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Hi Theo,

Great input. Lots more to this than I expected, but it still looks worth investigation. Chartering a boat there seems to make sense for shorter visits, but shipping could become cost effective for a more extended cruise. I'll keep poking away at this, and update with info as I learn. Thanks for the advice.

Mike

I think it will be cheaper a mac charter in europe.
If u like i could rent you mine....( Southern Italy, cilento coast National Park )

Dont know what the cost to ship a mac to Europe cost,s. Have you thought about trying to sell it after your trip.After seeing the UK & European prices for boats, it might be worth looking into the rules to sell it in the EU countries. You could possibly recoup the cost of shipping.

I wouldn't even consider hauling our boat all that way, and just sell her off. Way too many places yet to go with her. From what I've learned thus far, we would likely be able to obtain an exemption to the $3k or so VAT cost, however, the exemption is voided if we sell the vessel. The proposition from Marsanden is rather interesting (Marsande, please check your e'mail for a more detailed response).

Lots of things to consider, but winter is a great time to pipe dream and pull info together. I was informed today by a container shipper that the opening to a standard container is something like 92 inches, and height around 90 inches. Neither dimension works for a Mac, yet Roger's factory site shows a Mac in a container, and says it's designed to fit in a standard container. Anybody able to reconcile these conflicting stories?

Everyman wrote:Dont know what the cost to ship a mac to Europe cost,s. Have you thought about trying to sell it after your trip.After seeing the UK & European prices for boats, it might be worth looking into the rules to sell it in the EU countries. You could possibly recoup the cost of shipping.

I believe that is very restricted and costly as well.
From what I read here and know of Mexico.

You might need a high cube container. But I am pretty sure it will fit. You might need to reposition the mast though.

They may actually tilt the boat in the container a few inches. I think parts are removed from the trailer also. Wheels?

It fits. I shipped my x 2 times. I had to sit the mast on the cabin, remove the axel, fenders and goal post on the trailer. Strap the trailer to dollies and roll it into the container it is tight but works.

Another thought on visiting Europe on a long time plan, buy a RV and tour. Mercedes, Fiat, Volvo and VW all make narrow small RV's.

I don't know the last time you were in Europe but we just returned and the Euro, after exchange fees is $1.35 to the dollar so you lost one third of your dollars. The Pound in England is almost 2 to 1 so you lost half of your dollars.
We travel a lot and I firmily believe in going places that are safe and the dollar is strong. Also buy your hotel and reserve your car in advance and lock in the rate so no surprises.
A few years from now the dollar may be strong again in Europe but not right now. I remember when it was $.90 cents to the dollars a few years ago.
Also, Visa charged me a $4.50 exchange fee for charging something. American Express did not. Look into this before going what your card company may charge for fees to use overseas.
China is cheap, for what you get, right now to visit.
How come Europeans can't form a single line to buy something? Everyone acts like it is everyone for themselves even at Macdonald's. People were coming in sideways to get in front of me when I try to buy a ferry, train, bus ticket. When I look at them, they look at me like what is wrong. They do this all day long and is the way it is done there.

How come Europeans can't form a single line to buy something

Depends where you are in Europe...but Im also always amazed at the (lack of) personal space in Europe compared to US...I have had more physical contact with people in European airports than with the Admiral, some weeks..

Catigale, we were discussing the problem of people being close to you at airports last night at dinner with friends who do international business travel.
He said that in Rome which has a big problem with gypsy's pickpockets, from the time he got through passport control at the airport to a taxi, he got pickpocketed. He had a wallet in his back pocket that was a diversion but they left that one and somehow got the real one.
The hotel he was staying in had to pay his taxi fare as they got all his money and cards. He then had to eat all his meals there until his wife wired him money.
I complained that they made me remove my money belt which is a belt with a zipper and put it through the x-ray while they frisked me. I could not watch my belt as they had me turned away from the machine. Next time I went through security I had the money belt in my carry case and could watch it go through the x-ray machine. I also put my wallet in the case as they said credit cards now set off the walk through sensor and they have to be removed anyway.

Steve......

some weeks are like that...............
however......it is still worth it!!!!!!

Ive always insisted the TSA keep my stuff together, and not wander off in four different directions with my computer, shoes, briefcase, and suitcase...they usually dont mind when they see you have your stuff organised for search.

THe hard part is when they want to re-run your bag, and you lose it back in the line again...luckily I have got them to show me what the 'trouble spots are and can pack my bag so that this doesnt occur...at Albany they know me by name anyway...

Mike and Theo, we are planning to ship our boat over to England in the early spring of 2010. Tour the canals there then work our way down the French canals Septemberish to end up in the med for October November. We are not sure where we will stay in the Med yet as it is early in our planning. We will register our boat as we have heard it is a must for insurance over there and usually required documentation for entry into most countries.

We had thought about selling the boat over there before we return but the EU regulations would be a stumbling block I think.

What is your timeline? I have some good information about the canals so send me a personal email if you wish and we can exchange info.