Buying a Ski/Race boat in the USA

[calais]

G'Day Fellas,

Been looking at buying a ski boat for a while now for family recreation, and looking to do a little toward running the bridge to bridge in the social class with my brother.

In the family already we have an Everingham 19ft clinker with a 308 and have had and sold a Ramsay Puma with a 355 holden stroker (will always regret selling that one). But lately, I just havent been impressed by whats on the market when I'e been looking for our next boat. That was until I started looking in the USA.

I have been mainly looking at Sanger Bubbledecks and Halletts, both with flatbottoms which will give me the right hull set-up for smooth water and river running. It seems that in the USA some of the boats I have been checking out are seriously well specced for the money being asked, and are usually laid up over winter, and immaculately kept compared to what I've witnessed in Australia. A similarly specced rig in Australia would be double or triple the price!

This boat here particularly has my attention:

http://www.dragboatcity.com/boats-sa...%20sanger.html

Now I guess what im unsure about it whether or not I would have much trouble importing such a boat into Australia. I figure it would be much like importing a car, but without the L02 compliance mess. So around $4000 odd on top of the purchase price for shipping then another 3 or so grand for import duty and cleaning etc.....then rego as usual. I am thinking the trailer may pose a problem, but upgrading a trailer isnt a big deal.

I am keen to see if anyone has been down this path before, and if anyone might be able to shed some light on any pitfalls I may be glossing over?

Or if someone knows of another boat for which can compete on value or spec........ even better!

Cheers.