my ambition. It is to fly to the US, purchase a US registered 34ft/36ft boat, perhaps a Catalina, unless advised otherwise, and then sail back it back to Aussie. It HAS to be a US built boat, as due to the recent free trade agreement, there is no import duty.
Having found your forum, after much trawling on the internet, I,m very impressed and find that it could answer many of my questions, especially in conjunction with the RYA course I,ve recently completed.
Maybe in a few months time perhaps, hopefully I,ll be able to relate my experiences. But in the meantime I ask your forgivness whilst I ask endless questions.

Alan

[CaptainK]

Welcome aboard cruisersforum, Alan.

I own a 1973 Catalina 27. There are a few Catalina owners on this forum. That I'm sure that they would give you any advice about the Catalina line of boats.

If ya have any questions. Just feel free to list them and post your question on any thread. Someone will eventually answer it.

Welcome aboard.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Alan,

Welcome Aboard! Lots of opinions and helpful, friendly and good advice. I owned a Catalina 22 fin keeler for awhile. It was well built but I can't tell you much about the larger Catalinas.

Regards, --John--

Welcome! If the whole world ever found out how good it is here you wouldn't have room for another boat in Moreton Bay. My favourite anchorage around your parts is the top of the Canipa passage across from the yacht squadren on Russel island. Have you been north yet? The tropics got me... can never go back. Was down your way last week for the boat show and froze my arse off. How do you bear such a harsh climate? Getting spoiled is good eh..

Cheers Mate

Bob

[Weyalan]

Wellcome aboard. Good to have another Aussie based expat on the scene.

If it isn't an impertinent question; why do you want to go to the USA to buy a boat, rather than just buying one in Australia?

[ozskipper]

The lovely people at the ATO will want some of your boat the day you sail in. 10% GST, Some Duty and even GST on the delivery costs- yes even if you deliver it yourself- arent they sweet. The other thing to consider when costing the plan is the electrical conversion. Any 110 volt systems will need converting to 240 once you get here. Not hard if you arent running 110v hot water heaters, and 110 volt pumps etc.