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svninkasi · 14-09-2018, 10:16

Looking for advice on where to do a major refit ?

Im open to colombia to mexico, so more or less central america.

46’ amel

High lights of refit

Re-power
Thru-hulls
Bottom
Running and standing rigging
Remove and replace faux teak decks
Apolstry

Thanks in advance !

laika · 14-09-2018, 10:28

The Rio Dulce would certainly not be a bad option.

model 10 · 14-09-2018, 13:32

The Rio is your best bet. An Amel clears the bar just fine, severall up there. Parts can come from Miami weekly by container or by air in 2 days or so. Plenty of workers around if you want to be the general contractor or have someplace like RAM marina do it all. They have a first class operation.

svninkasi · 15-09-2018, 09:31

I have personally been to the rio and liked it.

Do you happen to have any info on import fees, taxes, ect.?

Say for a new main being shipped down with invoice value of $10k usd. What kind of hassle could inexpect on this ?

Thanks for the replies !

model 10 · 15-09-2018, 11:38

I've never been charged for the value of my shipments. It'a about weight and size, whichever is greater. Transcargo is shipper and you go through Rita's office in Rio Dulce.
ritasoffice1@gmail.com
I paid for a years cruising permit up front and I think it was about Q3000 ($400). The agent Raul gets some too, but well worth it.

belizesailor · 15-09-2018, 11:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ecos

I've never been charged for the value of my shipments. It'a about weight and size, whichever is greater. Transcargo is shipper and you go through Rita's office in Rio Dulce.
ritasoffice1@gmail.com
I paid for a years cruising permit up front and I think it was about Q3000 ($400). The agent Raul gets some too, but well worth it.

Yes, fixed rate based on "dimensional weight" if you go thru TransCargo. Great deal. Send bulky heavy stuff via surface transport (ship) for lowest cost.

Second Rio Dulce as a great refit venue & Raul as an excellent agent. Nowhere else in Central America even comes close.

OP: what is your draft?

model 10 · 15-09-2018, 12:28

Last year there was a Mango, a Maramu and a Super Maramu in town

svninkasi · 15-09-2018, 12:58

6.5’ daft.

So there is no import taxes or duties ?

When shipping surface it comes directly to ram i suppose ?

Thank you for the input.

belizesailor · 15-09-2018, 14:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by svninkasi

6.5’ daft.

So there is no import taxes or duties ?

When shipping surface it comes directly to ram i suppose ?

Thank you for the input.

Controlling depth over the bar is about 6'. You can likely get over on a high tide with no assistance. If needed, there are also local fishing boats who will careen you over, but should not be necessary for 6.5' if you time it right. Bar is soft mud so a little keel dredging wont hurt anything.

No additional fees if you go thru TransCargo...just fixed rate based on dimensional weight...value is not factored in (Im not sure how they do that, but they do, and they are still in business after the big national level SAT (Customs) scandal that landed many in hot water/jail...including President & VP...so apparently its legal).

Normally packages are deliverd to the local agent you use. I think thats currently Capt John or Rita's Office...to my knowledge RAM does not do it, but they might or you can arrange for shipment to RAM. You can also work directly with TransCargo and have them ship to wherever you want, but it does not cost anymore to use a local agent...and probably best since you dont know the drill (TransCargo's customer service is usually rather sparse). I used to have them ship via Litegua (bus line) to the local station which was handy for me.

model 10 · 15-09-2018, 14:53

If you took your boat to RAM and told them to just "Do it", I suppose the parts would go to them or their West Marine store. If you handle your own projects, you would ship through Rita and Transcargo. Both Ram and West marine charge tax, Transcargo and their agent, Rita do not as far as I know. I think your best bet would be email Rita and get the straight scoop.

A 6.5' draft would have you crossing the bar at a high tide, often a foot or more, cause I think the bar is 6'9" at slack.

svninkasi · 15-09-2018, 15:27

This has all be a great help! I will get in touch with them for the strait answers.

I plan to do most of the work myself but sub out (with myself over seeing) laborous work. Bottom, buffing , polish ect. What would be the best marina in the area that will alow this?

I can do without power but water would be nice .

My plan will be to haul out and knock it all out at once.

This will be my 3rd major refit but first out of the us.

model 10 · 15-09-2018, 16:06

There are only 3 haul outs, the best do it yourself yard might be Nana Wana. Power and water is normal and it's concrete, they even have clean rest rooms! It's LaLa land.
Several marinas encourage working on your boat after it floats. Monkey Bay has a great work shop. MAR has a machine shop, Burnt Key has a rigger etc.