G/Day Im Johnny
Iv been a "lurker" for a while became addicted to ur site .. looked all over AUSSIE for a good MAC at a reasnable price asking ...around $45 k U.S ...here for a used Mc X {I think theres only about 5 in the country }....so thinking of visiting ur great country and buying one and shipping it back here ......as Im 60 yrs young thinking of leaving it on a mooring and pulling it out to be anti fouled ......trailing it would be a challenge for me .....may i ask if any one can offer any advice re my buying{used unit} and shipping Id be very grateful
PS im NOT telling the wife tis called secret mans bussness here lol
Many have looked at it. By the time you pay shipping costs + 10%GST on boat and shipping + sundry import and dock charges + costs of getting the trailer compliant (engineer report etc) and registered most give up as it doesn't become a much cheaper option.
Welcome johnny Heck, I think we can find a dozen resale Macs per year here at $22k. How's your average $45k Mac outfitted (what motor?), and what are the "offers" instead of "asking prices?" You find out how much the shipping & importing will cost, okay?
If we could clear US$15k after landing in Sydney ... I'll go inta BIZ wid'ya!
Jimmy
When you start to look around you'll actually find lots of 26X's in Aus. There is no doubt the X's have maintained their value since the release of the . That said I have recently imported an into PNG direct and with the freight bill at US$7000, plus GST (10%) and Yamaha 50 4 stroke and electrics the cost in A$ is around 60K.
Synergy Yachts based in Wollongong import direct and last look they were about $62 with some Aus mods. My suggestion is you start there as the direct import option of 2nd hand will cost more than you think and you definitly need someone to pack it for you. Sharpe Marine do the exporting but will not help with any 2nd hand models - I tried.
Good luck
Also be aware of those Macs that have been sailed in freshwater lakes in the US will need to be passed by Dept Ag in OZ. This is due to the risk of importing weed, shellfish etc in the ballast tank. I have heard stories of holes being drilled in the hull to ensure compliance.
From an Australian perspective, seeing boats advertised in the US for US$19,900 compared to a new M here for in real terms A$68,000 sail/motor away is alarming. However, when all the real costs, exchange rates, taxes, etc, etc, etc. The costs and risks of importing yourself start to mount and fairly quickly become less cost effective.
There's also a 5% import tax applicable to the import of yachts into australia before GST is added. Incedentally, this is apparently added to the total cost (boat+shipping+insurance).
I still think you can get a good deal bringing one in from the USA, especially with the excellent exchange rate just now (managed to get AU$1 = US$0.92)
For those interested, the costs so far (Aussie $)
Boat: $33k
Packing: 3k
Shipping: 5k
I've still to arrange conversion/compliance of the trailer and expect this to run into a few thousand. Even still, I'll get a great example of an M (2006) with loads of extras for well under what it would cost buying 2nd hand here.
If anyone know of someone in or around Sydney with experience of importing the M trailer and/or getting it passed compliance, can you give me a yell?
So why aren't there any Mac Dealers in Australia? After all there are Mac Dealers elsewhere overseas. Sorry about the question because obviously it has been answered before, but was just wondering.
It is bascially a one-man show and he keeps a very low profile. No website, doesn't turn up to boat shows anymore, and is probably exceedingly peed off that he sells only a couple of boats a year, whilst dozens of used boats are being imported by individuals as well as those trying to make a few quick bucks.
As far as a Mac association, there isn't one right now, but that is probably a matter of time. Synergy do organise an annual cruise in the Whitsundays, the latest of which has just passed.
Don't know about how many boats are in Sydney, but there are some on Lake Macquarrie. You will find some lurking on www.trailersailerplace.com.au.
If you are really serious, I will bring one in for you.
I have 3 on the go at the moment. 2 x M's and 1 x X.
Should have another 2 underway shortly.
Dosn't matter what port you use here....not an issue.
PM me if you wish to take it any further.
Cheers
Phillip
tis called secret mans bussness here lol
Heck, I think we can find a dozen resale Macs per year here at $22k. How's your average $45k Mac outfitted (what motor?), and what are the "offers" instead of "asking prices?" You find out how much the shipping & importing will cost, okay? 
. That said I have recently imported an 
