JohnM wrote:
I've noticed several listings of damaged boats on auction sites on the East
coast and because of the greater chance of finding what I want there than
here in Australia I would be interested in advice you people may have on the
problems I could run into.
I have the general idea on re-registering the vesel and import duty in
Australia etc. but I'm having trouble with the concept of finding the right
boat, bidding, then finding somewhere to store it 'till repaired. All
without having personaly inspected it. I can get a USA visitor visa for 3
months (plus maybe another 3 months). Is there a way this sort of thing is
done?
I'd be grateful for any help.


The problem is that the US is large so travel to various candidates is
difficult. Also you can't buy from a description / pix with any
confidence. Boats always seem different in person including damage.

I'd suggest you see if you can locate a US agent for the purposes of
finding candidates. This person, perhaps a retired or semi-retired
surveyor, would find good candidates, compile a full report to you so
you'd have something worthwhile to travel to the US to look at.

I suppose the other way is for you to come here, spend your time hiring
a car and looking about - if you have the time to do this. Storage,
repairs etc are easy to arrange at any port.

I'm somewhat skeptical that you CAN find a boat worth repairing if you
need to hire pros to do the work. All the salvage boats I've seen
require owner sweat to make them pay.