Greetings from
La Paz.
According to the "rules" a person is supposed to be able to
import boat parts duty free if the parts are on a boat that has a
current Temporary Import
Permit (TIP). However, it seems there isn't a process in place for shippers (Fed EX, DHL) to NOT include the 16% IVA (duty tax.)
Most of the people I know, including us, have someone bring back parts from home when they travel back and forth, either by car or plane. We once brought back a complete Groco K
toilet (heavy
bronze base, ceramic bowl, seat, and handle) in our two carry-on duffel bags via
Alaska Air. (None of the
marine stores in La Paz would order it for us because there was a ban on imported ceramics, including
toilet bowls.) Got the red light at
customs. I told her "el bano es para mi barco" and we sailed right on through.
You probably can't pull that off with an entire engine, however.
I know of several people who could help you remove the engine and
rebuild it here in La Paz, complete with a new
paint job. 2,500 hours isn't very many for a
diesel if it's been maintained. Or you may be able to find a suitable replacement engine that is already here. I'll make a few
phone calls and report back.