Issues with buying a European Hatt?

[RyanB]

What sort of reservation would the group have with buying a European boat and having it shipped over? Other than the obvious logistics expense and headache, anything else that would scare you off? My first fear would be odd voltage, but its a Hatt assumingly built in NC and shipped overseas, so it should have US voltage at some point, right? Engine specs seem off and ER doesn't look the greatest but none do without the lights on....
What other issues am I not thinking of or would scare guys away from something like this?
This is the particular link. https://www.boats.com/power-boats/1991-hatteras-45-9398416/
I don't mind posting because I almost wish someone else would buy it, so I can stop thinking about her LOL. I know lower helms are a big No No in convertibles but for our style fishing and cruising around Great Lakes, I personally think it would be ideal. That and the wife would love not having me on the bridge all the time.

 

[Pascal]

Too many variables and it all depends on how the boat was modified for euro power. Some boats are fitted with shore power system which allow pretty much anything to be converted to 120/240-60 allowing them to be used anywhere in the world. Other are made compatible by using inverters. Who knows how this one was done. Or was it setup for euro 220 at the factory as an export model?

I don’t think it’s worth dealing with the possible headaches and costs. I don’t follow SF values but this doesn’t seem to be a bargain, is it ?

 

[madhatter1]

The bargains are right here in the US. Classic SF market has tanked. Plus it has Detroits. Worth even less. Use that to your advantage and look for a well cared for boat attached to a realistic seller. Might even find a repowered one cheap. You can buy one here cheaper than the shipping cost of the one in the link.

 

[RyanB]

I think you’re both right, it’s not a bargain at the asking price. The lower helm is honestly the attractive part to us but it’s a world away. I agree the market is way down on SF models but also not a whole lot out there. We’re in no hurry but this one keep popping up.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Buy it and run it over there. Why bring it here when there are so much good boating in the Med?

 

[warrenw]

Based on the photos it appears it could still have a 120VAC electrical system. The lower helm is certainly rare.

 

[Sadey]

Our boat was built to the original owners requests for Med cruising, which included the holding tank being converted to an additional fuel tank, 240V outlets etc... The boat was never cruised in the US, it was immediately delivered to a ship and sent to the Med for five years. When it came back the second family converted it from 240 back to 110 and other than a 240V line they ran to the stern for the rear winch for med morning you’d never know it was built for European cruising. I’m sure it was at great expense for them, but it is cool to read through the logbook and see where she’s been. As others have said, there are a lot of great deals here in the US and the money it would cost to ship a vessel from Europe to here would pay for a lot of improvements and upgrades. However, the pedigree of a European cruised boat does make for some interesting happy hour conversation.

 

[RyanB]

Buy it and run it over there. Why bring it here when there are so much good boating in the Med?

Its the kids in pre-k, 2nd and 4th grade that are really putting a damper on the Mediterranean cruising! Someday, but we're a few decades out from that. Plus, there is a ton of great fresh water cruising, and fishing, in our backyard. Your neck of the woods (ish) is in our plans as we want to take the Trent into Georgian Bay and upper MI, while kids still like us. Our boat works, but a second state room would really help.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Our kids loved the North Channel trips. It was amazing to hear that we didn't need TV or internet because they were having fun fishing, hiking, and exploring.