One way to the US to buy a Boat then cruising the ICW

[Cavalier 32]

Hi All,

Finally looking at my retirement vessel. Oz isn't offering the girl I want (Beneteau 373 or similar), but there are some excellent candidates in the US (Florida, Texas, Vermont). Travelling there is no huge deal as doing the ICW is on my Bucket List.

I have three on my list. All in the south.

Checking the US Consulate, it is hard to get info on the following.
Receiving a visa for a one-way flight from Oz
Getting said Visa to sail the east coast than south and the ICW.

the actual purchasing process is another animal. I am expecting to be advised by local Brokers.

If anyone has experience and can offer guidance, that would be very much appreciated. A checklist and contacts would be worth gold.

I was going to wait till November to see what happens to their economy and as such our dollar but can't. Looking to travel in the next month or two.

Plan B is Croatia, Greece or Europe.

Cheers, Keith

[5BTM]

In my experience, return tickets cost about the same or are slightly more expensive than one way tickets.

Get one.

How do you plan to explain to the US authorities that you can afford a boat but can't spare a couple hundred bucks for a return ticket?

[boatman61]

Not an Aussie but have bought a boat in the US..
I found the price difference between a one way vs a return flight to be not worth worrying about, you could also check with the airlines on refundable return tickets.
The visa has nothing to do with where you can sail, merely how long one can stay in country, 90,180 or more days, this is where a B1/B2 visa comes in handy over the standard tourist visa.
As for buying the boat, I found it to be pretty straight forward.. I was met at the airport (Raleigh) by the owner and he took me to view the boat in Oriental and we agreed on a price, we then went to his bank where the manager witnessed the deal and co-signed the bill of sale and stamped it.. Job done.
As for sailing the E coast you will need to get a cruising permit once you have bought a boat and can supply the relevant info needed.. renewable every year.