Our Process

At Ballast Point Yachts, Inc. we recognize that importing can be quite an unknown. It is our aim to provide individualized assistance with every step of the process. We recognize every person has their own requirements. We pride ourselves on being able to meet our client's needs on a one to one basis. We have many past clients willing to provide testimonials.  Our experience shows the process can be broken down into a few easy steps:

Find a boat.  

Click Below to View Today's Inventory:

Finding a good deal. We will access a variety of public and private sources, and will search the market for the specific Luhrs model you want in order to find the best opportunity as it relates to value, age and condition. Our experience with the Luhrs brand allows us the advantage of knowing what problems to look for, and what questions to ask. We will filter out the problem boats in advance to avoid wasting your time.

Protecting your interests. Once the right boat is identified, we use our negotiating skills to hammer out the best deal. We use the California Yacht Broker’s Association purchase agreement which is written to protect you as the buyer. The contract spells out the terms and contingencies of the purchase. Each contingency must be satisfied prior to you giving your final acceptance of the vessel. If the boat does not pass inspection or meet your expectation, you have the right within the terms of the contract to back out of the deal without penalty. 

Identifying a healthy boat. We will utilize technicians selected from our network of accredited marine professionals on the East Coast to complete a very thorough inspection of the vessel. The inspections include (but are not limited to) sea trail, haul-out for bottom inspection, hull survey, mechanical inspection, oil samples and a title search. All aspects of the vessel’s condition are documented and disclosed in a report which is distributed to you for review. As the buyer, you can choose to participate in all or any part of the inspection process which usually takes a couple days. Similar to buying a house, the inspection costs are paid for by the buyer. These costs are clearly itemized in advance for your review and approval. 

We handle all the paperwork. Once the boat passes inspection and you have made your final acceptance, there is a substantial amount of paperwork associated with closing the transaction and delivering the boat. As a licensed, bonded and insured yacht brokerage that is regulated by the State of California, BPY will facilitate the necessary documents required to process the purchase, inspections, title transfer, export and shipping documents . 

Arranging the transport. Our national and international experience with transporting boats includes both trucking and ocean freight. Through the years we have secured discounted pricing with a number of carriers to assure we can offer competitive transport costs to our customers. We will negotiate the best shipping option and arrange the needed permits and insurance to transport your Luhrs to almost anywhere in the world in a safe and timely manner. 

Our goal. We are committed to providing great value and exceptional customer service is to make your Luhrs purchase and ownership experience the best it can be. This approach has earned BPY its great reputation that has resulted in repeat Luhrs business and a high referral rate by our Australian and Canadian customers. 

Email us or give us a call to discuss your Luhrs interests and hear how our team can make it happen with ease, convenience and great savings. We look forward to speaking with you. 

Now is the time to Import a boat from America USA!

Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Canada Import Specialist!

Ballast Point Boats, Inc.

Tel (619) 222-3620 Ext 1

Cell (619) 977-6006
Email Us Your Questions: Contact Us

Cradle Construction - Cradle construction is of utmost importance when considering shipping your boat. We want your prized new boat or yacht to make the voyage home safely and securely. We use cargo groups all over the USA who have had many years experience in construction of cradles and preparation of your boat whether it is sailing on a RO/RO (roll on roll off) service, Flatrack or Container line. Your cradle must be suitable for ocean carriage and acceptable by the steamship line. The ship's master or Port Captain can refuse carriage if the cradle is not suitable. Cradles can be constructed from timber (ispm-15 standard) or steel. Some dedicated yacht carriers offer adjustable cradle systems that are designed, in most cases, for heavy lift vessels.

Shrink-Wrapping - By preventing contaminants, such as mineral or organic matter, which will not be acceptable by AQIS or MAF or the quarantine laws of destination country shrink-wrapping is a worthwhile investment It will also keep your boat clean from diesel soot from the ship during transport.

Fumigation & Cleaning - Under recent changes with AQIS, USA issued fumigation certificates are no longer recognised, Cleaning is well advised prior to sailing from the USA.

Dismantling Services - It is well worth considering a dismantling service as most cargo is shipped and invoiced using a cubic figure. If your boat has a T-Top, Hardtop, Radar Arch or Dome, these can often be dismantled to lose height. Reduction of the CBM (cubic metre) could equate to a substantial saving in freight costs depending on the configuration of your cargo.

Inland USA Domestic Freight - We offer an extensive network of domestic inland road haulers. We have ensured they have the correct insurance and licenses to deliver your boat safely to the departure port. They can handle any boat or cargo and all necessary permits are in place for oversize and over height requirements.

Customs Clearance - We have an alliance with our own professional customs broker. They will process all documentation and collect all GST / Duties (if applicable) within Australia and New Zealand. We will liaise to organize AQIS / MAF inspections and times. We will make your cargo arrival in Australia / New Zealand uncomplicated.