FAQ

Firstly to drive the boat on its’ own hull to Philippines is not an easy task. There is almost 700 Nautical miles and most of it is Open seas. 

No.1 : Do not buy a boat that has problems with engines. If for any reason you have done it already. Get the engine checked by official dealers or a very reliable engineer to make a list of things that need to be worked on. Basically you want to make sure the engine is in 100% good condition. 

No.2 : Always hire a professional crew who has done this numerous times, infact hiring people who have not taken this journey is a gamble that will not pay off well. 

No3 : Have good amount of spare parts, A professional crew will give you a list of spare parts that need. Which are ofcourse engine filters, engine belts, External fuel pumps, external fuel storage tanks, fire extinguishers, VHF system, navigation systems, AIS system or any other emergency system, life rafts. 

No.4 : Dont rush and do many sea-trails before taking the journey. It is important that you test the boat for almost a month, if the crew stays onboard and takes the boat for several long sea-trails, then they have a pretty good idea of what can go wrong. This also helps to know if the engines will over heat after a long journey. It will also give them indication of any oil leaks or cooling water leaks that can avoid a disaster. 

No.5 : Check the weather and consult professionals. A surveyor or a professional crew will also be able to check the weather properly and will not take unnecessary risks. 

No.6 : Ensure fuel tank cleaning. It is a must to clean the tank. For old boats, the sludge will resurface during the open sea ride and clog the engine. Cleaning fuel tanks is not a easy job. Sometimes the access is limited and shipyards will use pressure washers and empty tanks several times and filter fuels. However, a good shipyard will be able to do the job. 

No.7 : Get clean fuel and ensure the fuel drums you store the fuel in are clean. There are lot of cheap industrial drums which are laced with chemicals. So ensure you wash and dry the drums before storing the fuel, and get your diesel from a reliable source. 

No.8 : Do not be in a hurry. This point I make twice, because we understand that each day the boat stays in Hong Kong is an expense. Hong Kong is an expensive city and even more when it comes to boats. But thats why you should know, that it is not going to be cheap to do this. But trying to meet some deadline and rushing the job will end up in a bigger loss. 

We always recommend to hire a professional surveyor to check final things and do a final sea-trail with the crew before taking off. 

It is possible to get a loan to buy a yacht, there are some big banks that offer it and then there are couple of finance companies in Hong Kong that specialize in boat loans. 

It is not that common thing out here in Hong Kong compared to the west. But it is possible. The rates and terms are always changing according to bank’s or finance company’s policies. 
But generally, the companies will only give loans for a new boat. Because they are not experts in evaluating the used boats. If they start giving loans on used boats, then the banks will need to hire a new team who has expertise in boat valuation. This is not going to be a profitable thing for a bank to do. Usually the banks give 70% of the purchase price and the pay back time is less than 10 years. Again these things are ever changing. Also the interest rates as you know keep changing depending on the government rates and economic conditions. 

As you license the boat. The boat’s license will be held by the finance company or the bank until the loan is cleared. 

But if you are buying a new boat, then it is possible. But if you are buying a used boat. Then its not. For used boat only thing to do is to get a personal loan and payback without listing your boat as an asset. 

There is no cost to list the boat for sale with us. You only pay us an agreed commission when we successfully sell your boat to a client. 
Commission rates may vary depending on prices and situations. 

Firstly we will need to go on the boat. Check the condition of the boat ourselves. We take pictures, videos and take needed specification. 
We also will need to verify the ownership to protect our potential clients that every thing is legal. We then market the boats accordingly. 
Mainly we list it on our websites and various other platforms. We also use our network to find potential clients. 

No. There are no guaranteed fast ways to sell a boat. You should be very careful of anyone making high claims like that. Your sales of boat depends on. 
a) Market condition, b) The demand of the type of boat you are selling, c) Condition of your boat, d) Price of your boat. 

To speed up a potential sale, it is recommended that you can do a pre-sale inspection of engines and machinery. This kind of inspection does not need to be very professional, but a simple precheck done by an engineer checking few key aspects of important machinery. You could also lift up the boat and check the bottom of the boat. Such a report or a video will give confidence to a potential buyer to make a decision. People who are interested often like to see more details to ensure they are not taking risks. Clients are however always suggested to hire their independant surveyor before making a purchase. 

