Buying a boat in US

[guillouau]

Hello,

I'm living in France, and will be in Boston next month for my future job.
I'm looking to buy a boat to live aboard all the year in boston harbour : I've seen Wauquiez Hood 38 & Bristol 38.8.

For the Bristol 38.8, I'm wondered if I can come back with it next years in France, because I need a European Certification Form from the Bristol boat maker.

Almost, I'm wondering also if I will have to replace all the electrical systems an wire for both sailboats, beacause in Europe, it's not the same electrical standards (220V/50Hz).

Have you ever heard of such issue for the Bristol 38.8 European Certification Form and the adaptation of electrical systems and wire ?

Thanks a lot for your response.
Sincerily,
Aurélien

[sailingdog]

Gullouau-

Getting the boat certified is probably tough, since IIRC, Bristol is a long-dead company—having gone out of business in 1997. The Waquiez Hood is European made IIRC, and they're still in business...so that boat would probably be easier to get documentation on.

The wiring should be fine, but you'd probably want to replace any AC based equipment, like an inverter or charger, since they may not be 220 VAC 50 Hz compatible. The wiring for 110 VAC is actually heavier than what you'd need for a 220 VAC system, since the amperage is essentially half of what the 110 VAC system would have had.

You may not want to change out the AC outlets aboard the boat, if it has an inverter/charger, since you may be able to get an inverter charger that takes in 220 VAC and outputs 110 VAC. Most electrical and electronic gear can function on 110 VAC @ 50 Hz. That would allow you to avoid having to replace all the gear aboard the boat.

I'd also like to welcome you to sailnet and recommend that you read this post to help you get the most out of your time spent here.

[guillouau]

Thanks for your response SailingDog. I didn't know that Bristol has stopped its boat production. It's a pity ! Bristol 38.8 seems to be very good boat.

Ok for the electrical wire & systems - your recommendations are reassuring me. Now, I've just to found a Wauquiez Hood near Boston... it's a long path to get our own boat

I've read your post, and try to follow your hints on SailNet.


Thanks a lot.
Aurélien.