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Any way for an expat to own a boat?

Last activity 01 March 2023 by Hooked

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interblag

Hi all, just joined, my wife and I are new to Saigon.

Is there any way for an expat to own a boat here? I've got dreams of exploring the waterways and eventually taking longer trips, perhaps even up the mighty Mekong. Am open to getting any licenses required. Any experiences would be well received, perhaps even with beer! :)

SteinNebraska

Following, always wanted to know more about this myself.

Guest2023

Boats

Wxx3

My suggestion, marry someone with a boat who lives on the river.
If you don't want to do that, stick to a motorcycle.

Vietnam, at the present time, is not pleasure boat friendly.
Have you noticed that in a city of 14 million, there are exactly 3 pleasure boats on the local waters.
Well, maybe not exactly, but I did look and count over the 2+ years I was here, as I have a boat, now in the Pacific.

Check this out:
https://www.cruisingworld.com/destinati … revisited/

interblag

Wxx3 wrote:

My suggestion, marry someone with a boat who lives on the river.
If you don't want to do that, stick to a motorcycle.

Vietnam, at the present time, is not pleasure boat friendly.
Have you noticed that in a city of 14 million, there are exactly 3 pleasure boats on the local waters.
Well, maybe not exactly, but I did look and count over the 2+ years I was here, as I have a boat, now in the Pacific.

Check this out:
https://www.cruisingworld.com/destinati … revisited/


Thanks for the link, very interesting. As you may have guessed from my post, I'm already married!

Aiming to see if I can increase the pleasure boat count from 3 to 4. If there's already (at least) 3 that means it's possible!

Malcolmleitrim

I'm very interested in this subject as well, it seems a shame that there are virtually no pleasure boats here when there are so many interesting waterways. I have owned a succession of boats throughout my life in Ireland and sold the last one two years ago, vowing to never buy another, but the waterways here are very tempting.

interblag

Having just arrived it may take a while, but I have a few vague leads I'm following up already. I will put whatever information I learn online and link to it here.

gobot

If I was to live in the delta, creating my Florida lifestyle, my idea of a pleasure boat is a cross-eyed wood fishing boat.

chunk-ah chunk-ah chunk-ah chunk-ah . . .

https://pixen.netlify.com/pix/eyeboat.jpg

Wxx3

gobot wrote:

If I was to live in the delta, creating my Florida lifestyle, my idea of a pleasure boat is a cross-eyed wood fishing boat.

chunk-ah chunk-ah chunk-ah chunk-ah . . .

https://pixen.netlify.com/pix/eyeboat.jpg


My goal is to have eyes painted on my boat.

I've always thought that was a great idea.

Ciambella

gobot wrote:

If I was to live in the delta, creating my Florida lifestyle, my idea of a pleasure boat is a cross-eyed wood fishing boat.


Wxx3 wrote:

My goal is to have eyes painted on my boat.

I've always thought that was a great idea.


It's a tradition that went back to the beginning of the country. 

According to the Complete Annals of Đại Việt (the bible of Vietnamese history), the custom of painting eyes on the boats started during the reign of Hùng Vương (2879 - 258 BCE).  When diving fishermen complained of being attacked by crocodiles, the Hùng King suggested that they tattoo the bodies with fish scales and paint the boats with fish eyes.  This was to fool the predators into thinking that the fishermen and the boats were fish and parts of sea life instead of the invaders of their environment.

Grant Kiwi

Im one of all of you too, I would love to have my own boat even A RIB , the ease to get somewhere by small boat no need the luxuary boat,  a 20 ft - 25ft open with a shade would do nicely

OceanBeach92107

Grant Kiwi wrote:

Im one of all of you too, I would love to have my own boat even A RIB , the ease to get somewhere by small boat no need the luxuary boat,  a 20 ft - 25ft open with a shade would do nicely


The smaller the boat, the larger the floating debris in the water will seem in comparison, and the more obvious to the naked eye.

Your nose will also be closer to the stench of the river water.

I took the Water Taxi while in HCMC (not to be confused with the high speed catamaran which goes to Vũng Tàu) and it's definitely not a scenic trip if you look at the water.

