I have owned and sold a half dozen boats in the US and the entire change of ownership, registering, etc. has never been a problem.
First, let me say that everything to do with the government, banking, etc. in Belize takes a minimum of 3 trips...if you are lucky.
Ok, we agreed on the deal to purchase the 1979 C-22 and the owner proceeded to gather all of the paperwork. Done.....we drive to the very end of the island and walk into the Belize Port Authority Office. Officer Hector was very friendly and helpful. After going through all of the paperwork, he says that we need a bill of sale for the motor. The original outboard on the C-22 had been stolen and my seller had bought a Yamaha 4 stroke 9.9L from a guy here on the island who had it on a catamaran. My guy. Randy, has a bill of sale from the original owner. Hector says that the motor is not in their database and has never been registered in Belize....oops....
Belize, like many countries, is fighting the theft of outboard motors. They require that the motor be registered as well as the hull. Sounds good to me if it will deter the theft of my motor.
Anyway, long story short, I am waiting on the original owner to contact the company he bought the motor from to get the "Official Yamaha" paperwork, then I will be ready to go....unless Hector finds something else.
While all of this is going on, I am getting ready for my Belize Master Marine Captain's Test. Yes, that is correct...to operate any size boat except an inflatable in Belize you have to have a license. Never did that in the States. Written test and on the water driving test. You must have a friend bring you and your boat to the BPA for the test, because you are not licensed.
After living in Belize for 3 years we are accustomed to all of the delays....but this one is crazy. Oh and every December you have to get your boat re certified as Seaworthy and re-licensed.
First, let me say that everything to do with the government, banking, etc. in Belize takes a minimum of 3 trips...if you are lucky.
Ok, we agreed on the deal to purchase the 1979 C-22 and the owner proceeded to gather all of the paperwork. Done.....we drive to the very end of the island and walk into the Belize Port Authority Office. Officer Hector was very friendly and helpful. After going through all of the paperwork, he says that we need a bill of sale for the motor. The original outboard on the C-22 had been stolen and my seller had bought a Yamaha 4 stroke 9.9L from a guy here on the island who had it on a catamaran. My guy. Randy, has a bill of sale from the original owner. Hector says that the motor is not in their database and has never been registered in Belize....oops....
Belize, like many countries, is fighting the theft of outboard motors. They require that the motor be registered as well as the hull. Sounds good to me if it will deter the theft of my motor.
Anyway, long story short, I am waiting on the original owner to contact the company he bought the motor from to get the "Official Yamaha" paperwork, then I will be ready to go....unless Hector finds something else.
While all of this is going on, I am getting ready for my Belize Master Marine Captain's Test. Yes, that is correct...to operate any size boat except an inflatable in Belize you have to have a license. Never did that in the States. Written test and on the water driving test. You must have a friend bring you and your boat to the BPA for the test, because you are not licensed.
After living in Belize for 3 years we are accustomed to all of the delays....but this one is crazy. Oh and every December you have to get your boat re certified as Seaworthy and re-licensed.