Maintaining the hull of your fiberglass boat is crucial for its longevity and performance on the water. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to keep your vessel in top condition:

1. Regular Cleaning: It’s recommended to clean the boat hull with mild soap at least once a month. While there are specialized boat soaps available, a common supermarket soap diluted with water can also do the job effectively. After each boating session, rinsing the hull with fresh water from a hose is essential to remove saltwater residue. This step is crucial as salt buildup can gradually damage the gelcoat, which serves as a protective layer for the fiberglass hull.
2. Polishing: While frequent polishing isn’t advised due to the abrasive nature of the process, giving your boat a thorough polish once a year is sufficient. Polishing helps maintain a smooth finish by gently abrading the gelcoat. Before polishing, ensure the hull is clean, and use a medium or fine cutting compound for the best results. Following polishing, applying a marine wax provides not only a glossy shine but also protects against dirt, grime, and salt buildup, extending the life of the gelcoat.
3. Bottom Maintenance: For boats kept in the water, especially larger vessels not stored on dry docks, bottom maintenance is critical. Lifting the boat out of the water twice a year is recommended to clean the hull thoroughly and remove any barnacles and marine growth. Applying antifouling paint helps prevent the accumulation of organisms on the hull, maintaining optimal performance. Additionally, regularly replacing zinc anodes installed on metal parts susceptible to corrosion is essential to safeguard against electrolytic damage.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your boat’s hull remains in top condition, maximizing its lifespan and enjoyment on the water. Remember, proactive care is key to preserving the beauty and integrity of your vessel for years to come.

There are various types of boat covers available, each serving different purposes and coming at different price points. Custom-made covers are on the expensive side, tailored specifically for your boat. On the other hand, there are generic large covers which are more affordable and widely available online. These generic covers are best suited for protecting your boat from dust, UV damage, bird droppings, and the occasional intrusion of fish, which can cause unpleasantness like maggots and worms.

However, when it comes to rainy weather, these covers can pose some challenges. If they’re not properly secured and don’t have adequate drainage, rainwater can collect on them, making your boat unnecessarily heavy and requiring extra effort to remove the water. In Hong Kong, boats are typically covered with Sunbrella fabric, known for its durability and resistance to tearing. In contrast, the generic covers found online are prone to tearing and may not be stitched perfectly, leading to water accumulation during rain showers. The best covers are custom-made by a few select companies in Hong Kong, designed to allow access to the boat and easily tie down even when it’s moored.

During typhoons, however, having a strong, custom-made cover is crucial. A loose cover can flap around dangerously, potentially ripping apart or causing a parachute effect that puts undue stress on the boat’s cleats and mooring lines. The flapping cover can also scratch the boat’s hull during strong winds. Therefore, it’s essential to secure the boat cover tightly and ensure it has a slanted angle to prevent rainwater buildup before every storm.

If you’re considering purchasing and importing a new boat or yacht in Hong Kong, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the process:

1. Contact Local Dealer or Factory: Once you’ve chosen the boat you wish to buy, reach out to a local dealer in Hong Kong to manage the entire procedure. In cases where there’s no experienced local dealer or the factory is new without a dealer network, direct contact with the factory personnel is necessary.
2. Payment Terms: Payment terms typically vary based on the size and type of the boat. For larger boats, a deposit of 20% is usually required upon order, followed by 30% upon engine installation, and the balance upon completion of construction. Smaller boats may require a 50% deposit upon order and the remaining 50% upon completion.
3. Factory Visit and Legitimacy Check: It’s crucial, especially when dealing with a new factory or making a direct purchase, to visit the factory. This ensures legitimacy and allows you to assess the professionalism and facilities firsthand, mitigating the risk of financial issues or closure during the construction process.
4. Shipment Arrangements: Factories typically handle the shipment from their country to Hong Kong. However, if they’re inexperienced or unable to manage the shipment, you may need to engage a shipping broker or agent from the port of loading. Cargo insurance is essential to cover any potential damages during transit, and it’s advisable not to compromise on shipping quality to save costs.
5. Receiving the Shipment: Upon the boat’s arrival in Hong Kong, the consignee must liaise with the shipping line to obtain all necessary documents, including arrival notices, invoices, and taxes. This process may involve engaging with the shipping firm to ensure smooth clearance.
6. Handling at Port: Arrange for a competent crew or shipyard to handle the offloading and necessary installations once the boat arrives in Hong Kong waters. This may involve coordination with surveyors and port staff to address any issues promptly.
7. Licensing Process: Prepare all required documents, including identification, builder’s certificate, invoices, and insurance certificates, and submit them to the Marine Department in Hong Kong for licensing. Depending on the circumstances, a police background check may be necessary, which could extend the processing time.
8. License Acquisition: Once approved, the Marine Department will issue the license, allowing you to operate the boat legally in Hong Kong waters. Ensure that the necessary stickers or licenses are visibly displayed on the boat.

