Boats for sale in Tonga?

[Smallhornwest]

Hi there,

Me and my partner may be moving to Tonga for a year or so and would like to buy a small boat to fix up while we are there. Does anyone know if there are many yachts available in the region?

[exMaggieDrum]

I spent four months in Vava'u up north a few years ago. Everything, and I mean everything, including many types of food, clothing, etc. were hard to find. Nuku'alofa should be easier to find stuff but I suspect that any boat parts you might need will be hard to find there. Not 100% impossible but difficult. There are boat services available but limited, mostly by parts availability but also by mechanics, electricians, etc.

If it were me, I would try and contact some local businesses there and ask them.

[Hobie_ind]

I'd recommend contacting Sheri at the 'Ark Gallery'. She and her husband are ex-cruisers that look after boats during cyclone season. They'd have a good idea of what's for sale there. They also do deliveries all over for folks.

Ark Gallery of Vavau in Tonga

Parts aren't readily available, but shipping in from NZ isn't too bad talking with other cruisers while we were there last month.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Smallhornwest.

[Jhowell5558]

I FB chatted with a friend who lives on the main island in Tonga, but
lived on Vau'vau (spelling?) last year.

Here is his reply:

Ask him which island he's moving to. There are 4 different island groups. As far as boats for sale within the region, he's gonna do best searching on forums and whatnot. As far as within this specific country though, once I know where he's gonna be I may be able to help him out.
I do know this though.... buying a fixer upper, sailing it here, and fixing it up while in Tonga is not gonna be cheap. Those type materials go for a premium here or will be special order depending on what he needs.

Hope this helps

Joe

[kryg]

I have a long time american friend Richard who is use to market properties in Tonga he is now living in Fiji. He knows everyone there it helps that he also is a sailor from CA. Here is his email address tongaproperty@yahoo.com>

Good luck with your search.

Skoiern IV