Brokers!! What do they do for 5%???

I've dealt with over a handful of boats that were shipped directly to various parts of Australia. Why ship it to either of the places mentioned if you want the boat in Australia? I know Sevenstar ships to various ports in Australia as they have shipped a few forum members yachts there that I have dealt with.

I agree with K1W1, I would at the very least do a long shakedown cruise with the vessel before you ship it so that you can test everything and know exactly what you're dealing with before attempting a long ocean journey on a new to you boat.

Hi,

My apologies. I did not realise fuel was available in Cocos/Keeling Islands.

I know a guy who sent a few cars to NZ after paying large dollars in Qld to have them cleaned and wrapped, had to pay all over again in NZ for cleaning and reckons they were dirtier when done than before they were unwrapped.

Makes you wonder if there is some scam going on with this stuff sometimes.

Good thoughts on getting the existing team to run it for you.

Broker!! What do they do for 5%???

Simple

Less than 10%... !

This description of broker is far far far different than one in the US and interesting to know. First, the broker in the US is not your agent, cannot commit you. They are your representative if hired by you, but nothing is committed until or unless you sign.

As to living on the fringes, some in the US are, but many are reputable long term professionals in the field and are living quite well and certainly not on the fringes. So there are all kinds. Similarly there are honest and professional and there are the opposite.

I'm not certain why you say never buy from a financial institution or bank. In the US many quality boats end up having been foreclosed just like houses and the banks are quite reputable in their dealings. If sold at auction the "as is" aspect is scary, but when purchased directly from the lien holder, often very good deals can be had.

While I do see the advantages in knowing the seller, that is seldom the case in the US. Most transactions are broker to broker with buyer and seller having little if any contact. That tends to keep the dealings on a business level and assist in negotiation. It adds a discipline to the situation.

I definitely agree that jurisdiction is important. In fact, I think what you point out there and your information on Notaire's points out how important jurisdiction can be and how important knowledge of the country involved is. This probably means you need an additional person on your team. If I was buying a yacht in France, using my US broker, and the seller represented by a French broker, I would want a Maritime attorney knowledgeable of French law involved, perhaps one with a relationship with my US attorney. Dealing in any other country and not having someone knowledgeable in all the laws of that country can be very dangerous. I've always found this approach true in business as I've dealt in many countries and always had someone in that country to represent my interests. They know the law, but they also know the customs and the best way to accomplish things in that country. As an example, I had an excellent attorney in Jamaica. In fact, one from the firm became the prime minister. Even today, through that relationship, I could get a meeting with the current Prime Minister if needed at any time. Respect other countries and their ways of doing business. I see some go into other countries and start saying "this is crazy." No, it's just different. But knowing that is critical.

I like the "it is really hard for Americans to comprehend." I'm sure there are many things we do here that it is really hard for the French to comprehend. The worst mistake one can make is to assume things work the same everywhere and not to learn and respect the way things are done in other parts of the world. Just something as simple as the way business meetings are conducted is important. One country you'll find it's essential to start with some social interaction before getting down to business. Then another you'll find that humor is considered inappropriate and if you don't remain serious in a meeting they will think you silly and be unimpressed by you.

Thanks for sharing the French side.