By following these steps diligently, you can successfully purchase and import a new boat or yacht in Hong Kong, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process from start to finish.

Safest way to pay for a used boat in Hong Kong is via Cashier’s order. It is safe for both the Seller and the Buyer. 
Normally when you buy a used boat in HK. You will place a 10% deposit into a broker’s account. This deposit is refundable if something very wrong is found during the boat survey. 
So many times, the Brokers keep the deposit in their account until the survey is done. This is to just safe guard buyer’s interest. 
The final payment however should be done using cashier’s order in exchange of all the transfer of ownership papers. Many times such transaction is done in the Marine Department of HK itself. 
When the Buyer and Seller meet. They check all the documents from Seller’s side are good and give them a Cashier’s order in return. 

Why Cashier’s order is safer than a bank transfer or a cheque? 
Firstly Bank transfer takes time to come into the account. Bank Cheque can also be bounced. So if you are giving away your ownership or a vessel then it is not wise to blindly trust anybody with a Bank Cheque or trust their bank transfer. 

So why can’t a Cashier’s order bounce? 
The Cashier Order sometimes also referred as “Bank Cash Cheque” cannot bounce. The reason is that, the Bank already debit’s the money (takes the money out) of the issuer’s account and keeps it in the Bank’s account. The bank then issues the Cashier’s order to a recipient’s name. That means that the money that you are getting is not from the account of the Buyer. It is from the account of the bank directly. Because the Buyer has already paid the bank. (if you understand what Iam saying, I hope Iam clear)

Is it possible for a Buyer to issue Cashier’s order and then call the bank and cancel it and take his money back from the bank? 
Not really, The Issuer needs to bring back the original Cashier’s order and explain to the bank why it is not used and then the bank will return him the money. If in case the Cashier’s order is lost. Then the issuer needs to get a police report copy to the bank, together with the letter from the recipient explaining that the Cashier’s order is lost and therefore be considered void. 

Can the Cashier’s order be just a fake document, if so, how to protect from it? 
It is possible to make fake document, but in this case, it is a big criminal offence and the Buyer will have serious consequences. There is also a way to check if this is real or fake. When Bank issues the cashier’s order, they also charge the Issuer a small fee of HKD 50. That receipt you can also have a copy of to ensure this is real. The recipient also can call the bank via their normal hotline and give the bank the Cashier’s order number and they will verify if this is fake or real. 

How does it protect the Buyer, looks like its only safe for the Seller?
This also protects the boat Buyer, because the Buyer does not need to transfer the money before hand. It is like holding cash that he can take in exchange for the papers. To be more safe, the Buyer can also first show all the documents to the Hong Kong Marine department officer and ask them to check if all the documents are in order. Once they give their thumbs up. The boat Buyer can then hand the Cashier’s order to the Seller. In general cases, If all the documents are presented especially like original Certificate of ownership and operating license, with the original forms signed and ID proofs. Then it is very safe to hand over the payment. The documents required for transfer of ownership of a boat in Hong Kong are straight forward and not complicated.   

There are different choices available depending on the purpose and budget. We are however talking more on motor boat / motor yacht here rather than sailing yachts. If you don’t want to spend too much and you are looking for a safe comfortable boat that you can drive yourself with a small family and children and enjoy the waters in Hong Kong and go to different islands, then a boat around 28 footer is quite good, A new Karnic speed boat which is a 28 footer costs around HKD 600,000 over all. The reason for this specific size is because this is the smallest size that can have a marine toilet which is of course small but usable. If you are a lady or like to have your wife or any ladies to accompany you on the boat then a toilet is very necessary. Storage and parking of boats this size is also easy and they can be lifted up easily for dry dock storage, maintenance is also very simple and not expensive if the boat has outboard engine. With inboard engine boats for first timers, you could get stuck with a engine if something goes wrong and needs a lot of repairs.

