Transporting an M abroad

[jmann]

Has anyone taken their M abroad?
I am interested in shipping my M to Australia, and am getting conflicting answers on whether or not it will fit in a cargo container.
Any info would be appreciated.

Joel



ModsNote: Hi Joel, & welcome Aboard!
Many readers perceive this suggestion to be unfriendly, but it's truly useful. You'll get a few answers to your question, right here, and you are surely welcomed to continue this discussion. But you won't get nearly as much info in this single thread as has been exchanged over the past two years. Your same question has appeared at least 3 times earlier in 2007, plus in innumerable earlier discussions.

By having a member ID, you're entitled to search the archives. You'll be much better equipped, and gain much added info if you also read the archives. I'd suggest you search (top-center link) on the word export, next on the word sharpe (Macgregor's son-in-law & exclusive exporter), finally on the words shipping container, clicking "all terms".

It is vastly easier to explore the archives with a tabbed browser. I use Opera, others like Firefox.
See here for my top-ten hints on browsing Heath's fora! Cheers~!

[tangentair]

It will fit but you need a real professional shipping company to block and brace it properly - I shipped medical CT Scanners and MRI Imagers to both Russia and China among other places and getting it into a 40 footer isn't the issue, it is making sure it stays in there properly without damage. I know a real good company in Chicago, but can't help you with any names in Jersey.

[BigNige]

I just took delivery of mine in Malaysia. You need to check on the dimension across the wheels. Mine came with the new aluminium trailer and it is fitted with small jockey wheels because with the main wheels fitted it is too wide to go in the container. With the jockey wheels fitted it is very difficult to move but about 8 men should do it!!! If yours is the earlier all steel trailer it might be OK. The MacGregor video shows one being rolled about by one man and put in a container (but then there are a few things in the video that aren't quite what they seem).
You should also check on the standards for recreational boats in Australia. Certainly for Europe they have to be CE certified and MacGregor offer a package for this. Check with them or better still their dealer in OZ (address on Sharpmarine website).

Good Luck

[MrBarry]

No big problem getting it to Australia. And no certification needed on the boat, just the trailer. I'm in the process of doing it right now (as soon as I buy one!)
Check out Phillips story
http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=7338


James

[davidbagnall]

I used a import agent in Aus to do all of the work for me. If you do a search on this site you will find quite a few Macs have successfully made it over here in a container. So far the importing process has been a very plesant experience. This is the web site of the agent I am using
import-a-boat. com .au
A few things to remember is Aust Customs are very picky about dirt etc (so make sure it is spotless!). Also make plans to get the tralier hitch replaced when it lands as the 2inch hitch is not approved for Aus roads (the whole metric thing again). There is a pretty good chat about that on this site...

Good Luck!!!

PS our boat arrives on the 26th and my wife and I are pretty darn excited!!