Question 1

Can foreigners own a boat in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There's no restriction on foreign ownership of pleasure craft in Egypt. You don't need residency, you don't need an Egyptian partner, and you can register the boat under multiple flag options.

Question 2

What flag should I register my boat under?

Accepted Answer

Egyptian flag is simplest if you'll keep the boat in Egypt long-term. EU flags (Polish, Maltese, Dutch) suit owners who travel between the Red Sea and Mediterranean. Red Ensign (UK, Cayman, BVI) is the standard for yachts above 24 m. We help you pick based on usage, not just cost.

Question 3

Do I need a license to operate a boat in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

For private use of pleasure craft up to a certain size, no formal Egyptian license is required, but you'll need a competent crew member if you're not experienced. For boats over 24 m or commercial use (charter), professional certifications apply.

Question 4

Can I keep my boat in Egypt and travel internationally with it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With the right flag and paperwork, your boat can transit the Suez Canal, cruise the Mediterranean, or visit the Gulf. We coordinate transit agents and clearance.

Question 5

What does it cost to keep a boat at Abu Tig Marina?

Accepted Answer

Annual berth fees at Abu Tig (El Gouna) range from around €4,500 for a 10 m boat to €18,000+ for boats over 20 m. Electricity, water, and Wi-Fi are billed separately at modest rates. Hard-stand storage is significantly cheaper for off-season.

Question 6

How much does a marine survey cost?

Accepted Answer

Pre-purchase surveys typically run €600 to €2,500 depending on size and scope. Engine surveys, oil analysis, and rig surveys may add to that. The cost is trivial compared to what a survey can save you in negotiation or by walking away.

Question 7

What are the import duties on a boat brought into Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Combined import duty plus VAT typically lands between 15% and 30% of declared value, depending on classification. Foreign-flagged boats can sometimes use temporary admission to defer duty for up to 12 months at a time.

Question 8

What does annual ownership realistically cost?

Accepted Answer

A useful rule of thumb for a well-equipped 12–14 m motor yacht in Egypt: 8–12% of the boat's value per year, all-in (berth, insurance, maintenance, fuel for moderate use, captain if used). Larger boats are proportionally less; smaller boats more.

Question 9

Do you charge buyers a commission?

Accepted Answer

No. Our commission is paid by the seller (for pre-owned brokerage) or built into the price by the manufacturer (for new boats). Buyers pay only the boat price plus their own surveyor and registration costs.

Question 10

Can I sea-trial before buying?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we organise full sea trials before any commitment. This is non-negotiable for serious purchases. We attend, log the results, and give you a written take.

Question 11

How long does a typical purchase take from offer to handover?

Accepted Answer

For pre-owned boats already in Egypt: 3–6 weeks (offer, survey, sea trial, registration, transfer). For new boats: 6–18 months depending on builder and customisation. Imported pre-owned: 8–12 weeks including transport and clearance.

Question 12

What happens if I find issues during the survey?

Accepted Answer

You can renegotiate price, ask for repairs to be completed before transfer, or walk away. Survey findings are leverage — not a deal-breaker by default. We help you navigate the conversation.

Question 13

Can I trade in my current boat?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. We can take a trade-in against a new build or a curated pre-owned boat. We give you an honest valuation up front — the trade-in number doesn't get clawed back through inflated pricing on the new boat.

Question 14

Can you arrange a captain or crew?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we have trusted contacts for full-time, seasonal, and occasional captains and crew across El Gouna and Hurghada. We also help with crew vetting, contracts, and accommodation.

Question 15

Who do I call when something breaks?

Accepted Answer

We hand over a shortlist of trusted technicians (mechanical, electrical, electronics, refrigeration, AC) for both El Gouna and Hurghada — vetted by us, with transparent pricing.

Question 16

Can I generate charter income with my boat?

Accepted Answer

Possibly — but be realistic. Charter income in Egypt rarely fully covers ownership cost; it offsets it. We'll tell you up front what's actually achievable for your specific boat type and usage pattern.

Question 17

What if I want to sell later?

Accepted Answer

We list selectively for owners who bought through us — and often for those who didn't. Boats that are well-maintained, properly documented, and realistically priced sell within months. We'll tell you up front what's realistic.

Question 18

Do you handle the boat when I'm not there?

Accepted Answer

We coordinate care-and-maintenance (regular checks, engine runs, cleaning, antifouling cycles) through trusted local crews. You get monthly reports — not surprise invoices.

EVERYTHING YOU
ACTUALLY ASKED.

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EVERYTHING YOUACTUALLY ASKED.