Sailer be Ware?

[Winderlust]

There is a 1977, 36' Cabo Rico cutter/ketch for sale in Puerto Vallarta asking $49,000. This sounds too good to be true.

Am I being overly paranoid of such a deal in Mexico (I've talked to people who bought condos in Baja only to have them confiscated by the government, etc).

Would I be getting in over my head. I don't speak the language and would hate to have my money trapped on the wrong side of the fence (so to speak).

Does this boat look like it's worth looking into, given it's in the general style of live-aboard cruiser that I'm interested in.

I assume I would have to pay for travel and board for a surveyor, one who also does engines. I would also have to engage a Mexican lawyer. (greaaat!) I also would have to pay for a transport captain back to Los Angeles, CA.

Not to mention the various other commissioning costs, duties, etc.

Much of this I would have to do for any non local boat this age. It's just how much do I want to do as a foreigner in a foreign land. Many of the domestic yards I've found to be suspect. Why stick my neck out in Mexico.

Is this just a fools errand or is it jumping in the deep end? A mistake here could end any chance of the dream.

[AllThumbs]

Sounds like you know the answer to your questions already, and are looking for confirmation...

[SailKing1]

Theres one for sale on e-bay for under 30,000.00 in Florida

[JohnRPollard]

Just a few random observations....

Buying a boat out of the country can be tricky, although plenty of folks do it. Remember that buying a boat even locally can get pretty complicated, and don't underestimate the cost (time and $$) of getting this one back where you need it to be. That may be the reason for the discounted price -- i.e. the owner recognizes what it will take to deliver it to the "market".

And I wonder if this 1977 36' Cabo Rico at $49K really is "too good to be true." I'm a bit skeptical. I have seen older 38's (in need of much TLC) asking not a lot more than that. I can also think of other similar boats in that price range I'd want to compare it to.

Also: There are two 36's made by Cabo Rico, so don't confuse them. The current/new 36 is an extended version of the 34. The older 36 that you are looking at was called the Tiburon, which later got stretched, modified, and improved to become the popular 38. A Tiburon does not usually command anywhere near the price of the 38s that replaced it.

But if you have been tracking these boats for a while and understand their value, maybe it would be worth a look. If you're up north in the cold like many of us, I can think of worse things to do.

[Winderlust]

I think I'll cool my jets. I'm not in the market for a major project. I wouldn't have enough left over for the cat.

SK1, I looked at the Tiburon on Ebay and its fishier than the Mexico boat. A scrap man buys the boat without a survey and then slaps paint on it with "a little fiberglass work on the rudder" and "any blisters repaired". And I have to commit 10% in 4 days. Smells too much like hurricane salvage to me. Boats never seem to live up to their photographs; hell who does? That Florida boat's pictures look pretty ratty to me.

All Thumbs, I think your right I knew the answer and was just checking to see if I was some kind of chicken s***. I'm over it now.

[Salsipuedes]

that sounds like way too much of a hassle. i wouldnt buy a boat in mexico unless you are there and know the area/marine. La Paz is a pretty good spot to find boats. Baja is a prime sailing destination so there are always people around from everywhere that you can talk to. I was down there for the last few months and met many people from the US. but if you really want to go to mexico..... bring someone who speaks spanish.

[popeyeforearm]

There are plenty of people who, buy on ebay, and outside of US but it's best if you know the language or bring someone you trust who can speak the language. In either case it's always good to have some company.