If you are looking for a larger motor yacht that you can use personally and also as a corporate entertainment, then you can go for a 40 to 45 footer boat, which normally can be a good for a family to stay for a weekend. The boats are also used normally for day trip and office parties where people can go on a island or a swimming spot and spend the day eating and drinking on the boat. People normally hire a captain to drive such boats. Berthing and mooring space can be a little bit of a challenge to find as the size of your boat gets bigger but it is possible nowadays in Hong Kong. But if you are looking for a marina club membership and berths, then be ready to hear ridiculous prices from Marina clubs who think they are monopoly in Hong Kong.

Click here to see ultimate guide to buy a boat in HK, this article explains different types of boats and machinery

The following procedure is to buy a used boat in Hong Kong.

1) When a buyer contacts us, we can show the boat to the buyer first.

2) After the buyer sees and likes the boat, he/she would like to proceed further, and then we try to look at the boat in more details and find out as much info as we can.

3) After buyer decides that he/she wants to go ahead, then we negotiate the price and sign a safe agreement which is good for boat buyer and the seller.

4) The buyer places deposit normally 10% on the boat, this deposit is refundable if the buyer finds the boat to be non-seaworthy or showing many problems in the survey.

5) All boat sales require a professional independent surveyor to do a full survey and inspection of the boat, the amount for the surveyor is paid by the buyer, and so is the lifting costs in a shipyard and any cost that may require cleaning the bottom of the boat so the surveyor can have a clear look at the boat’s bottom. In turn, the seller has to make a crew/captain available to test the boat and the fuel costs required.

6) Upon satisfactory survey report, the buyer can decide to make a final payment, re-negotiate the deal or back out depending on the survey report. Point to note is that, normal wear and tear are usually not points to negotiate on. The negotiation or rejection of the deal is taken place when there are lot of problems or any major problem that deem the boat un-seaworthy or incur lot of expense on the buyer to make the boat in a acceptable condition.

7) Asia Boating Ltd or your yacht broker should prepare all documents, check for any debts on the boat, ensure the items that are included are kept on the boat, all documents that the buyer may need in the future are available. The preparation for closing and all documents are signed by Buyer and Seller and are held by the Seller until the final payment is made.

8) Buyer requires to prepare cashier’s order which is normally exchanged for final documents in the Marine Dept of Hong Kong. Immediately after giving the cashier’s order and getting the documents, we give the documents to the Marine Dept to carry out the transfer of ownership of the vessel from the seller to the buyer. This procedure takes approximately 1 or 2 hours in the marine department of Hong Kong.

9) After the certificate of ownership has been issued to the buyer who is not the new owner of the boat, the buyer arranges to take the boat to his/her mooring place and takes the physical delivery of the boat.

Commission Rates in HK, can be flexible depending on the price of the boat. 
Generally around 10%. 
There are various ways. Both parties, the Seller and Buyer are required to split the commissions. 
Or sometimes one party is paying the whole lot. It is basically the same thing. 
Some buyers do want the sellers to pay commission, and vice versa. Either way it is added in the price. 

The best practice is to confirm the commission and it’s structure with the broker. And Let it be transparent.

A good boat broker who has been in business for long term, will openly tell you of the commissions. If the Buyers or sellers think it is very high. 
They should beware of brokers who charge very low commissions, but end up keeping a bigger difference during negotiations. 

Yearly maintenance cost of a boat depends on the size, for a big motor yacht the requirements are more and for a speed boat the requirements are lesser.

For the ease of calculation, We will try to give round up figures and slightly on the higher end of expense.

