Sailing from the US to Colombia

[kokes1968]

Hello everyone!
I am very new to this site and sailing and would appreciate any feedback on a couple questions that I have. I am in the process of buying a small 30' O'Day cruiser and bring it down to Colombia.
I am wondering:

1. is it safe to sail on a boat that size across the caribbean? (will surely hire a proffesional, but I am still curious to get your expert opinion on this.

2. Do you required a special permits to bring a boat and stay in that country for more than a year? Can you stay on a sailboat as long as you please? ( I have dual citizenship so visa is not required for myself), but I am wondering if the boat requires a special permit to be park in a marina for a few months.

any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

thanks!
Jorge

[Kettlewell]

I think a 30 footer is safe to take to the Caribbean, assuming it is well set up, in good condition, and you watch the weather (avoid hurricane season). We sailed to Colombia from the Florida Keys, around the west end of Cuba, then down to Providencia, on to Panama, and then worked our way east to Cartagena. Many people leave their boats there for long periods, but I am not sure of the proper procedures for doing so. You will have to check on the latest with the customs people, or it might be worthwhile to re-register it in Colombia if you are a dual citizen. You may want to consider having your boat hauled out of the water if you will not be there for long periods. There is information on Noonsite about procedures.

[kokes1968]

Thank you very much for the info provided. It was very helpful for someone like me who is pretty much an ignorant on this matter. I really appreciated!

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
It's good to have you posting here. As was said, Noonsite is a good source
kind regards,