It’s rare to find love at first sight, but you’ll recognize it immediately.
You’ll sigh as the wind ruffles her sails, and lose yourself in daydreams about long days on the water. If you’ve found the perfect yacht for sale, you need to snatch her up.
However, buying a boat can get confusing if you’re away from home in a foreign port.
Between paperwork, customs, and transportation, purchasing a yacht abroad can seem like a momentous task. However, it doesn’t have to be a massive headache if you make your purchases the smart way.
Tips for Purchasing the Perfect Yachts for Sale in Foreign Lands
The process of buying a boat overseas might not be as complicated as you think and could save you money in the long run. Whether you’ve already found the perfect yacht for sale or you’re considering your options, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Consider the Technical Systems
Your dream boat might look perfect on the outside and have an interior fit for a king, but if you’re buying her overseas, she’s likely outfitted with technical systems from her country of origin. What happens when you try to plug your phone charger into an electrical outlet from Europe? Nothing good.
While it may seem like issues such as these can be taken care of easily in a refit, you don’t want to have to gut out your vessel and reinstall every single system. Inspect her carefully with a third party before you buy, making sure you really know the extent of any alterations you’ll have to make.
2. Factor in Transit Costs & Currency Exchange
Purchasing a boat abroad often means dealing with currency exchange. The value of foreign currency can fluctuate by the minute, which can cost you big time. To avoid this, work with a broker to ensure your contract has safeguards to protect against exchange rate fluctuations.
You’ll also have to transport your new yacht back to the United States. If you sail it yourself, more power to you — but chances are you may be paying for shipping or for a crew to sail it for you. Factor in these costs as you set your price range, and allocate part of your budget towards them, so you don’t get any surprises.
3. Always Buy Through a Broker
Buying your yacht overseas means navigating through the tricky waters of foreign contracts, laws, and money. To save yourself hassle and heartbreak, it’s always a good idea to work with a broker rather than deal directly with a private seller.
Your broker acts as a buffer between you and the seller and can provide you some protection from sticky situations. They’ll help you understand your contract and make amendments if necessary, ensuring you stay safe throughout the process.
Get in Touch Today to Buy a Boat Safely
If you have yet to find the perfect yacht for sale, we’ve got a bevy of beauties waiting for you. Get in touch today to buy your boat the stress-free way.
Are you looking to buy? Give us a call at +1 (310) 526-3429 or visit our yachts for sale page for more details.