Buy in Caribbean to use in the Med?

[davekram]

It seems like there are more and cheaper boat options available in the Caribbean compared to the Med (I’m specifically looking at 40-50ft cats). Is it feasible to buy in the Caribbean and transport a boat for use in the Med? Do the boats need to be converter in some way for different shore power systems? Any knowledge is appreciated!! Thank you.

[Stingo]

The Med is 220volt, so your boat shore power battery charging system might might need to be adapted, but saying that, some Caribbean boats are already 220v
Next, where will you register the boat? There are VAT issues and a few, but not many restrictions on how long a non-EU flagged boat can stay in the EU.

[Tin Tin]

Buying in the Caribbean.
- Beware of Hurricane damage
- Has probably been kept in the water all year round vs half a year in the Med

- Kept in the hot sun all year round - more faded upholstery, covers, stitching
- higher mold levels
- Higher salt and corrosion effects from warmer weather

- higher fade levels in gelcoat, interior furnishings, crazed windows
there are probably more negatives and very few positives vs EU.
A lot of boats in Caribbean are priced with no taxes paid so when you take to EU or US you will need to pay VAT/Duty/State Sales tax. (VAT in EU is around 18-20%)


The offset maybe a Caribbean boat that is kept on the hard north of NJ in the summer months, but then these will be more expensive.



So while on first view they might appear less expensive, there are numerous reasons for that.

[davekram]

I hadn’t considered all those points. Thanks for sharing!

[Rver]

Do let me know how you get on. I'm a Brit French Res. living 40 km from the Med and interested in your idea.

[boatman61]

Keep your eyes open in the French islands brokers, boats sometimes cross just for the ARC then do a season in the Caribe and often can't be bothered or just don't fancy the return trip to Europe or hiring delivery crew so put them up for sale.. advantages.. no sweating over vat if bought in French territories and no power problems back in Europe.
Beware cats coming out of charter, also better to fly in a surveyor than use an island one who relies on these companies for work to a large extent.