Buying a Boat Abroad: What You Need to Know

Buying a boat abroad can give you access to a much wider choice of boats.

From the Mediterranean to Northern Europe and beyond, buyers can find boats in different countries, at different prices and with specifications that may not be readily available in their local market.

However, buying internationally also brings additional considerations.

You may need to travel to view the boat, communicate with an overseas broker, arrange a survey, negotiate in a different market and organise transport back to your chosen destination.

With the right preparation, buying abroad can be a straightforward process.

Why Buy a Boat Abroad?

One of the biggest advantages of looking internationally is simply having more choice.

The boat you are looking for may be located in another country. Restricting your search to your local market could mean overlooking boats that better match your requirements.

Different countries can also have different concentrations of particular makes, models and types of boat.

For buyers looking for a specific specification, age or layout, expanding the search internationally can therefore make sense.

The Location of the Boat Matters

Before travelling to view a boat, consider exactly where it is located.

A boat may appear attractive online, but travelling several hundred miles or flying to another country for a viewing can involve considerable time and expense.

It is therefore worth establishing as much information as possible before arranging a viewing.

This includes the boat’s specification, history, current location and any information available about its condition.

A more focused approach can help avoid unnecessary journeys.

Arrange an Independent Survey

A survey is an important consideration when purchasing a used boat, particularly when you are buying one located overseas.

An independent marine survey can provide additional information about the boat’s condition and identify areas that may require further investigation.

Go Earth Boating can help buyers arrange surveys as part of the purchasing process.

Having the survey carried out before completing the purchase gives you additional information when deciding whether to proceed.

Understanding the Negotiation

The asking price of a boat is not necessarily the final price.

Different markets can have different expectations around negotiation, and the process can become more complicated when you are dealing with an overseas broker or seller.

Go Earth Boating can negotiate on your behalf.

Having someone representing you during negotiations can also make the process easier when you are not familiar with the local market or do not want to manage the discussions yourself.

Getting the Boat Home

Once you have purchased the boat, there is still the question of getting it to where you want it.

Depending on the boat, its location and your destination, there may be several options available.

These can include specialist road transportation or delivery by sea.

The correct option will depend on the size and type of boat, its location, the destination and the practical requirements of the journey.

Go Earth Boating can assist with arranging transportation after the purchase.

Don’t Forget the Practical Details

International boat purchases can involve more practical considerations than buying locally.

You should consider matters such as:

  • Where the boat is currently located
  • How you will travel to view it
  • Arranging an independent survey
  • Communication with the seller or broker
  • Negotiating the purchase
  • Organising payment and documentation
  • Transporting the boat
  • Where the boat will be based after purchase

The exact requirements will depend on the circumstances of each purchase.

This is why planning the process before committing to a boat is important.

One International Search, One Buyer-Focused Service

Searching internationally does not have to mean managing dozens of different websites, brokers and suppliers yourself.

Go Earth Boating works exclusively for boat buyers and searches the worldwide market for boats that meet your requirements.

We can support buyers through key stages of the purchase, including identifying suitable boats, arranging surveys, negotiating with sellers and organising transport.

This means you can consider boats further afield without having to manage every part of the process alone.

Your Next Boat Could Be Somewhere Else

The right boat for you may not be in your local marina, or even in your own country.

Looking further afield can significantly increase the number of boats available to you, particularly when you have specific requirements.

If you are considering buying a boat internationally, Go Earth Boating can help you search the worldwide market and manage the buying process from the initial search through to transport.

With a budget of £100,000 or more, speak to Go Earth Boating about your requirements and discover what could be available beyond your local market.

Buying a Boat Abroad: What You Need to Know