Experience with Importing Boats

[Twalis]

HI Folks

I'm looking to potentially import a semi rigid inflatable from South Africa.

Wondering if anyone on the forum has had any experience with doing something similar and what are the things to look out for (process, hidden costs) and also potentially any freight companies used for importing boats.

Any advise welcome

Thanks

Twalis

[smile0784]

Do you have a link for the voat you want to import

[Twalis]

Hi - I'm still researching the boat at the moment.

However - something along the lines of - https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-boats-jet-s ... 0000262209

Thanks

[Mjacc]

Got no idea about the actual boat, but you will likely be hit with GST at customs, based on what they value it at.

[scott__henning]

Aside from the gst and import taxes that you’ll get charged with let alone the freight costs, I’d be very cautious importing a used boat from overseas. You have no idea what may be wrong with it, and you’ll have no protection in that regard.

You will also have to re-register, and it’s likely that modifications will have to be made to bring it up to Victorian registration standard (mostly with the trailer). I’m making an assumption, but knowing what South African road laws are like it probably doesn’t even have lights on the trailer.

Far more reputable used boats at good prices closer to home, that you can phisically look at and inspect before buying.

[frozenpod]

Even if the boat was free I cant see it being worth it for a boat that size compared with buying local.

The freight, customs duties, fumigation ect.

[Sinsemilla]

When i was looking for a boat years back it was going to cost me around the 30k mark to bring a 7m boat over. That included everything. They also went over there to inspect the boat. The only thing is you wont be covered by warranty with the motors if they are still in the warranty period.
Apart from a bit of hassle you can get a very good second hand american built boat for a fair bit less than a aussie boat and with most american boats they are much better built than aussie boats. I can't remember the name of the company but there are plenty our there. Just do as much research as you can and speak to as many people as you can.

Anth

[frozenpod]

When i was looking for a boat years back it was going to cost me around the 30k mark to bring a 7m boat over. That included everything. They also went over there to inspect the boat. The only thing is you wont be covered by warranty with the motors if they are still in the warranty period.
Apart from a bit of hassle you can get a very good second hand american built boat for a fair bit less than a aussie boat and with most american boats they are much better built than aussie boats. I can't remember the name of the company but there are plenty our there. Just do as much research as you can and speak to as many people as you can.

Anth

100% correct except for the "most american boats they are much better built than aussie boats".

Most American fiberglass boats are not built as well as Australian boats. This comes from personal experience of seeing the floors removed on several imported US boats.

[Sinsemilla]

When i was looking for a boat years back it was going to cost me around the 30k mark to bring a 7m boat over. That included everything. They also went over there to inspect the boat. The only thing is you wont be covered by warranty with the motors if they are still in the warranty period.
Apart from a bit of hassle you can get a very good second hand american built boat for a fair bit less than a aussie boat and with most american boats they are much better built than aussie boats. I can't remember the name of the company but there are plenty our there. Just do as much research as you can and speak to as many people as you can.

Anth

100% correct except for the "most american boats they are much better built than aussie boats".

Most American fiberglass boats are not built as well as Australian boats. This comes from personal experience of seeing the floors removed on several imported US boats.

I totally disagree with you. If you think a Haines (top aus boat) compares to a grady white or boston whaler (top us boats).. Mate aussie boats still use wood as stringers compared to us boats using alloy. I own a Haines 680 Patriot.. i cried when i stepped on an american boat at the boat show.. Even the alloy NZ boats are better built.

[frozenpod]

The 680 patriot is a US hull made in Australia, from when haines hunter was owned by OMC. Some of the haines models are great others not so great. What was the facebook page for the nightmare 680 patriot called?

For your reference I have seen the floor removed on a Boston Whaler. Boat was 7 years old and required full rebuild, stringers, floor, transom.

Sadly the quality of what you couldn't see on the Boston was a massive let down.