Posted by michel.capel (michel.capel@…>)
Hi Wilf and others,
Thanks for appreciating my thoughts uttered here. About the RCD:
indeed, if a yacht has ever been built and commercially sold (not
one off) you already have an EC stamp. If theyacht has never been
built in one of the EU countries, problems may arise in the future.
I (together with two other new F44 owners in the netherlands)
decided to ignore the RCD and just love the boat and see what comes
from it. I would say that in a court of law we would have a case for
a yacht comforming to many US regulations and built by a reputable
US boatbuilder. Anyway, problems in the future may be:
- not being abe to get insurance;
- not being allowed into a marina;
- not being able to sell the boat;
I understand that they are somewhat stricter about the RCD in the UK
and France than they are here in the NL’s. I’ve never heard about
anybody making problems or even asking about a CE mark.
In case of insurance problems: there will be many Dutch brokers (all
fluent in English) willing to offer insuance in the UK. We are all
in Europe, remember?
Not being allowed into marina’s or ports poses a bigger challenge.
Not that I suggest to do this, but you culd make a fake CE brandmark
on your boat and do away with nosey persons in such a way.
Selling the boat will never be a problem since there will always be
Freedom lovers. They will do the same as we did: just love the boat
and hang in.
Importing:
There are many good shippers and Sol Yacht Transport of Ft
Lauderdale is not one of them. Sevenstar is good but not cheap. I
chose cheap and came out expensive, including damage incurred during
transport.
If possible, ship the yacht with the mast(s) upright. The shipping
is a bit more expensive, but you cannot get ripped off for lowering
and securing your masts. I paid $16,000 for shipping and insurance
and another $2000 for a 1000 mile truckhaul to the port of call of
the ocean vessel. And $3700 for lifting, loading and securing the
boat on the truck, and lifting and securing on deck of two masts. My
total costs of shipping were $22,500.
Whatever you do, get a signed agreement on the length and width and
height of the boat on the cradle because that’s what you pay
shipping fees for. In my case they invented an extra couple of cubic
feet and forced me to pay $2000 more than initially agreed upon in
writing. And when they have your boat in their hands behind a fence,
you are in no position to negotiate.
Let yourself not be discouraged by my adventures; we had a very very
nice trip to the US (to Mobile, Alabama) to prepare the boat for
shipment. We were very warmly welcomed bij the caretakers in Mobile
and had a great time there with excellent food and wine in the great
tradition of Southern US. We renamed our F44 ‘Alabama Queen’ in
honor of here origins. And of course, we have a fantastic boat now!
If you want specific info on particular aspects, just ask.
Alle the best for 2007,
Michel
— In freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com, “wilfred2736”
<wilf.bishop@…> wrote:
Hi Guys,
I am also considering the option of buying a Freedom 25 in the USA
&
shipping it over to the UK since so few F25’s were ever built over
here
and I would appreciate a “teach-in” from anyone who has
experienced the
activity of importing a boat from the USA into Europe? I
understand
that in addition to the shipping/duty/VAT elements there are also
considerations of the imported craft meeting the EEC Recreational
Craft
Directive (ten thousand blessings on the heads of otherwise
unemployable European Community bureaucrats). Am I right in
saying that
if the craft in question was once built in Europe things are
easier in
RCD approval terms?
Could we possibly ask Michael Capel if he could please prepare a
short
write-up for us on this topic to post on our website as he has
recently
imported a big Freedom yacht into the Netherlands? This really
would be
useful to many people Micheal as are all your postings on our site?
Wilf Bishop
— In freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com, “johnruss40”
<johnruss40@>
wrote:
— In freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com, “paulsebra”
paulsebra@ wrote:
Thanks Paul
I’ll probably be getting a 35/33 CK for next season, or maybe a
40
if I can make my mind up. Given that I would ideally like a
centreboard version with the (simpler) US style interior, does
anyone know what sort of expense is involved in shipping one over
here to the UK (haulage, import tax, “value added tax”…)?
Transatlantic sailing would be way beyond my capabilities.
I suspect not much would be saved despite the huge price
differences, but if it does let you get exactly the right boat…
All comments appreciated
John
Good day,
I am not sure if this is the correct spot for, if not I
apologize.
I
have a 1981 F33 CB wishbone rig for sale. Bought in Spring of
2005,
extensive rehab - the boss says too small for cruising.
Used/located in
Hilton Head Island. I must sell for seed money for next
project.
Contact me off the board if you like for details - or see the
ad
in
USEDBOATS.COM … Note: sending me e-mail from USEDBOATS.COM
does
not
seem to work - I am investigating, so please use paulsebra@
Thanks
Paul