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 size boat do I actually need?

Accepted Answer

Start with how you'll use it, not how many metres you want. A 7–9 m walkaround or cabin boat is plenty for day cruising and fishing. A 10–12 m cruiser with a proper cabin works for long weekends. If you're planning to sleep aboard for a week or liveaboard for stretches, 12 m+ with a full galley and enclosed head is the realistic minimum.

Question 6

Should I buy new or pre-owned?

Accepted Answer

New boats come with warranty, customisation, and no hidden wear — but you pay for it and wait for build or delivery. A well-maintained pre-owned boat (3–8 years old) can be exceptional value if it's been serviced properly. We always disclose whether a pre-owned boat is a private sale, ex-charter, or trade-in, because that history matters.

Question 7

Is this boat suitable for beginners?

Accepted Answer

Many boats are. Outboard-powered walkarounds and pilothouse cruisers up to about 10 m are generally forgiving to handle. We don't upsell you into a boat you'll be intimidated by. If you're new, we'll recommend models with intuitive helm ergonomics, good all-round visibility, and manageable horsepower.

Question 8

Can I use it in the Red Sea's saltwater conditions?

Accepted Answer

Yes — but saltwater demands discipline. The Red Sea is warm, clear, and corrosive. Regular freshwater flushes of the engine, periodic anode checks, and a proper antifouling schedule are non-negotiable. Most modern outboards and inboards handle it fine if the owner respects the maintenance rhythm.

Question 9

How many people can it sleep comfortably?

Accepted Answer

Boats are optimistic with their berth counts. A 'four-berth' cabin boat usually sleeps two adults comfortably and two children tolerably. For genuine comfort, count one fewer berth than the brochure claims. We walk you through the actual sleeping arrangements — not just the spec sheet.

Question 10

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 11

How much is boat insurance?

Accepted Answer

For a well-equipped 10–14 m motor yacht in the Red Sea, expect €2,000–€5,000 annually depending on value, navigation limits, and your experience. Third-party-only policies are cheaper but risky for a serious asset. We can introduce you to brokers who understand Egypt and the Red Sea specifically.

Question 12

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 13

How much should I budget for fuel?

Accepted Answer

Outboard cruisers at planing speeds typically burn 1.5–3.5 litres per nautical mile depending on size, hull form, and how hard you drive. Twin-engine cruisers roughly double that. For Red Sea weekend use, budget €300–€800 per month in fuel during active season. We log real-world consumption figures for the models we sell.

Question 14

Are there hidden fees I should know about?

Accepted Answer

Beyond the asking price, expect survey fees, registration or flagging costs, import duties if applicable, first-year insurance, a safety equipment kit, and possibly delivery or commissioning. We itemise all of these before you commit — no surprises after handshake.

Question 15

Will a boat hold its value?

Accepted Answer

New boats depreciate sharpest in years 1–3, then the curve flattens. Well-known brands with strong service networks (Beneteau, De Antonio, Bavaria, Saxdor) hold value better than obscure imports. A pre-owned boat that's 4–7 years old and properly maintained often resells at a price close to what you paid.

Question 16

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 17

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 18

How many engine hours is too many?

Accepted Answer

Context matters more than the number. 600 hours on a 10-year-old boat that's been serviced annually is usually fine. 600 hours on a 3-year-old boat that sat unused for two of those years is a red flag. For petrol outboards, 1,500–2,000 hours is the rough range where you start budgeting for major work. Diesels routinely run 5,000+ hours if maintained.

Question 19

What does 'excellent condition' actually mean?

Accepted Answer

On our listings, it means the boat has been regularly serviced, the gelcoat or paint is sound, the interior shows minimal wear, the electronics function, and the engine starts cleanly with good compression. We don't use 'excellent' for boats with deferred maintenance, sun-faded upholstery, or suspect mechanical history.

Question 20

Is it safe to buy a boat without seeing it?

Accepted Answer

Only if you trust the broker's assessment and have a professional surveyor physically inspect it. We've sold boats to buyers who never visited Egypt before delivery — but there was always a survey, sea trial, and detailed photo/video report. We don't recommend blind faith purchases.

Question 21

What paperwork should I check?

Accepted Answer

For pre-owned boats: registration documents, builder's certificate, service history (especially engine), VAT or duty proof, and any outstanding finance or liens. For new boats: build specification, warranty terms, and delivery acceptance protocol. We verify all of this before listing.

Question 22

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 23

Can I negotiate the price?

Accepted Answer

Almost always on pre-owned boats. The listed price is an asking price — not a sticker price. On new boats, discounts are harder but occasionally available on stock builds or at boat shows. We advise you on what's realistic for each specific listing.

Question 24

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 25

Can I finance a boat purchase?

Accepted Answer

Marine finance is available in Egypt for both residents and non-residents, typically at 40–60% loan-to-value over 5–10 years. Terms vary by lender and flag. We can introduce you to marine finance specialists, but we don't arrange the loan ourselves.

Question 26

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 27

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 28

Can I trade in my current boat?

Accepted Answer

Not at the moment — but we can certainly help you sell yours before choosing the new one. We know the market, we know the buyers, and we'll get you a fair price without the hassle of listing it yourself.

Question 29

What happens at handover?

Accepted Answer

You receive all keys, documentation, safety equipment, and a full walkthrough of systems. We run the engine together, check every switch and pump, and make sure you're comfortable before we leave. For new boats, handover includes commissioning, sea trial, and warranty registration.

Question 30

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 31

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 32

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

Accepted Answer

We can introduce you to trusted care-and-maintenance professionals who handle everything — regular checks, engine runs, cleaning, antifouling cycles — and keep you updated with monthly reports so there are no surprise invoices.

Question 33

Can you arrange a captain or crew?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we can help introduce you to experienced captains and crew across El Gouna and Hurghada, whether you need someone full-time, seasonal, or just for the occasional trip. We also assist with vetting, contracts, and accommodation.

Question 34

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.

EVERYTHING YOU
ACTUALLY ASKED.

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