Sea Ray SSS 1993 63 ft

rszarka said:
Ozzie said it, i am getting this yacht to Australia total for a third of the price I would have to pay for the same thing there.... The pictures were taken 2 days ago here in Florida so thats how there are Palm trees. The surveyors as far as i know can complete their surveys tomorrow and yes they are from a reputable company, so if alls good I will close asap to make a may 20th sailing to Australia. i have talked to a few people about the power issue and apparently it is a relatively easy fix only a few thousand dollars to have a converter installed that outputs the voltage the yacht is wired for. the owner has furnished us with all the miantenance and registration documents and yes it was fresh water kept until recently. Wealthy people do not have the constraints of us regular guys for them to move a boat from one part of the country to another is really not that unbelievable or such a big challenge for them when money is not an issue.
To all the people that think this thread is BS or stupid or whatever negative then please just don't read it or participate in it. I should not have to feel like I have to prove everything I say to you guys, are you guys this suspicious of everyone thats new that posts on here? Why such disbelief and interest in this because it is a large boat, because it has has some twists and turns.. yeah maybe all of this has been a little unconventional but all of it is within the realm of possibility .. so i made some mistakes and was a bit careless in a few ways, my first time doing this and went in blind...I am here for advice from other boaters and to make some friends. maybe many people would not have done things the way I am and yes this all is a calculated risk but worth it to me, if you think that is stupid thats your opinion and i respect that but why rub it in my face? Im sure that is not what this site is about...
So yeah thanks so much to the many super cool people that have given me advice and helped me! the others that dont believe me or think i am doing a dumb thing please if you feel that way keep it to yourselves. I am a bit nervous about this whole thing but very excited at the same time, please do not ruin it for me or put doubt in my mind unless you have something real to tell me that may save me from a big mistake..why rain on someone elses parade? I am not hurting anyone here, once the yacht gets to Australia, hopefully Ozzie and or Paul will come with me for the sailing from New Castle its arrival Port down to Sydney im sure that will calm the skeptics.
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No problem mate, I understand you are rightfully excited by the adventure of buying a boat, it took about 12 months for my wife and I to find a boat that we were happy with. No matter what is said in a survey etc there will always be the maintenance surprises. We had people tell us some pretty way out there porkies about boats they were trying to sell, lets face it they need to sell a boat to make a living just the same as used car salesmen do and we all know how truthful and reliable they are. :)

Just do your due diligence and it will work out, it is definitely a buyers market even more so now that fuel prices are skyrocketing. The next great boat deal will be just down the road at the next marina believe me. Personally I would take a good hard look at the Sea Rays that are for sale on here to gauge level of fitout and pricing.

Oh and it is Newcastle ( one word not two), I know Nwecastle extremely well as I grew up in Port Stephens and have spent a lot of time in the area.
 
There certainly seems to be some difference in the definition of due diligence from my understanding of it, particularly when a previous post in this thread indicated that the bottom had fallen out of the boat market in Australia.
Good luck and all the best to you.
 
Rob,

I've been following this thread from the beginning, and rightfully or otherwise, I've been believing it as well. I think I can speak for many of us here when I say it's frustrating and confusing that twice now, you've pushed forward with MAJOR purchasing decisions, and only afterwards do you come here and ask for input and advice.

In this thread are posts made by experienced and knowledgeable yacht brokers, multi-decade SeaRay yacht owners, saltwater boaters, freshwater boaters, boaters who have logged hundreds of hours on Detroits, boaters who have shipped boats to Australia... Yet you keep jumping first and asking later!

I can understand your excitement, but try to take a breath every once in a while! Please also listen to Carver about the purchasing process, and the fact that this is in fact a salty boat - fresh water boaters know it when we see it.
 
Rollercaoster: thanks for the note and the advice, I do understand that most people on here have a lot of experience with yachts and know what they are talking about and I am taking into consideration everything that is being posted to me here and very grateful for anything anyone cares to contribute.

