Buying a boat in Cuba

[denverd0n]

I really don't want to get this thread off-track with debates about American citizens visiting Cuba, but the fact is that this guy is someone who is very comfortable with violating the law. He may think it's only a "white lie," but when you fill out the required forms, and falsify the information concerning your port of origin, you are committing a federal felony. Says so right there on the form.

Not the sort of guy that I, personally, would be comfortable doing business with. You are, of course, free to feel differently, but I think it is at least something to consider.

[ProjectElandra]

Thanks everyone for your advice.

It pretty much confirmed what i was feeling anyway, and i can safely say now that i have walked away from the whole thing.

I am coming to florida on the 23rd of november to spend a few weeks boathunting and hopefully i can find myself a safe, hassle-free, boat to start the cruising dream!

Cheers

Gio

[ArtM]

Originally Posted by ProjectElandra

Thanks everyone for your advice.

It pretty much confirmed what i was feeling anyway, and i can safely say now that i have walked away from the whole thing.

I am coming to florida on the 23rd of november to spend a few weeks boathunting and hopefully i can find myself a safe, hassle-free, boat to start the cruising dream!

Cheers

Gio

If someone needs a boat moved, there are ways to get it moved. Does he have a story to explain why he can't have the boat moved to Florida? It's only 100 miles or so (assuming it is on the north shore, I didn't look at a map). You might offer to move the boat for him for free with a guaranteed option to buy the boat at his original ask price. As a UK citizen you are free to move about in Cuba and in the U.S. However, I would do some research on the boat and it's ownership before actually attempting to relocate it. Have lots of documentation including letters authorizing you to take the boat, copies of registration documents, etc.

Worst case - a little vacation to Cuba
Worst worst case - a little vacation to Cuban as guests of the Cuban gov't
Best case - some poor guy gets his boat back, and you get a chance to sea trial a boat prior to purchase

[ArtM]

Originally Posted by ArtM

If someone needs a boat moved, there are ways to get it moved. Does he have a story to explain why he can't have the boat moved to Florida? It's only 100 miles or so (assuming it is on the north shore, I didn't look at a map). You might offer to move the boat for him for free with a guaranteed option to buy the boat at his original ask price. As a UK citizen you are free to move about in Cuba and in the U.S. However, I would do some research on the boat and it's ownership before actually attempting to relocate it. Have lots of documentation including letters authorizing you to take the boat, copies of registration documents, etc.

Worst case - a little vacation to Cuba
Worst worst case - a little vacation to Cuban as guests of the Cuban gov't
Best case - some poor guy gets his boat back, and you get a chance to sea trial a boat prior to purchase

You know what, on second thought the bulkheads could be packed with contraband. This is probably more trouble than it will ever be worth in getting a "good deal on a boat".

[sanssouci]

Originally Posted by ProjectElandra

Thanks everyone for your advice.

It pretty much confirmed what i was feeling anyway, and i can safely say now that i have walked away from the whole thing.

I am coming to florida on the 23rd of november to spend a few weeks boathunting and hopefully i can find myself a safe, hassle-free, boat to start the cruising dream!

Cheers

Gio

I have a Dufour 12000ct here in Florida if your interested in a French boat.

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by ProjectElandra

The seller says he has made the 97mile crossing many times with no issues from US authorities after a white lie concerning his port of origin.

That's almost laughable.

[JoeDiver]

Originally Posted by ProjectElandra

and i can safely say now that i have walked away from the whole thing.

I know this thread is 4 months old and you walked away.....

While I was reading this....I was wondering....what's the deal with this guy and why can't a family member or friend get the boat.....really, it sounds to me like he just wants someone to get the boat back to the US.....where he is free to change his mind and back out of the sale....and now his boat is back in the US and he can take possession of it.

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by JoeDiver

I know this thread is 4 months old

Uhmmmm...I think you're reading the dates incorrectly. On this forum the dates are: day/month/year

[ProjectElandra]

Originally Posted by ArtM

You know what, on second thought the bulkheads could be packed with contraband. This is probably more trouble than it will ever be worth in getting a "good deal on a boat".

That was my main concern.

[ProjectElandra]

Originally Posted by JoeDiver

I know this thread is 4 months old and you walked away.....

While I was reading this....I was wondering....what's the deal with this guy and why can't a family member or friend get the boat.....really, it sounds to me like he just wants someone to get the boat back to the US.....where he is free to change his mind and back out of the sale....and now his boat is back in the US and he can take possession of it.

He says he can't be bothered with any of the hassle of organising someone to bring it back. However, he was willing to go through a broker with a contract that dictates he must sell it once it reaches florida. Only then he would receive the full amount from an escrow account. Doesn't mean the boat isn't loaded with contraband that he wants someone else to risk themselves with.

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by ProjectElandra

I gave the guy a $500 deposit to buy some time (which at the moment i have accepted i won't be seeing again).
......
It's a 52 ft trimaran going for $5000. Thats why i haven't given up so easily. The way i see it at the moment, i've spent $500 to buy time to do some research, better than losing $5000

RUN!!!!

[JoeDiver]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

Uhmmmm...I think you're reading the dates incorrectly. On this forum the dates are: day/month/year

Yeah, my bad....

[CCBullseye]

If you want me opinion, I would take the money you are planning to spend to travel to Florida and stay there looking at boats, and take that money, spend it on a boat close to home, and learn to sail well enough to cross 100 miles of ocean before putting any more money into a dream you don't know if you will enjoy or being able to handle.