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andypag · 11-03-2019, 10:57

Hi I'm looking at a boat that's for sale that sounds like it needs a bit of a refit. It's in Tahiti at the moment. Anyone with experience of boatyards and boatwork in Tahiti. How does it compare with say SE Asia, or Florida? My guess is it's cheap labour but expensive parts. Is that right? I think we'll need new rigging, sails, and electronics, as well as some rudder and hull work. Plus I'd expect the unexpected...

Any wisdom greatly appreciated. Am I going to be waiting weeks to get things delivered from somewhere? Or is there a good supply there. Any boat breakers on the island? Is it a nice place to live for a month or two in a boatyard? Is April/May a good time of year for boatwork? Rain? Wind? Heat? Mosquitos...

I don't know the first thing about Tahiti. So feel free to state the obvious.

Eleuthera 2014 · 20-03-2019, 21:27

I was in Tahiti last year and can tell you for certain that prices are VERY high.

Parts and labour are equally expensive.

Their customs are as bad as the USA. Perhaps worse!

However, now in NZ and the expertise here far exceeds what you'll find inFrench Polynesia.

Good luck

s/v Moondancer · 21-03-2019, 01:03

Eleuthera has it right. While there is a good chandlery at marina Taina that can get you all you might need, Tahiti is the most expensive place we visited in 4 years in the Pacific.

You will probably need an agent to handle the importation of parts and I think that you will be looking at US prices plus 50-100%. I would not refit a boat in Tahiti if the boat was free!

We did extensive work in New Zealand and we were delighted with prices and workmanship. Lots of good boats for sale in New Zealand.

psk125 · 21-03-2019, 18:54

Vous parlez français?

Compass790 · 21-03-2019, 21:38

Ditto what other posters said. French Polynesia has sales tax not income tax AFAIK & so the prices are horrendous. Unless you are prepared to sail it to NZ as is I'd take a pass.
Beautiful place with beautiful women tho

ahun · 21-03-2019, 23:30

Friends of mine did a complete and total refit of a catamaran on Hiva Oa. Everything had to be shipped from Tahiti or farther. Everything is possible, if you are capable and set your mind to it.