WA
184 posts
So I've just received a renewal for Bonnie.
She's an Australian registered yacht, but hasn't been in Australian waters for over 2 years.
When we left WA we were recommended by Australian Customs officials to 'export' her because it cost nothing and would make the bringing her back 'easier' (we'll see about that one day)
So my questions are:
Do I need to pay Australian Registration if she is currently exported?
What do I get for my $300?
Why not just re-Register her on my return? Does that involve more than just filing paper work?
No, Insurance is not an issue. I have none.
I have yet to be asked for any evidence of registration and/or insurance in the SE Asian marinas we have used.
Harbour Masters do want to see the boat papers which is expected, but there is no questions about date of expiry.
Cheers
Quentin
NSW
201 posts
I am puzzled by your circumstances. There are a whole bag full of issues I can think of and the answers to which probably depend on what you intend to do. Why did "customs" suggest you export it? You didn't sell it. Did you sail it out or ship it out? I can't think of any reason why customs import/export had any relevance at all. Experienced overseas cruisers might have some info to share on this. With respect to registration, you say the boat has been out of Australia for two years. Did you renew the rego last year? I would have thought where the boat is registered has nothing to do with this "export" thingy. And if you do not have and never intend to have insurance then that reason for registration is out the hatch. If you intend to bring the boat back you might want to keep the rego current on the basis that there might be some difficult getting it registered when you get back due to changes in regs/policies etc. Existing things tend to simply get grandfathered in. An Australian registration might help you when (if) you want to sell the boat. It might help you in your travels. Is there anyone in customs out there or anyone experienced in overseas cruising and returning boats or in selling boats that might have some ideas?
WA
1890 posts
If you have exported the boat, does that mean when you bring her home you need to Import the boat -with all the associated import duties-?
622 posts
If you export the boat it makes it easier if it returns to Australia, as customs (and you) have records of its ownership and its duty status, so you will not have to pay duty/GST if it returns. I exported a boat from OZ, but main reason was I could claim all the excise back of the 5000L of fuel on board.
WA
184 posts
Nods,
What you say is what they told me, no duty when I return. Let's hope it is true. And yes, we claimed back on our miserly 500L of fuel too!
Havefun.
I sailed the boat from Dampier, W.A. I think keeping it registered would certainly help in a diplomatic situation. Australian ship flying the Australian flag were we to run into trouble somewhere.
I did re-new it last year but really wonder what the money is getting me at this moment. I have looked at the AMDA site and the charge for re-newing the registration after it has expired... $1,190.00!!!
So, if I stay out of the country for another 3 years and not re-new. It will cost the same when I return....
Sounds like I've answered my own question, with your guys great help. Might as well re-new it now!
Cheers
Quentin
