Cheapest location to purchase and purchasing an ex-Sunsail yacht

[EntropyUK]

Hi all I am looking at buying a long term cruiser in a couple of years so I am starting to look at prices and decide on what make and nodels to narrow down. One thiing I am wondering about is there anywhere in the world where you get the best value when buying a yacht. I am lucky in that travel to view/inspect/buy is not an issue so as they say the world is my oyster (but cannot afford one of them). I am not bothered with the location of the sale as it just defines a starting point for my adventure.

Also what are peoples views on buying an ex-Sunsail charter? Are they good value or do you end up spending the the money you saved on getting it up to spec?

TIA

 

[newtothis]

I've heard the Caribbean is where a lot of dreams go to die, when one Atlantic crossing turns out to be enough.
For those that get through the Panama Canal, the daunting distances of the Pacific make Tahiti a source of sensibly priced world girdlers.

 

[Tranona]

Easy to find where Sunsail boats are cheapest - just look at their listings. however that is probably the wrong question. Perhaps you should be asking where is best for you and your plans as not all boats are "equal" even if the same model. For example boats in Europe will be built to the RCD and be CE marked whereas boats in the Caribbean and Far East may not be - even if the same model. This has important implications for where you want to use the boat and crucially where you are able to sell it when you are finished with it. Inevitably this restricts the potential market so prices for the same boat in different locations may be very different. Charter boats are generally sold free of local taxes so tax of some sort may be payable where you want to use the boat.

Are they worth buying? In principle yes. Sunsail lay down a minimum spec for used boats which usually means some remedial work before sale. You rely very much on the local staff ensuring that the boat meets this spec so best to employ a surveyor. On the other hand they are good with paperwork so you get clear title. Be aware that many of their boats are actually privately owned so getting clear title is important.

Irish Rover who posts here has bought from Sunsail in Croatia for use in Turkey where he lives. Hopefully he will be along soon with further advice.