Which countries are better/cheaper for some things than others

[AndrewA2]

Hi all.
Cant really find anything specific on this, so sorry if repeat posting.

Im curious which countries are better/cheaper for various thing than others. Very broad here, but for example I hear that the US is cheap for provisioning, South America for haul out. Curious for all of your views ranging from oil filters, to sails, to remodeling, to solar panels... you get the idea

I somewhat imagine that EU, N.America, S.America, Mid-East, Asia etc all have different benefits.
Also curious if anyone ever set their route based on boat projects quality/cost/materials etc.

[belizesailor]

A norrower focus to your question will get better responses.

[Larry Florida]

Originally Posted by AndrewA2

Hi all.

Im curious which countries are better/cheaper for various thing than others.

Philippines is very cheap. Can get a room on the beach less than $25. Don't even need a boat

[AndrewA2]

Things like standing rigging. parts + labor, where for that.
Sail repairs, replacement
Engine haul out and rebuild
Fiberglassing
Electrical wiring
Electrical systems.
Electrical applicances.
....
etc
etc
etc

It seems some places are far more expensive than others.The Med v's Panama. And some places have surprising services ie Sails in Thailand...

[Orion Jim]

Originally Posted by Larry Florida

Philippines is very cheap. Can get a room on the beach less than $25. Don't even need a boat

The street vendors in Mexico offer Rolex watches with scandalous markdowns.

[Emmalina]

How long is a piece of string ? Specific questions get specific answers.

[JPA Cate]

America and Asia for electronics.

Cheap sails from offshore lofts, buyer beware.

As to rigging, for us we want good quality wire, more important than price alone.

For us, an engine rebuild is something we would undertake ourselves, or replace, again, ourselves. A berth with attendant fees would be required in most circumstances....

People used to go to Thailand for teak work, but their prices have risen considerably.

However, I think you will find the small island nations will be pretty much staying closed for quite some while....

Ann

Medications, third world areas.

[George DuBose]

I am a believer in one gets what one pays for.

Diligent searching allows one to find good work and workers all over the world.

Paying low wages to unskilled workers is bound to produce equal results.

Best way to get good cheap work is to do it one's self.

Fast work is not good or cheap.

Cheap work is not good or fast.

Good work is not cheap or fast.

[partingclouds]

With the Canadian dollar pegged at 70 cents U.S. it seems like a no-brainer. For even a piece of string, long or short, you'd save a bundle.

[Roshni]

Cheapest parts in USA, but very expensive labour.
Cheap labour Caribbean but expensive parts.
Portugal and Turkey best for quality cheaper labour and less expensive parts.

[slug]

I’d say that Spain has the best price, quality that I know of

Labour, materials , and quality of life

[garychurch]

After spending almost two years in the Caribbean my wife and I like the DR for good food selection, availability and prices.

Generally labor is inexpensive throughout the Caribbean with $20 US for labor being the nominal standard. You must be cautious however to check out previous work and recommendations. Good quality and poor quality cost the same.

Also, in most cases time quoted to do a job is grossly underestimated. Weeks can easily become months.

Lastly with the exception of Sint Marteen parts availability in minimal and shipping and customs can double or triple the of parts and delay availability.

[Mahayana]

Originally Posted by AndrewA2

Things like standing rigging. parts + labor, where for that.
Sail repairs, replacement
Engine haul out and rebuild
Fiberglassing
Electrical wiring
Electrical systems.
Electrical applicances.
....

If your plans include the Eastern Caribbean get you parts in St Maartin, no taxes or duty. Get the work done elsewhere, ie Jolly Harbour, Antigua, 100 miles away with lower labour rates.

[alansmith]

I keep my boat in Sea of Cortez Mexico. Can’t beat the yard rates. About 5 hour drive south of Tucson. Can’t beat the cost of yard rates. Like 3 dollars a day. But it is hell trying to get parts. So u better have everything with you. The labor is reasonable but access to qualified help is not good. Couple that with ‘Mañana’ culture can be a real eye opener. Living there is very cheap and many American and Canadian sailor snowbirds. Brutal summers and west coast Mexican hurricanes are serious events not to be taken lightly.

[michaelratinter]

Each country is better/cheaper for some things than others.

In Turtle Bay, MX, Enrique charges 50 pesos per liter for diesel. That's about 10 US dollars per US gallon.