Import Mac from USA

[igooba]

Hi Everyone,
Just wondered if anyone had been through the import process from the USA and would like to share the lessons learned?

With the exchange rate at the moment I have been doing a great deal of research although it is a scary world out there with many dealers, scams and pitfalls that make this a risky proposition.

If anyone has done this would you mind helping me out?
1) Best areas to look to purchase...where are the cheapest locations to ship the containers from.
2) Good websites in those locations that are selling 2nd hand Mac's
3) Anyone used a good inspection company they could recommend and remember approx costs?
4) Did the trailer just roll into the container or did you have to modify it. (it looks pretty tight)
5) Any recommendations of a good import / logistics company with Mac experience?
6) What trailer mods did you need to do? Approx Cost? Did you do them in the USA or here?
7) Did the boat or the engine require any permits to exit USA or enter Australia?
8 Any problems getting the boat or trailer registered here in Australia?
9) Did you have to pay GST? (I read if you have a certificate that it was made in the USA you don't)
10) Was it worth the hassle? Would you do it again?
11) Would you do anything differently?

By the way I am looking at a 26M or X for about $25-$27k USD
Hopefully for the money I could get a more in terms of accessories.(tackle, sail gear, solar, electronics etc)

Thanks for your help

[kmclemore]

I don't know a thing about it, but I do know it's been discussed on here many times... have a search for "import container" and I'm sure you'll find several threads.

[igooba]

Thanks for your help, I tried before posting but must not have used the right keyword.

Once I am all done I will do a guide one can find it all in the everything in one place.
I have asked a heap of questions from the shipping companies about quarantine/sump oil, petrol/water tanks etc a lot of detail to consider.

I have been logging onto boat point daily for the last 4-5 months and it worries me that no Macgregor boats have dropped off in that time.
• Is Boatpoint bad for leaving ads online even after they have sold….
• Or are Macgregor’s hard to move?
• Or perhaps just the nerves of the current economic climate mixed with winter timing?

[Lease]

GFC??

The point is that a LOT, let me repeat, a LOT of people have imported used Macs. Only a very few have imported for personal use. Most do it for profit.

Consequence is that the market is a bit saturated, and boats don't exactly shift when economic confidence is low. Save yourself a lot of heartache and buy off boatpoint. Pick the lowest price with the most kit.

[The Mutt]

We brought our across the pond end of last year, our boat is for personal use not profit, I documented the purchase, survey, shipping, etc on our web site, start there, any questions, ask.

www.devinetemptations.com

Glenn

[igooba]

Thanks Glenn,
I had a look at your website, invaluable! just what I was looking for.
Your pictures of taking it out of the container answered many questions I had RE- packing and dimensions etc.

Good to know there is a fellow Sydney Mac person as well.
I might take up your offer on the questions as I begin the process.

cheers
Peter

[The Mutt]

No problems Peter

Glenn