Importing from USA – The journey so far…..

[leezor]

Hang on. If you have odd looking insects/species on there then it behoves you to contact quarantine and have them inspect your vessel.

You may be harbouring new species on your boat and their integration into Australia could have devastating effects.

You will still get your boat, but isn't there some concern for the environment?

Nothing a tin of Baygon didnt fix

[Bros]

For those that have ever thought about importing their dream boat from the US, read on as this thread will be all about my experiences, some good and no doubt some not so good bringing my new baby home.

It all started early last year while browsing Ebay when I noticed the bang for buck available in the US used boat market. After many hours reading forums, asking hundreds of questions, night after night of research I decided what the hell, lets go for it!

A real good story to read, you did well. I would have had trouble sleeping at night with that amount of money outlayed and nothing to show for it.

I'm worried if I get driven up to close to $100 on ebay

[leezor]

Took the day off work yesterday to register the boat and trailer. I had to drop the boat in the water to get a weigh bridge certificate, so left my son at the marina with his mate while I arranged the rego. Waited almost 2 hours at the department of transport while they inspected the trailer, things took longer because there were no records on the system of Seaswirl boats or Loadmasters trailers, so they had to add them to the database.
Anyway, the inspection went through no problems, they didn't even question the trailer hitch.
I fitted LED marker lights and indicators to the trailer a couple of days ago as the lighting on the trailer didn't comply.

So, while the boat was in the water we went for a bit of a run. The 225hp Suzuki 4 stroke pushed it along as well as expected. WOT indicated by the GPS was 73km/h (45mph or just under 40 knots) at around 5700rpm, so no need for a prop change.

Once I have finished fitting it out I will start a new post with some pics and accurate fuel usage / performance details for those that have asked.

So, the whole import process went through without any major problems, the guys at Import-A-Boat delivered what they promised and within the estimated budget so thumbs up to Ian and John.

Thankyou to everyone who sent me PM's wishing me the best with this and if anyone else is thinking of importing, feel free to ask any questions.

Cheers

Lee

[kevinnugent@westnet.]

Took the day off work yesterday to register the boat and trailer. I had to drop the boat in the water to get a weigh bridge certificate, so left my son at the marina with his mate while I arranged the rego. Waited almost 2 hours at the department of transport while they inspected the trailer, things took longer because there were no records on the system of Seaswirl boats or Loadmasters trailers, so they had to add them to the database.
Anyway, the inspection went through no problems, they didn't even question the trailer hitch.
I fitted LED marker lights and indicators to the trailer a couple of days ago as the lighting on the trailer didn't comply.

So, while the boat was in the water we went for a bit of a run. The 225hp Suzuki 4 stroke pushed it along as well as expected. WOT indicated by the GPS was 73km/h (45mph or just under 40 knots) at around 5700rpm, so no need for a prop change.

Once I have finished fitting it out I will start a new post with some pics and accurate fuel usage / performance details for those that have asked.

So, the whole import process went through without any major problems, the guys at Import-A-Boat delivered what they promised and within the estimated budget so thumbs up to Ian and John.

Thankyou to everyone who sent me PM's wishing me the best with this and if anyone else is thinking of importing, feel free to ask any questions.

Cheers

Lee

Nice work Lee. Bet it was nice to see it actually floated!

When you say they came in within estimated budget, did you actually have money left over?

Kevin

[disorderly]

Nice to hear the boats up and running,Lee.
Did you swap the motors and controls over yourself?

scott

[leezor]

Nice work Lee. Bet it was nice to see it actually floated!

When you say they came in within estimated budget, did you actually have money left over?

Kevin

Yes, It did come in within my estimated costs so was happy with that. And yes it did float which was a relief

[leezor]

Nice to hear the boats up and running,Lee.
Did you swap the motors and controls over yourself?

scott

Yeah mate, have done all the work so far myself. Have it booked in next week for its 100hr service and the Dealer is going to check out that its all fitted up ok while its in there.

[John Buoy]

After having followed this thread with anticipation
it was surprising to see that you have advertised
it for sale!

Frank

[Wahoo]

After having followed this thread with anticipation
it was surprising to see that you have advertised
it for sale!

Frank

Hi Frank, is this the same boat on boatpoint?, i dont think that is Lee's boat
could be wrong thou
http://boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sa...aspx?R=2884653

Daz

[Greg P]

That rig is in Melbourne not Townsville

[John Buoy]

That rig is in Melbourne not Townsville

Thanks Greg i saw the add on fishnet.
The new alloy trailer had me lol.
I'm glad it's not Lees' boat after reading all he went thru

regards frank

[leezor]

Thanks Greg i saw the add on fishnet.
The new alloy trailer had me lol.
I'm glad it's not Lees' boat after reading all he went thru

regards frank

Hi Frank, thats definately not mine mate. She's not up for sale yet, but my track record with boats will proabably see me upgrading in 12 months or so. Anyway, this one is mine..

[tez1]

nice setup leezor, my missus likes the name too happens to be the same,first and middle, glad everything thing turned out well for you.

tez

[lee8sec]

Lee, thanks for the full story & details from some one who has actually done it. I think a few more will give it a go, now that the truth is known. Leigh

[John Buoy]

Hi Frank, thats definately not mine mate. She's not up for sale yet, but my track record with boats will proabably see me upgrading in 12 months or so. Anyway, this one is mine..

She looks stunning congratualtions and thanks for clearing that up.

Regards Frank