Is this a viable option?

Dunaruna

Admiral
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May 2, 2003
Messages
6,027
[colour=blue]The Great Land Downunder is a boating paradise, but with a population of only 20 mil (give or take) there are very few bargains to be had in the way of boating stuff. Basically, we pay through the nose for anything marine related.

Point in question, I am on the market for a secondhand outboard, 60 - 90 hp. After searching for a few months, the best I can find is an 85 rude circa 1988. Runs well, good comps, power trim works o/k etc etc - AU$6500.00, that's US$5000.00.

When I search e-bay I often see motor like this...............
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERC...tegoryZ50439QQihZ014QQitemZ330049598381QQrdZ1
(that's about AU$2000.00)

My question is, is it viable for me to purchase a motor in the U.S of A and get it crated and shipped downunder? Are there marine techs who would look at a motor and give me an appraisal (excellent, good, average, POS)?

Any and all comments welcome.

Aldo
 

QC

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
22,783
Re: Is this a viable option?

I've already been thinking about this Aldo. I think it is viable depending on the duty. Similar to our previous discussions. I'll help!!! In fact let's do many . . . ;)
 

Dunaruna

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Re: Is this a viable option?

[colour=blue]You home?

FTA cancels out any duty, as long as the motors are made in the U.S. which means any Canadian (or Japanese) built models would be no good. But 10% 'goods & services' tax applies if they are onsold for profit.
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
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Re: Is this a viable option?

I believe it is an option that can be done. I would imagine crating it would be costly.

I bet it would almost be safer to break the engine down to managable pieces. Powerhead, mid section, lower unit. Fedex will handle pieces and or pallets but they are big money. USPS cost alot too and will only hande 70 lbs at a time. I think the shipping will hurt.

I know you would still come out ahead with customs and duty fees.
 

QC

Supreme Mariner
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Mar 22, 2005
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22,783
Re: Is this a viable option?

Dunaruna said:
[colour=blue]You home?

I guess if you call the Grand Hyatt Melbourne home, then yes . . . ;) We went to Kings Lake yesterday for about 1/2 hour . . . That there's beautiful country!! Today sucked, back to reality with cranky boss . . . :% :|
 

levittownnick

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 2, 2003
Messages
789
Re: Is this a viable option?

For the $ difference, you could pay us a visit and pick up your engine. 8) (Keep in mind the difference in seasons. Your summer is our winter)
 

rmmpe

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 6, 2006
Messages
233
Re: Is this a viable option?

Dunaruna,
I am currently working with an Aussie group buying boats here for import to Australia. As far as shipping goes, you can use $5.50 (USD) per cubic foot of crate (exterior) as a guide for cost.

For example, assuming the engine you want will fit in a crate 4 foot by 4 foot by 5 foot tall, the resultant 80 cubic feet shipping cost will be approx. $450.00 (USD), inclusive.

There are, however, other attendant costs to consider, like domestic transport to shipping port, etc. Also, there are only a few places in Australia the ships go to, so inter-Australia transport may be of some consideration.

If you wish to consider this I can give you the name of my exporter.
 

Dunaruna

Admiral
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May 2, 2003
Messages
6,027
Re: Is this a viable option?

[colour=blue]Thanks for the replies 8)

rmmpe, I would appreciate any information you can pass onto me.

You have been PMed...........
 

Dunaruna

Admiral
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Re: Is this a viable option?

[colour=blue]This damn PM isn't playing ball.

You have been e-mailed..............
 
Joined
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Re: Is this a viable option?

Bob_VT said:
I believe it is an option that can be done. I would imagine crating it would be costly.

I bet it would almost be safer to break the engine down to managable pieces. Powerhead, mid section, lower unit. Fedex will handle pieces and or pallets but they are big money. USPS cost alot too and will only hande 70 lbs at a time. I think the shipping will hurt.

I know you would still come out ahead with customs and duty fees.




Yeah, yeah, you pay me to do the crating! :)
 

Kiwi Phil

Commander
Joined
Jun 23, 2003
Messages
2,182
Re: Is this a viable option?

Aldo, I have just managed to get back on to iboats and been reading all the threads, and came across this one.

I think I may be too late to assist you, but I have a 40' Sea Container coming out of Long Beach California to Brisbane Australia in the next few days (don't know for sure how many).

Anyway it is having my new toy packed in to it, and I have about 14'x8'x8' spare space.
Tried hard to fill it with bits and pieces for the F100 but that one didn't float too well with you-know-who.

I can give you the name/address/e-mail/phone of the guy who I am dealing with in San Diego, as he is in this industry, sort of, and he may be able to assist.

I am up to my butt in crocodiles at the moment, so I have to remember I am here to drain the swamp, so if you want the guys info and can do something between you, you are welcome to the space.

The irony of not being able to connect here is, i needed someone I could depend on in California to assist me, and I would have paid them well, but I was blocked.

If I can ever get back on to this board, and if my toy arrives in one piece, then I will tell you all about it.

A hint.......my good wife Anita only said yes after I agreed to a fancy new stove and dishwasher, bit of botox, and she is trying hard for a new Ford Territory Ghia, but reckon I may be able to side-step that one.

Cheers
Phillip
 
Joined
Jun 1, 2005
Messages
4,666
Re: Is this a viable option?

Much, much too cryptic for me. If you were willing to pay well, I would have gladly over looked any of our past differences. ;) Oh that we could play afterwhist.

PS. Aldo is well published on other sites and I believe he is listed in the telephone book, I know I am.....
 

QC

Supreme Mariner
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Mar 22, 2005
Messages
22,783
Re: Is this a viable option?

Dang, I would've helped Phil . . .
 

Kiwi Phil

Commander
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Jun 23, 2003
Messages
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Re: Is this a viable option?

what can a guy say QC/Techno.
Just looked at my map and Chino Hills is probably a little over 100 miles from San Diego.
Techno, you don't list where in California you come from.
Thanks both of you for the offer.
I tried pretty hard over a period of time to get connected to make contact with you guys, to no avail, as i would definitely taken you up on your offers.
It is not easy buying long-range but hopefully everything will work out just fine.
Big risk though.
Didn't have to buy from San Diego, but of all the Agents I made contact with, this young chap in San Diego seemed the "most up front", plus he is an ex Marine from Desert Storm and proud of it. To date he has done exactly what I have asked of him and paid him for.

Will let you know later if I end up with my toy, or no toy and a lot of bucks out of pocket, or a container full of matchwood.
As they say, when you are the leader of the pack, the scenery is changing all the time. (but that is the story of my life tho).
Have had an e-mail from Dunaruna and I am passing him on info.
Thanks again.
Cheers
Phillip
 
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