bringing a boat to CR?

[eagleray]

My husband and I are planning to sail to Costa Rica this fall and once there buy a home to move into.  Once we get settled on solid
ground then we would like to set up sailing and snorkeling charters with our boat in the southern pacific coast.  Both of us have over 20 years experience in watersports and tourism in the Caribbean. We've heard and have read a lot of different stories about bringing a boat into Costa Rica.  Does anyone have experience or info on this?  

[Jogi]

Dear Eagleray,

this can be a profitable business. As you might know already the taxes to import a boat are very high and I have heard that it took up to 6 months to accomplish that. If you don't have a boat yet you might want to look first on how much will be a boat which is already legal here. Some might even sell it's business as a turn key, in this case you get as well some goodwill plus the experiences and hints which is a great value. In any case I would recommend to research the market before. Good luck.

[eagleray]

Hi Jogi,
We already have a boat and have been living on it for 5 years after 7 years of restoring it.  So we are a little attached.  I've heard the duties were about 52%  ....but there were ways around it.  Just wondered if anyone has heard about them? 
Thanks.

[Jogi]

Dear Eagleray,
I understand that you are attached to your boat and yes you are right as I said the taxes are high. It is the same with the cars or vehicles in general. I called a friend of mine who did the same about 8 years ago. He paid about 30-33% on the value of the boat. Be careful if you want to try going around it, it might come back to hunt you. I can recommend you a reliable custom agent we are using in order to make the import process as easy and hassle free as possible. He will point out way's in order to save you money and time but have everything legal.

Pura Vida
Jogi

[eagleray]

Hi Jogi,
Oh I didn't mean doing anything illegal when I said "ways around it". One attorney mentioned having the boat put under our corporation and applying to the ICT as we will be using it for a sailing business.  I just wondered how true this was?  (I don't always believe what attoney's say)
Yes I would love the name of your reliable custom agent.  We've lived in Caribbean countries long enough to know you can last longer if you do the right thing...

Pura Vida

[Jogi]

Hi eagleray,

sorry, I misunderstood. I'm kind of trying to help people by avoiding corruption. Many people coming here are under the impression that paying under the table is the way to go. If I hear "ways around it" my antennas are coming out .
The attorney could be right. The ICT had years ago several benefits if somebody invested in tourism, but most of it was cut completely and did not apply anymore. Maybe with the new government they bring the benefits back to live again.
Here is the contact I recommend, he should be able to help you or know somebody:
Lic. Guillermo Nunez Gomez
President  Seramar S,A.
Tel. 283 8368
email: seramar@racsa.co.cr
www.seramarcr.com
Good luck

[eagleray]

Hi Jogi,

Thanks for the contact ; and no offence taken to the "illegal" misunderstanding.  I see it all the time too.  My recent neighbour lasted six months on the island because he thought he was above immigration policies.

I hope to make Costa Rica my last and permanent home so we want to do things right.

Pura Vida,

Eagleray