American buying a boat in Malaysia - Registration

[likinsca]

Hello everyone. I have another registration issue and have been unable to find anything specific on the forum regarding this issue.

My wife and I are in the process (offer accepted) of purchasing a sailing yacht in Malaysia. The vessel is currently registered in Langkawi. As a US Citizen I want to change the flag to USA (Topsail will only insure us with a US Flag apparently).

Ive been told that documenting with the USCG takes at least 90 days. Proof of registry deletion is required in order to document with the USCG. So what happens during these 90 days in terms of where the yacht is registered? To try and resolve this issue and fly the US flag straight away, we have been considering Delaware Registration (which apparently can be done in 5 days) and then start the process of documenting with the USCG after. Would DE registration be suitable for cruising in Malaysia and Thailand? Topsail has said they would insure us with DE Reg.

Any advice or suggestions? This is our first time purchasing a boat so its all very complex and confusing!!!

Thanks in advance!

[likinsca]

Anyone?

[fcftampa]

I've seen a some good deals in the area and have been deterred by the distance. Are you planning on cruising your way out, transport it to the US or leaving it there?
Quite a few US buyers going overseas to buy boats to me shows the US market is overpriced.
Can't help you, but hope to learn from your process, please update as you go.

[likinsca]

Originally Posted by fcftampa

I've seen a some good deals in the area and have been deterred by the distance. Are you planning on cruising your way out, transport it to the US or leaving it there?
Quite a few US buyers going overseas to buy boats to me shows the US market is overpriced.
Can't help you, but hope to learn from your process, please update as you go.

We are planning to keep it in Malaysia for now. Eventually doing a world cruise. We live and work in Asia now so buying out here was good for us.

[BM2023]

Originally Posted by likinsca

We are planning to keep it in Malaysia for now. Eventually doing a world cruise. We live and work in Asia now so buying out here was good for us.

Is it maybe not easier, if possible, to remain sailing under the Malayan flag en seek an other insurance company who will insure you.

Most probably one of the larger specialised companies like Alianz, Chubb, Pantaenius, etc. will be able to accommodate you.

[lamadriver]

Malaysia register is easy. The Langkawi Yacht Registry is a flag of convenience and tax-free. Less than 80 dollars a year. No problem finding insurance.

Paul at Yacht Broker Charters's wife is an agent and can get it done fast.

it's a cheap, safe, easy way to flag a vessel.

im ameican and my boat eas under the Malaysian flag for a while. Pm me with questions.

There can be good deals in Malaysia and Thailand, especially if you go walk the hardstands. By the time people reach Thailand or Malaysia they are 5-6 years into their 3-year circumnavigation, often the other half calls it quit with the IO transit looming.


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