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TheNomadTrip · 27-02-2014, 18:18

Have a contract on a cat down there and would like suggestions on a local surveyor. Anybody have one?

I would really prefer to not take the seller's broker suggestions on this.

The location of the boat is in Panamarina, located in the National Park of Portobelo (Rep. of Panama) and the closest airport is Tocumen International Airport.

Cheers,

-Nate

boatpoker · 27-02-2014, 18:39

I have not met this guy but know people who have used him and were impressed.
Javier Bru

Good luck

TheNomadTrip · 27-02-2014, 18:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatpoker

I have not met this guy but know people who have used him and were impressed.
Javier Bru

Good luck

I called and talked to him about an hour before I put this up... He does seem to come highly recommended, which I like.

The issue is that he's about 2 hours from the boat, and he made it seem like that was the other side of the world. But I guess we'll see.

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Good luck

Thanks!

Anybody else?

FLLCatsailor · 27-02-2014, 19:14

Good luck! Let us know who you use, and if they are any good!

TheNomadTrip · 27-02-2014, 19:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLLCatsailor

I would fly a surveyor down to panama who has done surveys down there, and knows cats.

Depending on how much money the yacht is going for it might be worth it

I'm fully prepared to do that, but this is a preliminary inspection to get photos of *everything*, note the general condition of all major systems, etc. We're not pulling it out quite yet, nor do I want to take time off an fly down until we're sure we're not into a complete POS.

So, I agree. But that's a couple of steps further down the path.

Still looking....

FLLCatsailor · 27-02-2014, 19:26

I would call the marina and see if they can recommend someone. If the primary concern is getting accurate photos and give you a rough idea of the condition you don't need a surveyor.
At least for this point in time. If the boat looks like it has like something worth pursuing then get a good surveyor involved.

TheNomadTrip · 27-02-2014, 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLLCatsailor

I would call the marina and see if they can recommend someone.

Good call, no idea why I didn't do that before...

I will say I'd much rather have a surveyor involved, even this early. Is it a *must*? No. But it sure doesn't hurt.

Still looking...

colemj · 28-02-2014, 05:43

Panamarina is not what you are expecting. Calling them and asking for a recommendation for a surveyor would not be very fruitful - even if they were able to manage to come up with a name. While it is only located a seemingly short distance from Panama City, it is quite the trek to get there. Tocumen airport (and Panama City) is on the completely opposite side of the country. Those 2-3 hours of travel can be some frustrating and tiring ones.

Mark

TheNomadTrip · 28-02-2014, 07:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by colemj

Panamarina is not what you are expecting. Calling them and asking for a recommendation for a surveyor would not be very fruitful - even if they were able to manage to come up with a name. While it is only located a seemingly short distance from Panama City, it is quite the trek to get there. Tocumen airport (and Panama City) is on the completely opposite side of the country. Those 2-3 hours of travel can be some frustrating and tiring ones.

Mark

Appreciate the knowledge.

Here's the dilemma: We need to have someone on the ground to take a look at this boat before I take off work, go down there, and then fly a surveyor in.

**atoll** · 28-02-2014, 07:36

should be lots of cruisers arriving in panama in the next few months,perhaps someone passing through might help out

belizesailor · 28-02-2014, 08:26

Contact Captain Jack in Portobelo. He's been there for years, knows everyone, and is very helpful.

http://www.hostelportobelo.com/

Since it is just preliminary look, I assume you would be OK w a knowledgeable person and not necessarily a certified surveyor...that should be much easier to find.

I should be over that way in about a month, but thats probably too late for your deal.

TheNomadTrip · 28-02-2014, 08:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Contact Captain Jack in Portobello. He's been there for years, knows everyone, and is very helpful.

Welcome

Since it is just preliminary look, I assume you would be OK w a knowledgeable person and not necessarily a certified surveyor...that should be much easier to find.

I should be over that way in about a month, but thats probably too late for your deal.

Gracias! And a month would be too late for the deal, but if I get the boat you should stop by anyways.

Thanks again!

belizesailor · 01-03-2014, 04:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by colemj

Panamarina is not what you are expecting. Calling them and asking for a recommendation for a surveyor would not be very fruitful - even if they were able to manage to come up with a name. While it is only located a seemingly short distance from Panama City, it is quite the trek to get there. Tocumen airport (and Panama City) is on the completely opposite side of the country. Those 2-3 hours of travel can be some frustrating and tiring ones.

Mark

Second Mark's statement. Pana "marina" is not really a marina, it is a mooring field in a rather remote location. Just a boat storage location and a bit tedious to get to. Having a boat for sale there is not a good strategy by the seller.