Buying a Boat?

that would depend upon the type, size, value, condition of the boat!

its a 42 ocean in great condition, valued at 200+k.....I guess my question is is there a used boat market there? if so are the prices comprable to the states or, more? If there is NO used boat market in SST or an overpriced used market, then i would incur the expense of having the boat shipped, taxes etc., rather then selling my boat here in the states for what its worth and and re-buying a comprable boat once i arrive in SST... follow?

You might get a feel for the market and pricing by going to:
www.virginislandsdailynews.com
Download the free weekly Island Trader, then go to "Nautical Deals."

Boats here are more expensive than on the mainland from a general perspective. But keep in mind I'm looking at boats in the under 20k range. I've found a Bayliner here for $18k and I've found the identical one in the states for $9k however I'm going to have to pay at least 4k to ship it here and lots of hassle. But for me it looks like it will end up being worth it. I hope.

Stu and others can give you used and for sale information. You might also try a local search of boats for sale.

www.stthomasyachts.com

will give you a look at some available now. My sense is that the price and type of boat is somewhat less attractive than Florida.

A lot will depend on the shipping cost.

Boats are definitely more expensive to purchase here... unless you find someone leaving the islands who just needs to unload one and will take a discounted offer. We just picked up a very nice 24' open bow Sea Ray that way. 🙂 If you have a special boat that really suits your needs, you might have a hard time finding a comparable replacement. For those who just need a basic motorboat or sailboat, there are many to be found.

The shipping cost varies widely by size. Some mid-size boats are a little small to sail down yourself yet are over-sized enough to be pretty expensive to ship either on a barge (if it can go on a trailer or in a cradle) or in one of the submersible yacht transport ships (very expensive). Small boats can go on cargo barges like anything else. Boats large enough to sail down are probably less expensive to relocate that way unless you just don't feel comfortable crossing that much open water without a large crew.

We're bringing our 65' sailboat down from the Seattle area later this year... sailing down the Pacific Coast and through the Panamna Canal. It would have cost about the same to ship it in a submersible yacht transport, but since this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make the trip, we are opting to gather a crew and make the six week trip under motor-sail. Shipping it overland to the gulf before sailing down to the islands really wasn't an option due to its size.

Good for you Alex. that does sound like a trip of a life time!, Ive heard & seen on Discovery Ch. of course, that submersable shipping boat that you mentioned, and they commented on the prices, and it wasent that bad..i believe the one guy on the show had a comprable sport fisher to mine & it costs something like 8k to have it shipped from the North east to SST.....I think it would cost at least that much in gas/manitenece etc to bring it down, minus the wear & tear. Thanks for the response!