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If you’re, like me, in the process of buying a catamaran, one of the first things we need to consider is where to buy it. Several alternatives are available, each with its set of pros and cons. So, which is the best place to buy a catamaran?
Here are 5 of the best places to buy a catamaran:
- Cheapest place to buy: The Bahamas.
- Best place to work on your boat: Florida.
- Best place in the US: The Chesapeake Bay.
- Best place outside the US: Guatemala.
- Best place to get catamarans in good shape: Trinidad.
The rest of this article will provide more detail on each place. Read on for in-depth insights to help you make an informed decision on where to buy your catamaran.
1. Cheapest Place To Buy: The Bahamas
If you’re looking for the cheapest place to buy a catamaran, The Bahamas is the place to go. Located in the Caribbean, The Bahamas offer a wide range of catamarans for sale at very reasonable prices.
According to YachtWorld, the average price of a used cat in The Bahamas is between $100,000 and $6,400,000. Labor is relatively cheap in The Bahamas, so you can expect to pay less for repairs and maintenance than in other countries.
However, parts are not readily available in The Bahamas, so while initial costs are low, you may spend more in the long run if you have to import parts from elsewhere.
2. Best Place To Work on Your Boat: Florida
If you’re looking for a place with good availability of boatyards and marine services, Florida is the place for you. Fort Lauderdale is remarkably well-equipped, with many boatyards and maritime services.
Parts are readily available in Florida, making it easy to get the repairs and maintenance you need for your catamaran.
You can also salvage cats for a reasonable price in Florida. With a little TLC, you can restore these previously damaged boats and have an excellent catamaran for a fraction of the cost.
Send me an email if you want a list of the best salvage boatyards in Florida.
In addition, there is a large community of sailing enthusiasts in Florida, so you’ll have plenty of people to help you out if you need it. Examples of sailing clubs in Florida include the Lauderdale Yacht Club and the South Florida Boat Club.
Also, Florida takes the top spot if you’re looking for a custom catamaran. There are many boat builders in the state who can build a catamaran to your exact specifications. Examples include the Catamaran Company and the Suncoast Catamaran Company.
3. Best Place in the US: The Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is one of the best places to buy a catamaran in the US. Located on the east coast of the United States, the Chesapeake Bay offers a wide range of catamarans for sale at very reasonable prices.
Also, the bay is home to several boatyards and marine services, making it easy to get the repairs and maintenance you need for your catamaran.
In addition, the Chesapeake Bay is a popular sailing destination, with plenty of people to help you out if you need it.
4. Best Place Outside the US: Guatemala
Guatemala is the best place outside of the US to buy a catamaran. Located in Central America, this country is home to some of the best yacht builders in the world. In addition, the cost of living and doing business in Guatemala is very affordable, which makes it a great place to buy a catamaran.
However, like in The Bahamas, parts can be more expensive in Guatemala than in the US. Nonetheless, Guatemala is the best place to buy a catamaran outside the US.
5. Best Place To Get Catamarans in Good Shape: Trinidad
Trinidad is the best place to get catamarans in good condition. With thousands of catamarans available, Trinidad has the largest selection among the best places to buy one. In addition, labor rates are very cheap in Trinidad, so you can expect to pay less for repairs and maintenance than you would in other countries.
What’s more, the craft in Trinidad is exquisite. The boat builders in Trinidad are some of the best globally and can build a catamaran to your exact specifications.
Tips for Choosing Where To Buy a Catamaran
Now that you know six of the best places to buy a catamaran, the chances are that you are wondering how to choose the right one for you.
Here are some tips to help you make the best decision:
Consider Your Budget
Your budget is a crucial factor in deciding where to buy your cat. If you have a limited budget, you’ll need to find a place where catamarans are relatively cheap.
Also, keep in mind that you’ll need to factor in the cost of repairs and maintenance, which can be expensive.
Consider Local Taxes and Duties
When you buy a catamaran in another country, you may be subject to local taxes and duties. These expenses can add a significant amount to the cost of your catamaran, so be sure to factor them into your budget.
Also, keep in mind that you may need to pay import taxes when bringing your catamaran back to the US. To reduce costs, look for countries with favorable agreements with the US.
Research the Local Market
Before buying a catamaran, it’s essential to research the local market. This will help you understand the prices of different catamarans and find the best deals.
To get started, search online for “catamaran dealers” or “catamaran brokers” in the country you are interested in.
The following video provides some insights into how to find a good deal when buying a catamaran:
Check for Availability of Parts
If you’re planning on doing a lot of work on your catamaran yourself, it’s essential to make sure that parts are readily available in the country where you buy it.
Otherwise, you may wait for weeks or even months for parts to arrive from overseas.
Talk to Other Sailors
One of the best ways to learn about a place is to talk to other sailors who have been there. They’ll be able to give you firsthand accounts of the good and bad points of different places, which will help you make the best decision for you.
In addition, they may know of good deals on catamarans that you wouldn’t be able to find on your own.
For more tips on saving money when buying a catamaran, I recommend reading Catamarans: The Complete Guide for Cruising Sailors from Amazon.com. It’s an excellent resource for any experienced or first-time sailor and will help you pick the best cat for your needs.
Here are Some of My Favorite Catamaran Cruising Resources
Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful as you hopefully start your sailing adventures. Here are some resources that I use as a sailor that I hope you’ll also find helpful. These are affiliate links, so if you do decide to use any of them, I’ll earn a commission. But in all honesty, these are the exact things that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family.
Sailboats: If you’re looking for the best boat to suit your needs, I would recommend a catamaran. If you’re interested, I can show you the differences between catamarans and other types of sailboats.
Books: For getting started, I really like Cruising catamarans made easy. It is actually a textbook from the American sailing association; it is used to get a cruising catamaran certification. There are some other great books, and I have compiled a list of books about cruising catamarans that you will find useful.
Communication: Being out on adventures, whether it be sailing or climbing mountains, good communications are essential to being safe. I recommend two things Google fi (incredibly simple cellular data all over the world) and Garmin inreach mini (for text and voice in remote areas without cell coverage)
Sailing courses: Online sailing courses are great for beginners starting out their sailing career; it’s an efficient way of learning the basics of navigation, throttle controls, and maritime safety. I suggest starting with two free courses from NauticEd.
To see all my most up-to-date recommendations, check out this resource that I made for you!
