From SF via Panama to the Caribbean

[Elax]

Hello everybody,

Me and my girlfriend (both belgian residents) want to do a sailing trip starting in october. We would like to start in San Francisco and then go via the Panama canal to the Caribbean (or something like that). But we still have a lot of questions.

We are not sure what to do boat-wise, buy or rent?(something around a 40 ft)
Buy:
- Is it possible for us Belgians to buy a boat in SF and make sure everything is ok paper wise (legal stuff, insurance...)
- What kind of permits/license do we need? Yachtman, ICC, GMDSS ...?
- Is it maybe cheaper to buy one in Mexico or LA?

Rent:
- Can we rent a 40ft boat in SF and drop it of somewhere in the Caribbean?
- Cost?
- What kind of permits/license do we need? Yachtman, ICC, GMDSS ...?

Any other tips and tricks always welcome!

Elax

[s/v Moondancer]

No license required.

Easier and probably cheaper to buy in the Caribbean. I know of a good 50 ft monohull that is well maintained and will be reasonably priced sitting in Bonaire.

[Elax]

Hi Phil,
Thank you for the fast answer. I understand that it is much cheaper in the Caribbean but we want to avoid hurricanes in october and start in sunny weather whilst in SF.

When we buy a boat I don't think a license is needed as well, but when we rent? A boat company is not going to give a 40ft boat to a couple with no sailing skills (on paper that is).

[Stu Jackson]

I seriously doubt anyone is going to rent a boat for that journey.

If you buy, your choices are SF, the LA/San Diego area or Mexico on the west coast. The further south you go in general the less expensive the same boat will be.

Go to Latitude 38 - The West's Leading Sailing and Marine Magazine, download the magazine and read the advertisements.

Good luck.