"Justin C" wrote in message
...
I'll be in the market for a boat soon. Am very tempted to cross to
America (from the UK) to make a purchase... it's just a damn long way
between boats I like the look of! ... the savings could cover the
internal flights and car-hire though.

Justin.

Why go there? Do it all on line and keep the savings for yourself.. You
can
download particulars of lots of similar boats and then choose. Get lots
of
pictures and, when you have decided on one, get an independent survey to
make sure she is Ok.
. BUT, do not forget that you will have to get her EU certified so that
she
comes with EU documentation and a CE mark or the Customs will not release
her on arrival in UK. This last requirement is the only real pita in the
whole affair, because it is pure unnecessary bureaucracy.
Been there, done all that and never set eyes on my beautiful boat until
she
was unloaded over here.
The only requirement is that you have to know enough about the type of
boat
you are buying and/or its designer and builder to do without personal
inspection and sea trial.

Couldn't I just sail it back 'under their radar' ?

No comment. My reply was on the assumption you were a serious person.

What sort of cost could I expect to get it certified? Any web-sites you
can recommend with details of the legislation?

Do your own research. Hint-try googling for 'EU certification of boats'