Please select your home edition
Edition

Boat imports cost 1000s of Australian jobs

by Marine Auctions & Valuations on 18 May 2012
A cautionary tale about buying ’grey imports’ SW
Adrian Seiffert, Principle of Marine Auctions & Valuations believes that Used Boats (Grey Imports) being imported to Australia is the major reason for the 1000s of job losses in the marine industry over the last three to four years and also the closure of many business associated with the Marine Industry.

'Grey Imports have reduced the value of most type of vessels in Australia to a record low level with the value of many second hand boats declining around 50% in the last 12 months,' he explains, adding that many used boats now sold in Australia are considerably cheaper than those purchased by Australians from overseas.

Of the estimated 2,500 used vessels imported into Australia over the last few years, Adrian believes around 75% of the Australian buyers could have purchased better quality boats in Australia for around the same value or cheaper if they purchased boats that were originally sold new in Australia.

One of the major reasons why many Australians are purchasing off shore is that many boats that are advertised in Australia are advertised at considerably higher prices than that of similar vessels advertised for sale in American and Europe.

'Many Grey Boat Importers find out too late that by the time they launch their Grey import in Australian the vessels owes them double what they paid offshore. Many of the Grey Imports arriving in Australia especially from the USA are significantly different from those sold new in Australia.

'The supply of replacement parts is often a problem, and in some cases repairers are very reluctant to undertake repairs. Also some insurance companies may not cover boats that are not Australian compliant. Another issue with Grey Imports is that some maybe encumbered or stolen.'

Adrian says now is a good time to purchase any type of vessel in Australia as he believes that prices have hit rock bottom. He believes many potential buyers have realised this and he has seen an increase in buyer demand over the last couple of months.

For further details please contact Adrian Seiffert on 0418 783 358.

Related Articles

Marine Auctions: Two Online Auctions in July
Also Jacob Seiffert has been appointed as the Area Representative for the Port Lincoln Region Marine Auctions are proud to announce that Jacob Seiffert has been appointed as the Area Representative for the Port Lincoln Region in South Australia. Jacob is a local Commerical Fisherman.
Posted on 12 Jul
Marine Auctions: Special July Online Auction
The bidding will end on Tuesday 22 July at 2pm AEST The alternative way of selling any type of vessel or marine asset with proven and successful results.
Posted on 2 Jul
Marine Auctions: June online auctions
Bidding to open on Friday 20th June The Bidding for the June Online Auction will commence on Thursday 20th June and will end on Thursday 26th June at 2pm AEST.
Posted on 7 Jun
Marine Auctions: May Online Auctions
Marina Berths and Vessels, some vessels unreserved Marina Berths and Vessels, some vessels unreserved. The Bidding for the May Online Auction will commence on Thursday 23rd May and will end on Thursday 29th May at 2pm AEST.
Posted on 12 May
Marine Auctions: April Online Auctions
Bidding to open on Wednesday 23 April Bidding to open on Wednesday 23 April and will close Tuesday 29th April at 2pm AEST
Posted on 12 Apr
Marine Auctions: April Online Auctions
Bavaria 32 sailing yacht, Williams 36 motor cruiser and much more Up for auction: Bavaria 32 sailing yacht, Williams 36 motor cruiser, Mustang 2800 powerboat, Cobalt 243 cuddy cabin, Monterey 270 cruiser, Arber 9 sailing catamaran, and much more.
Posted on 1 Apr
Marine Auctions: March/April Online Auctions
March Online Auction and Special April Online Auction March's Action Bidding to Commence Friday 21st March and will end on Thursday 27th March. And April's Bidding to Commence on Friday 4th April and will end on Thursday 10th April.
Posted on 17 Mar
Marine Auctions March Online Auction
5 vessels unreserved and must be sold Online auction opening Friday 7th March closing Thursday 13th March 2025 at 2pm AEST.
Posted on 6 Mar
Marine Auctions February Online Auction
Bidding will close 27th February 2025 at 2pm AEST February 2025 Online Auction Bidding will close Thursday, 27th February 2025 at 2pm AEST.
Posted on 7 Feb
Marine Auctions January Online Auction
Bidding will close Thursday, 30th January 2025 January 2025 Online Auction Bidding will close Thursday, 30th January 2025 at 2pm AEST.
Posted on 14 Jan