Buying my first sailboat in Thailand/Malaysia?

[travellingeva]

Hi everybody,

I have plans to buy my first sailboat soon, and have been researching different places around the world to buy and keep it. It seems to me that having a boat in SE Asia can be a good place, since there is no hurricane season there, it's cheap and the coastline is also interesting.

My plan would be to buy a boat in the size 26-30ft, preferably with an inboard engine, and to live aboard the boat and gradually learn about the mechanics/electrics and maintenance stuff I need to know. I will sail around in the local area for a while, and if I enjoy it, I will look for a bigger boat more suitable for ocean crossings. The overall plan is to sail around the whole Asia/Pacific area over many years.

I make my living in two areas; the yacht industry and doing freelance work via internet. I will have to leave the boat for longer periods while I am away working, and then come back to the boat and stay there for a few months, so when I am gone I will have to store the boat on land.

So, I am looking for your opinions on my plans! Will it be possible to find a suitable boat to buy in Malaysia or elsewhere in SE Asia? Maybe you know about a boat that is for sale? I have been looking on the internet, but can't find a lot of options.

Other places I am considering, is Greece (although I have been there the last 3 seasons..) and French Polynesia...

[stu291]

Hi traveling Eva I'm wondering how things have worked out for you did you find a boat in Malaysia my plans are simular to yours please let me know thanks