Start with the U.S. support chain
Identify who is actually responsible for the boat after delivery: the manufacturer, U.S. distributor, local dealer or commissioning yard. Get names, locations and written responsibilities for warranty coordination and service.
The best boat on paper can become frustrating if every minor component question requires an overseas email chain.
Understand the delivered price
European websites may quote ex-factory prices that exclude VAT, freight, tariffs or duties, customs costs, port handling, commissioning, local taxes, electronics and dealer preparation. Ask for a single written delivered quotation that clearly states what is and is not included.
Check engines and major systems
Prioritize engine brands, navigation electronics, pumps, chargers, heaters, air conditioning and steering systems with strong U.S. service support. European sourcing is not inherently a problem; obscure proprietary components are where downtime can become frustrating.
Electrical and certification questions
Confirm shore-power voltage/frequency, outlet standards, charger/inverter configuration and any U.S.-specific build changes. CE design categories are useful information about the European design basis, but U.S. buyers should separately confirm all applicable U.S. compliance, registration and insurance requirements with the seller and relevant professionals.
Warranty, parts and resale
Ask who pays freight on warranty parts, whether technicians can be authorized locally, and which items are stocked in the U.S. Request a sample parts order before purchase if possible. For resale, recognizable engine and electronics brands, complete service records and a documented import/build specification can materially reduce buyer uncertainty.
The ABG order checklist
- Written delivered price and payment schedule
- Factory build specification
- U.S. warranty contact
- Engine and drive warranty process
- Electrical / shore-power specification
- Parts-stock location and typical lead times
- Commissioning checklist
- Sea-trial and acceptance process
- Transport and delivery responsibility
- Insurance quote before final payment
This is a buyer checklist, not customs or legal advice. For a direct import, use experienced marine customs, tax and documentation professionals.
Get the acceptance process in writing
For a custom-order boat, define what happens before final payment. Ideally there is a factory or commissioning inspection, a documented systems checklist and a sea trial. The agreement should state how punch-list items are handled, who pays for corrective work and whether final funds are due before or after commissioning.
Photograph and save the hull identification, engine serial numbers, major electronics, battery installation and electrical panels at delivery. Those records can save time years later when parts or wiring questions arise.
Insurance should be checked before the order becomes non-refundable
Specialty imports, high speeds, unusual construction materials and large outboard packages can affect underwriting. Obtain an indicative insurance quote using the actual model, propulsion and intended navigation area before making a non-refundable commitment.
Ask whether the insurer requires a survey, operator-experience documentation, named-storm plan or geographic restrictions. A boat that is technically within budget can become impractical if insurance terms do not match how you intend to use it.
Documentation is part of the asset
Keep the purchase agreement, factory options list, invoices for freight and commissioning, manuals, warranty registrations and every service record in a digital folder tied to the hull number. For a less-common European brand, good documentation can materially increase a future buyer’s confidence.
Ask the dealer for wiring diagrams and plumbing diagrams if they are available. Record software versions for major displays and control systems at delivery. Note paint or gelcoat codes, upholstery names and part numbers for proprietary filters, latches and seals. These details are inexpensive to capture when the boat is new and frustrating to reconstruct years later.
If the boat is financed, make sure the lender and documentation agent understand the build/import sequence and title documentation before funds are due. A smooth paperwork chain is one of the least glamorous but most valuable parts of an international purchase.
Primary sources
Specifications and model availability change. We use manufacturer and regulatory sources as the starting point and recommend confirming the final build with the manufacturer or U.S. dealer.
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