Buying a Boat in Venezuela

[stevensc]

No camines, corrreeee!!!!

Steve

[CarinaPDX]

Another thing to consider is the currency situation: the Bolivar's official rate is a fantasy - on the black market it is nearly worthless. Said another way, the US dollar buys a lot more Bolivars on the black market than on the official one. The person selling this boat will certainly insist that payment is made in dollars outside the reach of the Venezuelan government. Do that while the transaction happens inside of Venezuela and you could find yourself in the middle of a black market transaction, and the Venezuelan government would have every reason to hold, or even confiscate, the boat. Or attach a lien to it. [Edit: Or throw you in jail for evading their currency laws.] Doing everything outside the country might keep you on the right side of the law but a lien could still ruin your day. Caveat emptor.

Greg

[no_plastic_sea]

Thanks. The owner is not a Venezuelan and I'm actually an Australian national living in USA - but main question is what would be the safest and legitimate for sale transaction? What about going with a small team of mercenaries that specialize in pirates? Yes I've been talking to contractors

[CarinaPDX]

As far as getting the boat out of Venezuela, using mercs may be very problematic. Better to talk to the agent the owner is using in Venezuela and see if a navy escort could be arranged (be prepared for a gratuity) and head straight north. They do sell a wide array of weapons in country but whether you could buy them I don't know. At least on paper for Venezuela's needs it should leave under current ownership, or risk paperwork problems (and more gratuities and possibly taxes).

The question of venue is difficult - I hope someone will weigh in who knows a good one. Ideally you need an honest banking system to hold your money in escrow and to transfer funds/ownership. And a government that is not going to try to collect sales tax and such. And where the boat can sit while completing the process and receiving new documentation (which could take some time). Perhaps Panama, Trinidad, or the US, PR, or USVI.

It should go without saying that proof of provenance be absolutely ironclad or documentation could be impossible. That means a trail of ownership back to the original builder - a current document should provide that, but be certain that you will have enough to satisfy the authorities wherever you plan on documenting her.

Good luck,

Greg

[missionary]

I realize this is an old post, did you get the boat. I’m an American but lived in Caracas for a couple of years. Personally I wouldn’t feel comfortable going there with my family in the present conditions. I lived there during the Chavez takeover and worked in the most dangerous barios in Venezuela, but at that time people weren’t as desperate. The conditions there have degraded so that people will do most anything to survive. The airport is one of the best known locations to be kidnapped by fake taxis... almost got me had I not been trained ahead of time.

In addition, the paperwork process, should this be a legit boat for sale, could be quite complicated. One of my children was bore to us while we were there and when it came time to bug out, the paperwork to legally get her out of the country was horrific.

I was there as a baptist missionary. Presently there are none left but I did leave behind a few friends that are very trustworthy but again, I wouldn’t go there myself.

I have one friend Gustavo, who owns an HVAC business in Caracas. If I were buying a boat in Venezuela, he would be my contact. He lives in an upsscale neighborhood as opposed to the barrios, and certainly business savvy.

Having said all that, I think I would just keep looking unless this boat is to die for... no pun intended

[northwestsailor]

We did buy the boat but barely made it out of VZ alive. We feel very lucky. Once we got our Zarpe to leave we did not wait but left almost immediately lest those in charge change their minds.

We did make friends in VZ and hope some day to visit them again under better circumstances.

[belizesailor]

Why would you risk your life to buy a boat?

[OndinePLC]

Several boats have been successfully bought by foreigners since this post started.
The risks are mitigated by using reliable professional agents located here and careful planning.
There are also US citizens here living peacefully on their boats and others restoring project boats.
There are still some bargains to be had for those who dare.

"En Venezuela todo es posible"
Cris Robinson ¨"A Small Slip" on Kindle ebooks.

[Askeeta]

Sounds like the story of getting the boat out would make an interesting read Northwest Sailot

[northwestsailor]

Originally Posted by Askeeta

Sounds like the story of getting the boat out would make an interesting read Northwest Sailot

Over time as the details fade the story gets embellished. It seems much more daring now than it did at the time. We were so involved with getting the boat out we did not think much about our personal safety. But thinking back on it makes me realize how lucky we were.

[Askeeta]

Must be a pretty boat,would love to see listing or pics,am in Melbourne

[OndinePLC]

Originally Posted by Askeeta

Sounds like the story of getting the boat out would make an interesting read Northwest Sailot

I have taken several boats and a dog out of Venezuela and it has never been boring, that's for sure!


You can read about two of the more extreme escapes in my new book "DESPERATE DELIVERIES" by Cris Robinson


The book has 21 colour photos to illustrate the true stories.


It is available as an ebook from the Kindle library and very shortly will be published as a paperback on Kindle.

[Askeeta]

Thankyou l will be sure to read
I have been looking on line in Guatemala,that’s how l came across this thread
Regards

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Askeeta

Thankyou l will be sure to read
I have been looking on line in Guatemala,that’s how l came across this thread
Regards

No need for high drama/risk to buy a boat in Guate.

[Askeeta]

Enjoyed reading your exploits,.cant imagine why both owners would have boats like that in such a state.l always enjoy seeing pics of North American engines/Rooms,Clean and tickidy bo along with beautifully laid out wiring,someone said somewhere a good question to ask is do you have a wiring diagram.
Hope your latest exploits don’t tax blood pressure pills abilities quite so much,Regards