Buying a boat in Panama. Could use some advice, please.

[Q Xopa]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Hmmm...it may have just been posted for sale here on CF.

Trust but verify...digital text and pics are just bits in cyberspace...reality may be very different.

Yes sounds about the same, except the ad I saw says 'Pacific side'.
If its this one I have my boat currently out on the 'Pacific side'. There's not many options.
OP send me a PM if this is what you are referring to and want some help.

[philaw]

There are a lot of good points there, and I'm getting ever less optimistic that this will pan out. I was thinking that I'd be able to spend a season on some easy sailing with this boat, but beginning by beating a thousand miles east across the Caribbean doesn't sound fun.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by philaw

There are a lot of good points there, and I'm getting ever less optimistic that this will pan out. I was thinking that I'd be able to spend a season on some easy sailing with this boat, but beginning by beating a thousand miles east across the Caribbean doesn't sound fun.

Why the beat?

The boat can be stowed in Panama ,you just have to make sure it is properly cared for. From the San Blas, Panamarina is a very good option. Many San Blas cruisers stow their boats there.

And there is easy cruising in the San Blas. Video proof:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/a1xymokpmd...as_HD.mp4?dl=0

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by daletournier

Thanks Belize , I'm thinking of getting off the boat for a while thus looking for somewhere well priced and safe to leave Sukha. The lightning does worry me a tad,especially that I'm currently fitting some new electronics.

I'll investigate your suggestions.

Cheers Dale.

PanaMarina is good and the most favorably priced. They fill up quick though.

In Bocas there are a bunch of unofficial marinas which are low priced, but are a mixed bag. There are 3 official marinas (Bocas Marina, Carenero, & Red Frog). Im currently stowing my boat at an unofficial there for about $250/mo including cleaning.

You can fly directly into Bocas which is a plus if taking a boat break. No airports near any of the others...Panama City is the closest and then 2-3 hours land travel to get to the marinas on the NE coast.

[saillr]

Philaw, you asked for advice. Most are giving you excellent advice but I don't think you are listening. Be careful when buying - no matter how good a deal it seems. Get the boat hauled, surveyed and be sure things are working. I saw a 40ft boat for sale at an unbelievably good price. Fully equipped as yours. It was anchored off Portobello near the San Blas. Unfortunately it has been anchored for 9 years. Nothing works except I was assured the engine still runs. Radar and electronics quit, rot in the deck and cabin liners. The anchor chain has not moved in 9 years. Imagine the growth.
Rain lightning and humidity will test everything. Especially in Panama.

[WhiteHill]

I have a related question: how can one locate a reliable surveyor in Panama? I am looking at boats for sale in Puerto Lindo/Linton.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by WhiteHill

I have a related question: how can one locate a reliable surveyor in Panama? I am looking at boats for sale in Puerto Lindo/Linton.

I can refer you to one. Dont know how he feels about his contact info being posted on a public forum so I will PM.

Marinas may have other references.

[tiopirata]

I am a yacht broker in Panama, also a surveyor and you may be pleased to learn that Panama has very many boats at bargain prices, stuff I don't normally deal with. Equally, Linton Bay has a new travellift and excellent yard and is near to Panamarina at similar prices, both are most hospitable. $10,000 boats are common here, though some owners hang on for too long trying to get more.

[Tillsbury]

If it is Tarka you're looking at at least you can watch fairly recent video and details of the boat on youtube...

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by tiopirata

I am a yacht broker in Panama, also a surveyor and you may be pleased to learn that Panama has very many boats at bargain prices, stuff I don't normally deal with. Equally, Linton Bay has a new travellift and excellent yard and is near to Panamarina at similar prices, both are most hospitable. $10,000 boats are common here, though some owners hang on for too long trying to get more.

Which brokerage?

[tiopirata]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Which brokerage?

I represent Sea Boats, Home - Boat sales,Ship Sales,Marine Insurance,Fishing ... - SeaBoats

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by daletournier

Thanks Belize , I'm thinking of getting off the boat for a while thus looking for somewhere well priced and safe to leave Sukha. The lightning does worry me a tad,especially that I'm currently fitting some new electronics.

I'll investigate your suggestions.

Cheers Dale.

A lot depends on your boat travel plans and what time of year you want to store. If it is the wet season, as aptly described above as the biblical lightning season, I'd consider dry storage in Curacao. Much drier climate and less lightning. Plus its on the way.
Panama is best done December and onward.

[Stingo]

Originally Posted by tiopirata

I am a yacht broker in Panama, also a surveyor and you may be pleased to learn that....

..... my Nigerian uncle is also yacht broker AND surveyor, not that the two, by any nature, have a confluct in interest. None. Trust me.....

[daletournier]

Originally Posted by Paul L

A lot depends on your boat travel plans and what time of year you want to store. If it is the wet season, as aptly described above as the biblical lightning season, I'd consider dry storage in Curacao. Much drier climate and less lightning. Plus its on the way.
Panama is best done December and onward.

Hi Paul, I sent emails away to Curacao and Aruba today, their rates seem reasonable.

[SV Sailfish]

I'll bet this is the boat the OP is all lathered up about. It is on a separate thread as of today...

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...um+-+Emails%29

Tarka. An Albin Vega 27 in very good condition. Tarka's owner has a YouTube channel and is selling for family reasons. This little boat is a gem for the price. But she needs an experienced captain and not a dreamer.

So... OP, Please DO NOT buy her and just let her sit. If you do, she will be just another graveyard boat a year from now. If you have not stored a boat in the tropics, you have no clue as to how fast boats and their equipment will deteriorate.

Save that dream of yours. Buy local or buy when you can actually go sailing.

Just an FYI from someone that actually knows and has returned to an "oh crap have I got a lot of repairs to do" tropic stored vessel. Take off the rose colored glasses and please do not kid yourself. One good deck leak and your 10k steal will quickly turn into a big headache.