Instant Cruising?

[chris_gee]

The theory is right. A near new motor adds less than its cost to the purchase price, and a "remote" location means the seller may have become more realistic because of a lack of potential purhasers.
That reflects the costs of inspection. You are right that maintenance is never completed. However may I suggest that sellers tend to be a bit rosey spectacled and over look that what is ok for a casual sail is not ok for ocean cruising. If you are selling up everything it sounds like more than the Bahamas to me. Think sails, motors, liferafts, SSB, rerigging, osmosis treatment not a quick grind and fill. Many who quit early may have missed some of these things. Those who have done their time in the tropics may need some redone. In short yes I agree but read the small print - very few boats actually qualify. There are often odd things like a 28 hp motor on a 10 tonne boat. I guess there isn't a free lunch very often.

[scupper42]

Originally Posted by bestfriend

I, for one, am starting to wonder if this was a plug by a broker to stir up much needed business in used boat sales in far away places. I guess we'll have to wait and see if he comes back to defend himself. I hope I am wrong. Come back and prove me wrong Scupper.

OK. OK. Business has been bad at my brokerage in PV. I was hoping maybe to stir up some business from some rich Canadians and put a stop to this whole Baha Haha thing and have people just fly down and buy boats like they used to...

[chuck711]

Remote areas? Trinidad has some of the best affordable upgrading facilities around. Stainless work 50 % or more less than in the USA.

Bottom work ( blisters,rudder rebuild , soft hull repair ) 50 % less

Electronics and Engines well priced.

Lowest price dinghy and outboards ( by lots)

Also one of the " crossroads of the cruising community"

[camaraderie]

Chuck...when was the last time you were there? Recent reports have prices higher than Grenada and approaching St. Maarten for skilled labor.

[scupper42]

Thank you all for the feedback. It's much appreciated, particularly the cautionary words. At the highest level, I think there is merit in pursuing this further.

If I talk to a broker, I'm sure any of them will have half a dozen "offshore cruise ready" bluewater boats. And I'm also certain that nobody else's definition of "cruise ready" will meet my own. I don't think there is a boat on the planet that I would want to just jump aboard and cross an ocean. But there may be something with a strong hull, deck, rig, and engine that I would be willing to put my family aboard and do a little exploring of the islands while we fit it out.

I understand why people can take five years to prepare for voyaging while trying to work for living. I just think if you combine the time and money with a decent boat and the right location that there might be a much faster route to getting there. Maybe its time to lose the mortgage and the job. Even if it still takes a year or two before we have a boat in the condition that we would want to cross an ocean with, there is no reason not to get going.

Now, I just have to kill the dog and convince my wife and we'll be ready to go!

[Cruisingdad]

I just finished buying (Dad's boat, not mine) and I can tell you that finding a great boat is a challenge.

I would opt for buying it in FL or CA. I found, in general, the boats in CA were (again, in general) nicer and more cared for and over-priced. I found the boats in FL less cared for (assuming it did not sink... ugh) but better priced.

We bought a Tayana Vancouver 42. It would meet the basic needs you have descibed as a blue water boat - though it is an overkill for most of the gulf IMO. But it is a comfortable, well made long distance boat. It was the most cared for and babied boat we stepped foot on in.... I don't know, many, many months. We more or less bought it on the spot. Then the suprises came....

THought they were nothing that bad, all had to be taken care and we would not have gone cruising with them. As such, be prepared for a lot of repair work and problems to be dealt with... no matter what boat you buy. If you somehow do not have any problems, God Bless you and go for it. My bet is that you will.

The slippage in CA is in general nicer than FL and may be easier had. S Florida is high right now... if you can even get a slip. But there are a lot of yards and it is a easy place to get to know your boat with many islands to explore and let's not forget the Bahamas across the stream. That one would be a personal decision.

Not sure that I gave you advice... not sure I would be comfortable giving it. But I gave you our recent experience.

Good luck in your search and take care.

- CD

PS There is a Tayana Vancouver 42 in Ecuador or something down south right now. THey are cruising on it and will be selling it. It is a CC model and looks nice in pics. Obviously you would have minimum issues with that boat since it is already cruising. If you cannot find the link to it and are interested, let me know.

[bestfriend]

Originally Posted by scupper42

OK. OK. Business has been bad at my brokerage in PV. I was hoping maybe to stir up some business from some rich Canadians and put a stop to this whole Baha Haha thing and have people just fly down and buy boats like they used to...

Ah good! I am glad you came back because I like your idea. Its got me thinking.

[scupper42]

So if we take this to the next logical step, has anyone tried to ship many hundreds of pounds of gear valued at thousands of dollars to a remote location to load on to their new boat? Does this present major problems with customs? Are there some jurisdictions where this is easier to do than in others?

[uspirate]

Originally Posted by scupper42

Maybe its time to lose the mortgage and the job. Even if it still takes a year or two before we have a boat in the condition that we would want to cross an ocean with, there is no reason not to get going.

Now, I just have to kill the dog and convince my wife and we'll be ready to go!

One step ahead of you brother, ditched the mortage, found the dog a nice home and liquidated most of the land anchors. still have the job though, oh... and a small boat costing $250 per month slippage, but keeps me almost sane. but i have peace of mind knowing i can bail at any time if needed or desired.
I like your plan!
BJ

[uspirate]

Originally Posted by scupper42

So if we take this to the next logical step, has anyone tried to ship many hundreds of pounds of gear valued at thousands of dollars to a remote location to load on to their new boat? Does this present major problems with customs? Are there some jurisdictions where this is easier to do than in others?

let it go man, let it go! you will be much happier. trust me on this. all you need are a few tools, Scuba & fishing gear, two weeks worth of clothes, cooking stuff, DVD's & music, a laptop. all else must go! give it to the homeless and the needy or sell it. you will feel good about it. we do