JohnM wrote:
Later this year I will be in the US searching the East coast for a suitable
cruiser to single hand to Europe. I expect this will take a few months and
lots of miles so would like to buy a cheap car rather than hire. I will need
insurance to own the car. Does anyone know if I can get coverage, being a
non resident with no permanent address? And does the same apply with my boat
purchase?



I don't think it should be a problem. When I came over from Oz, I was
here for several years on a HB visa. I bought a car and got insurance
for it. One thing that is difficult is opening a bank account as they
want a social security card for that. The other catch is driver license.
You can drive as a tourist with your Oz license but I think that's
limited to a couple month. I am not sure though. It could be that as
long as you have legal status, you can drive. I drove for a couple of
months but since I was going to be here for years, I passed the US
driver test. As long as you have a legal status here, you can get a
license and do a lot of things but if your status runs out, then you are
underground.

Good luck

Jeannette