The first boat the 63 I did not know you guys even existed when I got into that. Only started chatting here after I was well into te yacht.
With this one it is a do or die proposition, I have 7 days to make a deal, if I return to Australia empty handed the whole boat thing is over. Yes I did get started on this yacht without talking about it here first but I do not have the luxury of time. This trip has already cost me a lot of money and it would be a real shame to return empty handed!

I am having a hull survey and a motor survey, Seatrials and a haulout before I close on this boat. Not sure what else someone can do to be cautious?

I have a marine documentation person doing all the paperwork making sure the owner is who he says he is and there are no tax liens on the vessel etc. If there is more I should be doing to protect myself I will listen.

I know the vessel was fresh water kept for most of it's life. I am not sure of exact dates how long it has been in salt but can and will find out today how long it has been in the canals.

Yes the bottom may of fallen out of the Australian boat market but I would like to own this yacht for quite awhile before I sell it. So really that is irrelevant to me right now.

Again thanks to all for the help, Paul sorry for saying Newcastle wrong!! While I am Australian I have spent most of my life travelling abroad because of my profession. Have only been back home two years now, still learning the lay of the land!! Love Australia and the life style will never leave again now it is home for good, hopefully living on a yacht in Sydney harbor :)

Off to the surveys and seatrials! Will let you guys know how it all goes!

Rob
 
Surveys went very well. Motor survey included a borescope by who everyone i talked to considers the best motor surveyor in town. His exact words to me its rediculous how good a condition these engines are in. Did not blow any smoke even at startup, that yacht really moves..i cant even believe something that big can go so fast! No vibrations, nice and quiet...according to the motor surveyor the engines are very good! SO I am very happy about that! The seatrial went great, she handles the waves awesome and is a real pleasure to cruise on! The bottom needs a good cleaning has been 3 months but in these canals here in FLorida junk grows quickly. So will get that done before she sails.

Oh and to the people that said it has been in the salt water for awhile you are right has been in salt for 4 years now. The port engine is brand new, not rebuilt but brand new! Engines are 8v92TA's, no corrosion no marks in the cylinder walls. The diesel is full of bacteria, will get an A J A X treatment on it.

A few minor problems that I will get fixed before i ship it. The Hydraulic swim platform does not go up or down, due to a fused joint. Salt water and fresh water water pumps need replacing. Air conditioning shuts down shortly after you turn it on as it needs the water to cool and the pump is dead. The main salon AC switch is bad. RPM guages have a problem and jump around all over so that issue needs to be addressed. Generator can be started from upstairs but there is a problem with the switch you have to go down below to shut it off, only 500 hours on the generator and looks very clean, according to the motor surveyor in amazing condition. Auto pilot / depth finder display screen is shot so need a new one. Vacuflush toilet in the master has no suction due to a faulty pump. Otherwise all systems work fine. Great results from the survey these are all minor inexpensive problems! Cosmetically she is in great condition and looks almost new! So amazing results from the surveys all is turning out really well!!

Looks like I will be going to close on it on Monday! Then get the necessary repairs done before shipping on the 20th of this month and buy a tender for the back!

So guys looks like it is all working out so far!
 
Some pics off of Ft.Luaderdale during the seatrial and since someone mentioned the yachts in that canal snapped a few pictures for you guys of the other boats in that area... Love the 52 azimut!

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Mate, some of those things are going to cost a bit to replace down here so get the work done there before you ship it. What autopilot does it have it it is an older Raymarine like an ST5000 then parts are really hard to find. It may come down to a new system which for a new ST70 pack it will run around $4K here plus fitting, I know cause I just fitted one to my Silverton and I got the best deal I could get here.

Do I understand correctly that they started and took the boat out with contaminated diesel? Mate if that is the case then all new filters at a minimum once you have the fuel treated or better yet removed and tanks cleaned.
 
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Hi Paul

yes i am getting all the repairs done here before she goes on the container ship. The autopilot works just the screen is shot, so need a new screen for it. Not sure what the make and model of the autopilot is.

