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Importing a used Yacht

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by webking185, Jul 3, 2014.

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  1. webking185, Jul 3, 2014
    #1
    webking185

    webking185 New Member

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    hi all,

    im a newbie and wanted to say hi to all.

    im in the car business, and i have a friend looking to import a boat from europe to the florida ports. i was wondering what documents would be needed to bring in the yacht. my concerns has been the engine and generator on board. the ship is a 1970 model, and it had installed a new 2000 engine with 2 generators. i know with cars the EPA is very important, and I know this has to be the same.

    any help would be appreciated.

    thanks.
  2. Capt J, Jul 3, 2014
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    EPA should be no issue. You will have to fill out the proper US customs importation forms and possibly pay a importation tax/ The marine documentation companies should know this inside and out.
  3. Opcn, Jul 4, 2014
    #3
    Opcn

    Opcn Senior Member

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    The requirements for cars have a lot to do with the extreme congestion of traffic on land. The highways of LA will have literally millions of cars on them every single day. Boats and ships do not exist in such abundance, and the power requirements vary so greatly (several orders of magnitude) that similar laws for marine applications would be both unnecessary and impractical. So long as it isn't an absolute hazard by everyones estimation that shouldn't be a legal problem.
  4. NYCAP123, Jul 4, 2014
    #4
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    I agree that you should have no problem from an EPA or legal perspective. What I'd be concerned with are the costs (import fees, taxes, cost of transporting, etc.). 1970 is a bit old to be worth it, depending on the particular boat of course. I know of one boat with a Canadian registry that's been languishing on the market for several years, because most don't consider the it to be worth the cost and hassle. If you're thinking about keeping the foreign registry to avoid the taxes and fees I'd check into the regulations very carefully. They do get seized. Another concern could be the electrical system, depending where it's coming in from. Still another could be whether you'd be comfortable with the survey you'd get where the boat's at.
  5. JWY, Jul 4, 2014
    #5
    JWY

    JWY Senior Member

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    I recommend using the services of a customs broker. There are 2 in So. Fl. that are well respected as being experts in yacht importations. I have used Steel Reeder at Howard S Reeder in Miami for many years and numerous importations.

    Judy
  6. Johngb24560, Aug 21, 2014
    #6
    Johngb24560

    Johngb24560 New Member

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    Take Care When Choosing A Shipper to IMport Your Yacht

    Please take extreme care when selecting a shipper to import your yacht. There are plenty of conman disguised as legitimate operators particularly in Ft. Lauderdale. Avoid Yachtpath, Yacht Exports, Global Relogistics or Ocean Trade Lines as these guys are nothing but smooth talking thieves. I know of numerous people that have been scammed in bogus shipping scams. I have ad first hand experience in how these scammers work. The old saying rings true, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. A warning sign is if they mention "special deal due to immediate sailing".