Boat is very much like your home and car, you will require to fix normal wear and tear, plus some things that you must do to ensure it is running well. Those things are.
1)  Twice a year lifting the boat up, cleaning bottom and painting it with antifouling paint, and replacing zinc anodes. This is done every six months.
For a 20-30 ft speed boat : HK$ 12,000 – 15,000
For a 40-50 ft motor yacht : HK$ 25,000 to 30,000
For a 50-70 ft motor yacht : HK$ 30,000 to 50,000

2) Once a year engine servicing, such as oil change, filters change etc.
For outboard motors : HK$ 5,000 to 8,000 (from official dealers) Can be cheaper from other local mechanics.
For Twin Inboard diesels 2 x 200hp to 2 x 600 hp : HK$ 35,000 to 45,000 (From official dealers) Can be cheaper from local mechanics.
For Bigger Inboard Diesel Engines : HK$ 45,000 to 60,000 (from official dealers) can be cheaper from local mechanics.
From non-dealers or local mechanics the price is usually around 15 % to sometimes 40% cheaper.

When the engines are under warranty, normally people use official dealers because it will be more safer in case the boat owner has to claim any warranty services later. Many owners still use official dealers because mainly they provide more accountability if things go wrong. Some also use other professional engineering companies who hire experienced mechanics. Many times we see for older boats, when getting spare parts from local dealers the prices are very high, compared to other mechanics who order online spare parts for fraction of the price.

3) Mooring Berthing Costs.
Dry storage for speed boats, from 15 ft to 35 ft : Yacht club charges HK$ 2000 to 4000 monthly (but requires to have membership and waiting list), Local shipyards cost 6000 to 7000 monthly.
Swing mooring on the sea, unofficial renting for boats around 30-40 ft : HK$ 4,000 to 6000 monthly
Swing mooring on the sea, for bigger boats such as 50 to 80 ft : HK$ 8000 to 20,000 monthly
for walking berths in Marina club and yacht club, the yacht owners require memberships fees and the clubs usually put customers on waiting list. Prices for membership range from few hundred thousand to few million HK dollars and monthly walkway berth rental is around 7,000 to 20,000 monthly depending on size of your boat.

4) Captain and boat boys.
Mostly yacht owners hire one full time captain and part time boat boys as needed for boats which are larger than 50 ft.
Full time captain salary starts at : HK$ 25,000 to HK$ 35,000 Depending on how qualified and suitable etc.
Boat boys full time salary : HK$ 15,000 to 25,000 Depends on suitability and requirements of job.
Part time Boat boys to help captain on a trip will charge, HK$ 1000 per day of boating trip, approximately.

5) Teak floor maintenance.
Teak on outer deck area, on side decks sometimes on flybridge is an expensive option, when not maintained it makes the boat look horrible, and when maintained it adds to the beauty of the boat.
Teak requires yearly painting with teak oil.
Your full time boat boy or captains can do it for free, by just buying over the counter teak oils.
Or else part time labor charges around HK$ 3,000 to HK$ 5,000  for a job which requires to be once every year, for a boat of 50 ft size to teak oil the cockpit and swim platform. More if the boat is bigger.

6) Buffing and Polishing of the hull : This is not normally required for boats that are maintained reasonably well, but some old boats can require polishing and buffing maybe every couple of years or so. The cost of re-buffing a boat varies from different shipyards or even free lance labor, a 40-50 ft boat rebuffing and polishing can cost around HK$ 10,000 to 20,000 approximately.
More for bigger boats.

These costs are just general estimates, that can change from time to time, and different shipyards have different charges for different sort of works, so it is not be used contractually but only for purpose of understanding estimated cost of yacht maintenance.

The fastest way to get a Boat Operating license in Hong Kong to join a course. If you use google and check for Boat Operating License you will find the companies that provide such a course. They will Book an examination date for you from the Marine Department of Hong Kong. The Exams are held almost every week.

You will need 2 licenses. Grade 2 Masters to operate the boat, and Grade 2 Engineers to understand engines. Having these 2 licenses enables you to operate pleasure vessels or yachts upto 15m (Roughly 50 ft). If you want to operate bigger yachts. Then you will need Grade 1 license. For which you will have to wait for a year or more until you reapply.

There is no practical exam to get boating license. Unlike car license. This is only multiple choice questions. Approximately 40 questions. In the course you will learn basics and go through some syllabus in the book. But mainly you will have to go back to the center to do past papers and practice passing the exam. This is easiest way and some centers guarantee 100% passing rate, as-in if you fail the first trial, they will let you come to the center to do the past papers until you pass.

Time period of this course depends on the students. Roughly people do the course and practice for 2 to 3 months. If you find it easy you can do the exam earlier.