The fuel is full of bateria and yes they started it up and took it for a run like that, judging by what you just said sounds like a very bad thing .... They told me about a treatment called A J A X something that eats all the bacteria and then just burns out??? dunno the mechanic told me its used by the U.S military and is the best way to treat bacteria in diesel. Yes he did mention changing the Racor filters... The tanks are full hopefully the treatment will be good and effective and i dont have to toss that out...thats 600 gallons of diesel worth a lot of money ...apparently the treatment i mentioned is just as effective as cleaning the tanks some micro organisms that eat the bacteria...will have to look into it better but this motor surveyor comes very highly reccomended, where ever in town i called everyone spoke of him as the best so i cant imagine he would steer me wrong ..also a super nice guy.
Still cant believe how fast this boat is not that i plan on running it like that but damn!!! If a 54 can move that fast can only imagine how quick the smaller ones must be! The seas were like 6-7 ft and its just tore through em didnt even phase the boat..
So if all goes well it will be on a ship the 20th of this month, the shipping is already booked and paid for... they said its approx a 5 week journey so looking at the end of June beginning of July for delivery... Where do you go around Sydney for fun Paul?? Wheres the good boating in the area?
 
rszarka said:
Hi Paul

yes i am getting all the repairs done here before she goes on the container ship. The autopilot works just the screen is shot, so need a new screen for it. Not sure what the make and model of the autopilot is.

The fuel is full of bateria and yes they started it up and took it for a run like that, judging by what you just said sounds like a very bad thing .... They told me about a treatment called A J A X something that eats all the bacteria and then just burns out??? dunno the mechanic told me its used by the U.S military and is the best way to treat bacteria in diesel. Yes he did mention changing the Racor filters... The tanks are full hopefully the treatment will be good and effective and i dont have to toss that out...thats 600 gallons of diesel worth a lot of money ...apparently the treatment i mentioned is just as effective as cleaning the tanks some micro organisms that eat the bacteria...will have to look into it better but this motor surveyor comes very highly reccomended, where ever in town i called everyone spoke of him as the best so i cant imagine he would steer me wrong ..also a super nice guy.
Still cant believe how fast this boat is not that i plan on running it like that but damn!!! If a 54 can move that fast can only imagine how quick the smaller ones must be! The seas were like 6-7 ft and its just tore through em didnt even phase the boat..
So if all goes well it will be on a ship the 20th of this month, the shipping is already booked and paid for... they said its approx a 5 week journey so looking at the end of June beginning of July for delivery... Where do you go around Sydney for fun Paul?? Wheres the good boating in the area?
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Ozzie is the person to give advice for Sydney, I know the waters around Port Stephens to Newcastle and up the coast from Port Stephens to Broughton Island. Also the Myall Lakes.

I will readily admit I know nothing about shipping a boat the way you are doing it, I would have thought they would want minimal fuel and no water aboard her for shipping. The water being a customs and quarrantine thing and the fuel being a safety issue.
 
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Good luck with new boat, happy to read that things are working out for you. BTW, there is a very good write up on Diesel fuel on the home page of this website. Not sure who wrote it, but I am guessing FWebster. Enjoy!
 
I need my hip boots - it's getting pretty deep around here. How did you do a hull survey with a dirty bottom?
 
Seagull: I am not answering posts like this anymore, either you believe me or you don't Frankly do not care either way. Part of the haulout is a pressure wash but it did not get everything off! That's the last time I ackowledge a post like this.

Thanks for the tip on the fuel post on the front page, that is a very good article!

Good point Paul I was planning on emptying all the tanks accept the fuel, will call the shipping company tomorrow and find out if I have to empty the fuel tanks. You are probably they my guess is they will not want something loaded with diesel up on their deck, adds a lot of weight and the safety issue you mentioned! In the contract they sent me there is pages and pages of details I am sure it's in there somewhere.
If so does anyone know if there is someone that would buy that fuel ? I know diesel with bacteria can be treated so I'm sure it won't go to waste if I have to take it out.