In comparison, the Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio rivers seem pristine.

Guest2023

OceanBeach92107 wrote:
Grant Kiwi wrote:

Im one of all of you too, I would love to have my own boat even A RIB , the ease to get somewhere by small boat no need the luxuary boat,  a 20 ft - 25ft open with a shade would do nicely


The smaller the boat, the larger the floating debris in the water will seem in comparison, and the more obvious to the naked eye.

Your nose will also be closer to the stench of the river water.

I took the Water Taxi while in HCMC (not to be confused with the high speed catamaran which goes to Vũng Tàu) and it's definitely not a scenic trip if you look at the water.

In comparison, the Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio rivers seem pristine.


Have to agree, the waterways here are putrid. Back in 2008, the canal between D4 and Dy was totally black and stunk, but locals still fished in it.

OceanBeach92107

colinoscapee wrote:
OceanBeach92107 wrote:
Grant Kiwi wrote:

Im one of all of you too, I would love to have my own boat even A RIB , the ease to get somewhere by small boat no need the luxuary boat,  a 20 ft - 25ft open with a shade would do nicely


The smaller the boat, the larger the floating debris in the water will seem in comparison, and the more obvious to the naked eye.

Your nose will also be closer to the stench of the river water.

I took the Water Taxi while in HCMC (not to be confused with the high speed catamaran which goes to Vũng Tàu) and it's definitely not a scenic trip if you look at the water.

In comparison, the Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio rivers seem pristine.


Have to agree, the waterways here are putrid. Back in 2008, the canal between D4 and Dy was totally black and stunk, but locals still fished in it.


Some of the places where beautiful women will go to have their photos taken "by the water"...

robvan

Before moving back to Melbourne six months ago, I had a Dutch friend in Saigon who was married to a Vietnamese. He was a fully accredited marine skipper who did jobs around the world including Vung Tau captaining supply ships to offshore oil platforms, and captaining supply ships from the Middle East and West Africa to Europe and vice versa. So he had every high-end qualification you could think of.

He bought an old wooden Vietnamese fishing vessel ("boat" might be a more appropriate description, 10 metres or so) and completely rebuilt and refurbished it for tourist trips along the VN coast and up the Mekong. New motor, flushing toilet, seating arrangements, barbecue, sleeping quarter, every possible navigation item etc etc. It kept costing him a fortune -- as he said, "buy a boat, work yourself to death" (it rhymes in Dutch) -- not to mention mooring issues and thefts of basic fitments and expensive equipment when he had skippering jobs overseas and had to rely on local oversight (ha ha!). He still doesn't have the tourist operation on the water three years down the t(r)ack.

I'm sorry I can't help you with advice on permits etc, but I suppose in his case, being married to a Vietnamese would have helped. The boat might even be in her name for all I know (I never asked). But the other hassles are likely to outweigh the joys. I'm an avid sailor myself (sailed a yacht across the Atlantic many years ago, never really went for motor boats) so I can empathise with the urge. However, Vietnam might not be the best place to own a boat right now, certainly not as a foreigner. Great potential though, with its stunning coastline.

def1412

I've been sailing for years and I look to see if there was somewhere in Vietnam. I could rent a sailboat and was not able to find any. Well, this is slightly off topic if anybody knows where you can rent a sailboat to some sailing, that would be great to know.

szandordashwood

Sometimes in VN it seems the only way to find out what the rules are is to ignore them and then see what happens. There are boats available all around VN but none in it ! I missed a very nice one for sale in Cambodia only a days sailing to Phu Quoc , but could I find out what paperwork I would require ? ... you guessed it ! So the only option was to do it anyway and wait and see. Unfortunately, that boat was sold, so I never found out. Now I'm looking at boats in Koh Samui and Singapore and then sail to Phu Quoc. I have a friend in Bien Hoa who bought a small wooden canoe style boat with a clunky but cute inboard desel engine and he chugs everywhere up and down the Bien Hoa river, gets drung on rice vodka with local fishfarmers and says the river police and everybody are really friendly and more laid back than the land police...which is what one would expect.... so ... just do it !

