If you have been in the market for a yacht buying a yacht from overseas has never been a better time. If you have the money opportunities are abound. 

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What are the pros and cons of buying a yacht from overseas? If you do it right it can be a very rewarding process.

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Our IS AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN A GOOD TIME TO BUY A YACHT?  post is worth a quick read. 

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OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND - THE WORLD IS YOUR MARKET

The good thing about yachts is that they can be easily relocated to Australia from anyplace easily. The world really is your marketplace when you are buying something special. 

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Relocation can easily be undertaken by transport on a cargo ship or by having a professional relocation crew do this via an ocean passage like we do at sailor.com.au. 

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If you're patient and can wait a little bit more for the yacht to arrive, using a trustworthy professional crew is the cheapest and best way to move the yacht, as much as 50% can be saved when compared to cargo shipping. For example shipping a yacht using a cargo ship from Auckland to Sydney starts at $50,000.

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The good thing about sailing a vessel on a long relocation passage is that it usually results in less damage to the vessel compared to using a cargo ship. Often yachts improve during the passage due to the maintenance undertaken as many of the issues are uncovered. 

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Using a cargo vessel requires disassembling the rig, sometimes the keel, finding the right cradle and hoisting the yacht. This process is reversed at the destination. It's common for damage to occur during cargo ship transport. Which isn't a could way to start the experience on when you unwrap the yacht. 

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Good advice is to buy a yacht that is ready to sail with very little requirements to spend on improvements or repairs. Ideally the rig is new, engine hours low and the running gear in great condition. You want something that you can just walk on and sail. And these are around.

REMEMBER THE TAXES WHEN IMPORTING 

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Don't forget factoring Australian import taxes and GST.

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Importing a vessel into Australia requires that duty and GST be paid on top of the purchase price and delivery. This can add 15% on top of what the value of the yacht that you are purchasing. For tax purposes the cost of the vessel normally also includes the delivery cost as well.

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Beware of local taxes where you are buying the yacht. Some yachts may have taxes owing on them. Some people sail the vessel out to international waters to sign contracts to avoid local taxes in the country where the purchase is taking place.

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THE BOTTOM LINE

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Buying a yacht in an economic dip is easier now more than ever before with internet based businesses and it's a "Buyers Market" in a big way.  It’s important that you remember a few key principles during your yacht search and buying process.

• BE PATIENT

• CAST SEARCH NET FAR AND WIDE

• BE SMART

• BE KIND

PRICE THE YACHT RELOCATION ONCE YOU FIND SOMETHING YOU LIKE

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Make sure that you understand the cost of relocating your yacht from the places you are looking. The world is your market but you need to understand the costs associated with relocating the bargain yacht.

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For example getting to the Seychelles is more complicated than Rome or San Diego. 

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Professional yacht relocators usually operate 24 hour shift operations and can deliver a yacht faster than people cruising. They also understand safety and the best routes. 

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The best time to do the research on relocation costs is when you find a viable yacht that you are thinking about buying. 

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Professional yacht delivery businesses are receptive to the fickleness of yacht buying and can guide you through the process. The good ones will be happy to revise prices.

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