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Thought of sending high quality boats to Australia

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by craigsduc, Jul 13, 2011.

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  1. craigsduc, Jul 13, 2011
    #1
    craigsduc

    craigsduc New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2010
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    Location:
    Thousand Oaks
    I have been on the water since childhood and love boating as well. I know mechanicals very well and have had a career in very high quality construction for over 35 years. I have recently and for some time....as some out there know.....been pursuing buying a sportfisher which has been a lifelong goal of ours/mine. I have posted numerous posts regarding thoughts on various boats we have looked at over time and have recently finally pursued a 1995 Viking 50 SF with man 820 with about 2700 hrs. The pricing seems very reasonable and in line with our budget. It was recommended to us to stick with modern 4 stroke diesels and newer/smaller boats from the early 80s 54/55 ft sf boats we were originally pursuing with 12 cyl Detroits. I knew and have always known buying the newest smallest boat we could afford that will serve our needs was the smartest approach. We finally found what appears to be a good fit and plan on inspecting the Viking next week enroute to the Bahamas for a badly needed getaway!

    It has come to my attention that some boats are quite desireable to Australians and due to the weak dollar, command good prices. As my wife has recommended to me trying to find a niche relative to boating that I could pursue as a " hobby " and potential way out of construction to retire with, it prompted thoughts of perhaps taking older high quality American built boats and sending them to a place where they could command a good return. Its sad to see so many older Hats, Bertrams, Ribos, etc sitting here without buyers due to lack of financing. Yes, they mostly have Detroits but perhaps....in Australia......that isnt such a bad thing. I obviously need to investigate it. These marks seem to be very popular there due to their quality. Wondering if sending them down under one at a time would be such a bad idea. I realize there is substancial shipping and duty fees along with cost to convert electrical systems to 50 cycle etc but perhaps it would still be worth it.


    Thoughts
  2. K1W1, Jul 13, 2011
    #2
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    There are no doubt a couple of members here who can answer these questions including one who bought a boat in the US last year and shipped it home.
  3. craigsduc, Jul 13, 2011
    #3
    craigsduc

    craigsduc New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2010
    Messages:
    86
    Location:
    Thousand Oaks
    Thanks KIWI....I thought you might respond! Not thinking it is such a bad idea but............. Will look into feasibility at least.
  4. Kafue, Jul 13, 2011
    #4
    Kafue

    Kafue Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2006
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    Location:
    Gold Coast Australia
    Hi Craig,
    K1W1 may be referring to me.
    Some things to consider:
    You are coming into this a little past the market. There have been hundreds of vessels brought in from the US. All sizes.
    There could still be a market but it is not easy to sell high price boats here at the moment. My Hatteras 53 arrived on a cargo ship (7 Star) with at least a dozen other motor boats, from 30’ to 60’. Many Sea Rays as they are well known here, a Viking and so on.
    US boats do not get taxed the 5% import duty because of the Free Trade agreement we have with the US. Keep in mind, this means MANUFACTURED in the US, not bought in the US. All vessels get a 10% General Sales Tax (GST) added.
    Our economy is not that great although better than yours. We have 20 million population, mainly along the coast, so boating is popular but consider this:
    Out of 20 mill how many will want a boat?
    Then of those how many can afford one?
    Then of those, what are you offering that is not already here?
    An experienced boat buyer from Australia can and probably has, already visited Yachtworld and is looking at options, as I did.
    All the advantages you have by being there as the knowledgeable exporter is equal to the importer here knowing who his market is. Without the help of Yachtforums (Capt. J, especially) I would have had to spend more time and money in the US.
    I bought the Hatteras for personal use, not re-sale, I wonder if I could profit from the re-sale and am happy I don’t need to in this economy.
    There are now quite a few US brokerage companies partnered with local brokers, bringing in boats that are pre-sold.
    I too would love to turn my passion into a business, but it is not easy (is anything worthwhile?)
    Feel free to PM me for any assistance if you think I can help and good luck.
    G