Quote:
Originally Posted by Valiente
I agree with the idea that there are bargains Stateside, but you should also look at Panama and Trinidad.
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Over the past few years we've looked at a lot of boats for fun, in several parts of the country and here in the UK. For example, the selection of boats is much more extensive in Southern California, but in general I liked the condition of boats better in the Pacific Northwest. One guy said it was the frequent "fresh water" washes of all the rain, keeping the salt off the
rigging and decks. There's also a lot of boats in Florida and Mexico, but it seems like the reports of their condition can vary a lot.
Here in the UK, it's expensive to buy a boat and expensive to keep a boat. You don't want to know what we pay for a slip each year. Maybe as a result of this, there does seem to be fewer neglected boats in the marinas, simply because it's too expensive to keep a boat but not use it. There are boats in varying conditions (lots of fresh water washes here as well), but overall there are more boats that were really loved by their owners and made a big part of their lives. Those are the boats we like-- almost no expense spared on maintenance and upkeep, instead of creeping green on teak and fiberglass.
Anyway, the idea of buying elsewhere for less $$$ has its appeal, and one idea is to wait until we're ready to go, and then buy anywhere in the world. The only problem is finding a boat that wouldn't take 6-12 months to prep, and we'd also be sad not to start here and enjoy the Med. Also, having a boat from the US brought here has more than just the delivery charges-- there are tax implications and re-certification implications if we're still living in the EU.
All in all, our current boat is great for the next couple of years. It is interesting to see what boats are being sailed across the Atlantic by others, though, just as it is interesting to read through the boats on the Baha Ha Ha and the Pacific Puddle Jump.
(Lots of fireworks going off outside our windows-- it's almost Guy Fawkes night...)