Cost of this course for both licenses is under HKD 10,000/-  . More of less depending on different centers, their locations and no.of. students they teach at a time.

It is advised that after you get your license, you approach your instructor and ask them to give you some practical lessons if you are going to buy a boat for yourself in HK.

You might find this article interesting about Buying boat for the first time. 

As Per Marine Department of Hong Kong, If your boat is smaller than 11 ft, and has less than 4hp engine. The person who is operating the boat does not require a operating license (That means a boat driving license). However, anything that floats on the water and is attached to a motor requires a certificate of ownership and an Operating License (like a boat number). Just like your car has a car plate, your boat also requires a license number which is called as Certificate of ownership number in Hong Kong.

You will not require a license if your small craft does not have engine. That means an inflatable boat you are paddling and using around the shore and beach is ok. Of course if it is a sailing yacht you will require license.

Should you really repair your boat before selling? The answer is really depends on the type of repairs are needed. If it is a very run down boat that you want to cash out of. Then lower the price and sell it quick. Get rid of liability. But if your boat is a nice luxury boat, with broken gear box or some mechanical problem. Then it is recommended you fix it. Otherwise one problem will make your boat seem like a run down boat that requires complete renovation.

You should also use your sense and sensibility to make sure the boat is in a good condition overall. Telling a boat buyer that the interior is run down but engines are perfect is not going to hold value. Make sure your boat over all is presentable and in a good mechanical condition. If you have done patch up work that looks ugly, that is not going to help you gain value. People are too smart to overlook cover up work. A good Buyer and Broker will lose trust if you do so.

You have to think if your boat is worth HKD 2 million for example. It might need HKD 100,000 worth of general and interior work. You think this will keep the value. Then do it. Because if you don’t, then you are going to get offers of HKD 1.5m. It is not easy for customer to buy and renovate. Its is worrying factor for buyer.

Again, you have to look at more variations in this. Sometimes the market status affects everything. But if there are similar boats in the market and you ensure that your boat is in a good condition, then you will get a better offer. A boat that is quickly ready to be used is very attractive to buyers. A boat that needs repair is going to attract bargain hunters only and they are tough negotiators.

Tips : Interior damaged by leaks, need to be fixed and re-polished. Engine room bilges should not have water and oil. The lesser the rust in engine room the better it is. Clean engine room is going to attract serious buyers. It also gives a good selling point to the broker.

Whether Outboard engines are better on a boat, or Inboard diesel Engines. This depends on how you use the boat.
Both types of engines have their good and bad points.

Inboard Diesel Engines best for : 
– Bigger boats over 30 feet long at least, because diesel engines can produce more power to push heavier boats.
-Long journeys in rough waters. Diesel engines are rugged and can be used roughly for longer periods of time.
-Diesel is cheaper than Petrol.
-Less flammable fuel, therefore safer in a way.

Not Great Points about Diesel engines : 
– They are heavier
-They are expensive
-They cannot be taken out easily in case of problems.
-The propellers, shaft is always touching the salt water which causes corrosion & constant cleaning is needed.
-Repairs and access is difficult and expensive compared to outboards.
-Troubled engine can reduce the value of the boat. Very difficult hence expensive to replace.

Outboard Petrol Engines are best for : 
-Smaller boats under 30 footers.
-They are light, strong and durable.
-They are not expensive compared to diesel engines.
-They can be tilted up and kept from touching the water, which keeps the condition good.
-Easier to fix, access is easy.
-Easy to replace and broken engine will not reduce the value of the boat.
-Modern outboards are very reliable and strong.
-Good for pushing the boat fast and quick.

Not Great Points about Outboard Petrol Engines : 
-Not ideal for heavier and bigger boats.
-Not recommended for long offshore journeys
-Petrol is flammable, so need to be more careful. (always open hatches and let the fumes go before starting your boat)

So basically Outboards are great for speed boats and boats around 30 feet in length. Technically Outboard engines can also do long journeys and offshore journeys. We see patrol boats with multiple outboard engines every now and then. However generally people use diesel engines for long trips as diesel is cheaper and the engines are heavy duty.

Generally people don’t usually do offshore boat trips with smaller boats. So outboards are recommended for almost all small craft.