Stefan M70

Yes, you only need to have valid temporary resident card for registering a pleasure boat under your name.

It is also possible for foreigners to have a vietnamese skipper/captain license so you can use your boat without the need to have a vietnamese skipper on boards.

Me and a couple of other expats joined together some years ago to get the required licenses. A local licensed teacher conducted the classes and organized the exams.

It took some effort and money but finally we got our licenses.

gobot

Ciambella wrote:

According to the Complete Annals of Đại Việt (the bible of Vietnamese history), the custom of painting eyes on the boats started during the reign of Hùng Vương (2879 - 258 BCE).


Thx for the research.
Seems Hung Vuong had a good long life. Even longer than Moses (120 yrs) and Adam (930 yrs).  :/

szandordashwood wrote:

Sometimes in VN it seems the only way to find out what the rules are is to ignore them and then see what happens.


Ask forgiveness, not permission.  :cool:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

<span>[Post under review]</span>


OceanBeach92107 wrote:

<span>[Post under review]</span>


Look like that troublemaker OB got sent to his room by the censors again  ...  :dumbom:

Ciambella

gobot wrote:

Seems Hung Vuong had a good long life. Even longer than Moses (120 yrs) and Adam (930 yrs).  :/


There were 18 Hùng Vương (Hùng Kings), each lived about 100 years.  In all of my history classes, they're called by the same name, the name of the Hùng Dynasty.  It's the same with other reigning families:  Chúa Trịnh (Trịnh Lords), vua Lê (Lê Kings), Chúa Nguyễn (Nguyễn Lords), Vua nhà Nguyễn (Nguyễn Kings and the Last Emperor)., etc.

It seemed to me back when I was in school that historians believed it's the family that reigned, not the person.

OceanBeach92107

gobot wrote:
OceanBeach92107 wrote:

<span>[Post under review]</span>


OceanBeach92107 wrote:

<span>[Post under review]</span>


Look like that troublemaker OB got sent to his room by the censors again  ...  :dumbom:


I have been acquitted! 😎

(My pearls of wisdom are again on public display)

:P

randallgwest

Interesting. Can you update us?

Wadey

Having worked a long time as a Skipper here in Australia I for one would also love to know what options expats have in owning a boat in Vietnam for personal use.
Wadey

AndyHCMC

randallgwest wrote:

Please update us on this.


Please use the "quote function" so members know who you are replying to.

AndyHCMC

Wadey wrote:

Having worked a long time as a Skipper here in Australia I for one would also love to know what options expats have in owning a boat in Vietnam for personal use.
Wadey


When you say boat what were you thinking of? I'm sure no one would blink at you in a tinnie fishing lol

randallgwest

There are lots of definitions of “boat”. I’m looking for inexpensive and useful.

AndyHCMC

randallgwest wrote:

There are lots of definitions of “boat”. I’m looking for inexpensive and useful.


Useful if you use the "Quote function" then people know who you are answering

Wadey

Andybris2020 wrote:
Wadey wrote:

Having worked a long time as a Skipper here in Australia I for one would also love to know what options expats have in owning a boat in Vietnam for personal use.
Wadey


When you say boat what were you thinking of? I'm sure no one would blink at you in a tinnie fishing lol


Only 30-40ft, But a 5mt tinny would be great to buzz around in and have a fish.
Wadey

Jlgarbutt

Wadey wrote:
Andybris2020 wrote:
Wadey wrote:

Having worked a long time as a Skipper here in Australia I for one would also love to know what options expats have in owning a boat in Vietnam for personal use.
Wadey


When you say boat what were you thinking of? I'm sure no one would blink at you in a tinnie fishing lol


Only 30-40ft, But a 5mt tinny would be great to buzz around in and have a fish.
Wadey


Take a drive out of the city along the rivers, plenty of ok project boats laying there if you fancy getting your hands dirty.

