Have to leave boat for 11 mo's; Pamama or Cost Rica?

[Geoff H.]

I'm currently in Playas del Coco, northern Costa Rica. I have to go back to LA to work in early July and will need a good home for my 51' sailboat for up to 11 mo's? I hope to fly down and visit/sail now and then during the year, and the ease of being able to do this fairly important to me. But so is not coming back to her in a horrible condition.
Any opinions on:
Balboa Yacht Club mooring? Panama City (anyone w/ recent pricing info?)
Papagayo Marina, Papagayo Bay, Costa Rica?
Golfito, Costa Rica?

Any thoughts, observations, experience would be very appreciated.
Thanks,
Geoff
Unmundo

[Paul L]

In Costa Rica you will have to bond your boat to leave it. This generally restricts it to a marina, as far as I understand. In Panama, Chuy on Toboga Island (8 miles from Panama City) does a good job of watching boats at a very reasonable price - you need reservations. Shelter Bay on the Colon side has good secure dry storage. Further east is Panamarina with good secure moorings.

[Geoff H.]

Thanks Paul! Yes, got a very nice email from Chuy at Toboga Is. Unfortunately he's full up and also doesn't rent out moorings after Dec (I think it was Dec.) for a few mo's because of the strong northerlies at that time of year. I like the idea and ease of Panama City for non stops from LA, but would love to hear opinions on conditions there, etc.

[zeta]

Have you considered someone boat sitting for you? I think you could find a person interested, such as a soon to be retired teacher