Paul: just looked at Port Sephens on google maps looks like a really neat area for boating with all of that inland water nearby! I will definately have to sail up that way sometime!
Do you know anything about getting boats up to survey so you can charter them?? From what I have been told it's a really crazy and expensive process?? My cuz said they might even cut a hole in your hull that you have to then repair. Do you know anyone Paul that has ever gotten a Sea Ray up to survey back home? Or of any companies using a sea ray as a charter yacht? Maybe I could contact them and find out how hard it would be to get this boat up to survey.

Stopped in the middle of writing this post to look over the shipping contract, you were right it says minimal fuel great lol so gotta figure this one out!
 
I know that the boat services and vendors we take for granted here and just not available down-under. Do yourself a favor and order a couple of cases of 30 micron Racor filters for whatever filter body the 54 has on it.

You will end up either having the fuel polished on the boat or chemically treating the tanks with a procedure like or similar to that in the opening page article. Either way, you will be changing the primary filters several times if the tanks are as bad as you say. My guess is that your surveyor saw a bunch of sludge in the Racor bowls and it raised a red flag for him. Neglected Racors can look horrible when the tanks themselves are not that bad. If this boat were mine, I would first try chemical treatments then if you need to, call a fuel polishing company to help out.
 
I was down at our marina the other week where a Riviera 43 was being worked on because of algae problems..They had to cut a hole in the fuel tank (Fibreglass) and get some
skinny kid in there and clean the whole inside.

Your bottom needs to be clean otherwise it becomes a risk to Australian waters. Customs will demand it to be clean. You need fuel on board for when they drop her into water so you can start the engines. You will then
be instructed to head to a holding area for customs to go over your boat. This could take days. An initial inspection is done whilst the boat is on the ship at the dock. If there is a problem with a dirty bottom
they can't drop her into Australian waters. You will also need to remove your water. The other thing is having her removed from documentation this takes time and you are running out. The USA owns your boat even if it is in your name and can't be shipped until the release has been finalised.

Ozzie
 
Ozzie, please explain to me what you mean by removed from documentation? I have a marine document lady that is handling the closing for me and then will register the ship in Cayman Brac for me. Are you saying I have to have it Australian registered before it can be shipped? The shipping company has told me they just need the ***;e and registration and its good to go. I am a bit worried here as I am not sure what you are saying needs to be done?
I have an April 20th sailing but ca bounce to a June 20th if need be without additional costs. I will call my shipping company and my documentation lady monday and talk to them about all of this.
I will make sure the bottom is spotless before it is put on the ship and all the tanks are empty accept a little bit of fuel.

So check list, need to have all the refrigerant emptied from the AC unit, fridge, freezer, halon extinguishing system before shipment and a get a certificate of removal.
Need to have the bottom thoroughly cleaned.
Empty all tanks except a bit of fuel
Need to make sure the documentation is changed from USA to where ever i am having it registered and it is complete before the shipping.

Is there anything i left out Ozzie or anything else i should know to take care of berfore sending it??

Thanks a ton Ozzie you have been such a tremendous help and saved me from making some pretty big mistakes!! You have no idea how much i appreciate it, I am definately taking you out for a few schooners when i get home!!
It is such a long hard complicated process buying a yacht in the states and bringing it back to Australia, i really did not expect it to be this indepth and hard to accomplish when i got into it!! Expenses are mounting slowly but surely, two sets of surveys, hotels, car rentals food for two weeks...slowly closing in on ten grand on top of the boat from just being here.... you want something nice you have to pay for it right lol

Thats a crazy story about cutting the hole in a tank and sending a kid in there to clean it lol! Would hate to be the kid, cant imagine its a nice thing being inside a diesel and algae infested tank or healthy for that matter lol

Thanks so very much again!!
Rob
 
Hi Rs,
in reading your last reply you are having it done correctly..The removal from USCG documentation took a few weeks so in a way I was lucky my ship was late.

Yes , I can relate to your experience. I had to learn on my feet..I had a brand new sailing boat (Hanse 37) which I shared with a few other people here in Au.. Didn't need to worry about all these 2nd hand
problems as the thing was under warranty. There are so many issues with boating..look at all the questions on this board and also have a look on a site called boatdiesel( good site for engine knowledge)

Ozzie
 
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