AndyHCMC

Wadey wrote:
Andybris2020 wrote:
Wadey wrote:

Having worked a long time as a Skipper here in Australia I for one would also love to know what options expats have in owning a boat in Vietnam for personal use.
Wadey


When you say boat what were you thinking of? I'm sure no one would blink at you in a tinnie fishing lol


Only 30-40ft, But a 5mt tinny would be great to buzz around in and have a fish.
Wadey


Talking to Vung Tau local Colinoscapee he says he has never seen an expat in a boat in 14 years so it looks like only VN own them. :(

Guest2023

Andybris2020 wrote:
Wadey wrote:
Andybris2020 wrote:


When you say boat what were you thinking of? I'm sure no one would blink at you in a tinnie fishing lol


Only 30-40ft, But a 5mt tinny would be great to buzz around in and have a fish.
Wadey


Talking to Vung Tau local Colinoscapee he says he has never seen an expat in a boat in 14 years so it looks like only VN own them. :(


Actually not quite right. I said in 14-years never seen a foreigner towing a tinny.

AndyHCMC

colinoscapee wrote:
Andybris2020 wrote:
Wadey wrote:

Only 30-40ft, But a 5mt tinny would be great to buzz around in and have a fish.
Wadey


Talking to Vung Tau local Colinoscapee he says he has never seen an expat in a boat in 14 years so it looks like only VN own them. :(


Actually not quite right. I said in 14-years never seen a foreigner towing a tinny.


Sorry, I thought you meant owning, Be a sight to see with a 125cc scooter lol

Guest2023

Andybris2020 wrote:
colinoscapee wrote:
Andybris2020 wrote:


Talking to Vung Tau local Colinoscapee he says he has never seen an expat in a boat in 14 years so it looks like only VN own them. :(


Actually not quite right. I said in 14-years never seen a foreigner towing a tinny.


Sorry, I thought you meant owning, Be a sight to see with a 125cc scooter lol


Expats do drive cars!

AndyHCMC

colinoscapee wrote:
Andybris2020 wrote:
colinoscapee wrote:


Actually not quite right. I said in 14-years never seen a foreigner towing a tinny.


Sorry, I thought you meant owning, Be a sight to see with a 125cc scooter lol


Expats do drive cars!


Yeah but I'd like to see one being towed by scooter,, Just hang a trailer on the back,,,

JuanLeRoux

@Stefan M70 i bought a wooden fishing boat. I jave been fixing it and seems the police have now. Become awate of me and they are hasstling me sell the boat. Really not what I expected. Where did you do the lisense. How did you transfer the boat to your name? I have contacted a laywer to help and will see what is going to happen. But I am dissapointed that it is not a smooth sale and own it as I expected. I am an English teacher my name is Juan le Roux and I would really like to speak to you. I am in Vietnam if you het this can you contact me on ***

Moderated by Bhavna last year
Reason : Contact details should not be posted on the forum. Thank you
We invite you to read the forum code of conduct
JuanLeRoux

@interblag i bought a boat and currently are having trouble regestering it.

Aidan in HCMC

Hello JuanLeRoux, and welcome to expat.com!


Neither of the members you have replied to have been active in over two years. It is doubtful that you will receive a response from them.

I suggest you visit here to start a new thread, under "Post new topic" . There are many helpful folk here at expat.com, all willing to offer advice if and when we can.


Please note that your contact details will be removed from the open forum. This is done as a security protocol, and is strictly enforced by admin. Any member(s) who wish to provide contact information are able to do so by sending a PM (private message) to any other member.



Again, welcome to expat.com.

yunhenry

@Stefan M70

Hi Stefan, I am 3 years after your comment but could you tell me where you registered for lessons until the license?  Thanks a bunch

Aidan in HCMC

@Stefan M70
Hi Stefan, I am 3 years after your comment but could you tell me where you registered for lessons until the license? Thanks a bunch
-@yunhenry


Hello yunhenry, and welcome to expat.com


Stefan M70 has not been active for a couple of years, so it is doubtful that you will receive a reply to your message.

Please see the post directly above yours, here (link),for suggestions on how to solicit responses from current, active members.


Again, welcome to expat.com

Hooked

Have you tried contacting any marinas inHcmc?

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