Santo Domingo.- If the recently issued decree via which the Dominican Port Authority establishes a new set of fees for all activities in sport, private and of stat-owned marinas, yatch clubs and interior water anchorages is applied, it will have a disastrous effect in a rising market and of the greatest potential for the country.
The Dominican Tourism Real Estate Companies Association (ADETI) rebukes the measure in decree 280-09 issued April 3, especially at a time when viable solutions are needed to face a global problem. “An additional levy would be catastrophic to our sector; for this emergent market, from the lack of competitiveness that would be created for our marinas compared with those of the rest of the Caribbean area.”
“The tourism industry now more than ever needs stimulation and support, because Dominican Republic must focus on bolstering the sectors that most generate currencies for our economy, being these the main pillars that motor and diversify the country’s development,” ADTEI said.
Written by: Juango, 5 May 2009 9:49 AM
From: United States, far S. Florida (formerly Santo Domingo)
Cap Cana & Casa de Campo Marinas are just loving this one. You would think this government would do anything possible to PROMOTE an inflow of capital. Instead, they place obstacales in the way of revenue generating projects like Nautical Clubs/Marinas. These bonehead decisions are made without much thought or consultations. Next will be a TAX on all Golf Courses. These POLITICOS are killing the Goose that lays the GOLDEN EGGs and are to greedy, blinded by their urgency to line their own pockets... A Falied State indeed.
Written by: Bailarin 
, 5 May 2009 9:58 AM
From: Dominican Republic
You see what happens when the Donald comes to town !
From: United States
These Marinas are popping up all over the country with no control. The profits from these marinas are then taken out of the country without any benefits to the local community what so ever. There has to be controls where the profits from these endeavors are somehow shared locally to improve the surrounding areas. I have no sympathy for these huge international companies that some how manage to make millions and put back ZERO.
Written by: Bailarin , 5 May 2009 10:21 AM
From: Dominican Republic
They are planning to open a new Marina in Sosua bay this year as well ....
Written by: xwill7, 5 May 2009 10:38 AM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
a resonable tax can help the economy grow
Written by: Bailarin , 5 May 2009 10:41 AM
From: Dominican Republic
So can a corrupt Government lol.
From: United States
Has no one figured out why private yachts avoid the DR.
Crime rate astronomically high.
Corruption at the port authority level.
Dirty foul stinking water in the marinas.
Now add a nice new tax.
Why would anyone in his right mind sail to the DR so that they can get raped by government officials or some delinquent wandering the streets.
The Bahamas are a nice quiet clean area void of these un-needed burdens.
Written by: josean, 5 May 2009 10:56 AM
From: United States
Like Leona Hemsley said," everbody knows its only the little people who pay taxes!"
Written by: Bailarin , 5 May 2009 11:02 AM
From: Dominican Republic
They are not avoiding Donalds part of fantasy island....and besides , corruption only breeds more corruption . sex tourism AND CHEAP beautiful young prostitutes is not a big attraction in Freeport like it is in the D.r, Cuba and Costa Rica...Its amazing what a man is willing to risk sailing his little yacht into for 20 minutes of pleasure...
Written by: xwill7, 5 May 2009 11:15 AM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
Women make us do crazy things Bailarin
Written by: Bailarin , 5 May 2009 11:44 AM
From: Dominican Republic
I was living on the beach in South Florida before moving to The D.R .. I shamefully admit , It was not a lack of white sand and turqoise blue waters alone that enticed me to move there...King Solomon was the richest , wisest man and king to ever live and the bible says '' even he was led astray by wild foriegn woman that turned his heart from God to worship thier foriegn Gods ''. ( Read the last chapter of Nehamiah ).. That was my story except without the wisdom and the wealth. Gods grace is wonderful .. He welcomed home a dirty prodigal son like me ...
From: Dominican Republic, Parque Colon statue of Anacaona
Written by: Bailarin, 5 May 2009 11:02 AM
From: Dominican Republic
They are not avoiding Donalds part of fantasy island....and besides , corruption only breeds more corruption . sex tourism AND CHEAP beautiful young prostitutes is not a big attraction in Freeport like it is in the D.r, Cuba and Costa Rica...Its amazing what a man is willing to risk sailing his little yacht into for 20 minutes of pleasure.....................................................This is allowing the little head to think for the big head If I am not mistaken That is what makes the world go around Remember if it was not for the sex act there would be a bounty on women hahaha
Written by: anthonyC, 5 May 2009 2:17 PM
From: United States
richardalberto,
You have no grasp of basic economics.
The money pumped in by the marinas is vast and lucrative.
Sailing in the DR is a major hassle and not really attractive to many. This added levy will just make others hit the PR or other islands instead.
This is just another example of Jealous Taxation. "Hey, they have a boat. They can afford it."
From: Dominican Republic, Parque Colon statue of Anacaona
the DR can become part of the yachting itinerary at least a friendly place to spend some time on your way south to the Lesser Antilles where the big yachts congregate If they spend time here provisioning etc it is found money
Written by: Bailarin , 5 May 2009 2:49 PM
From: Dominican Republic
True , its difficult to convince a stiff johnson about spiritual logistics and matters of faith let alone dire consequences . Just ASK king DAVID , King Solomons daddy,,
From: Dominican Republic, Parque Colon statue of Anacaona
Amen brother Bailarin !
From: Dominican Republic, La Romana
After navigating for 25 years professionally from N.Y. to Grenada, Panama Canal, Mexico and all of the islands and countries in between I have this to say. The second largest industry for the re
distribution of wealth is the yachtig industry.
Broward County alone moves $10.2 billion dollars anually in the yachting industry. It requires 12 differant trades to design and build a yacht. You then pay for inurance, fuel, crew, and maintenance plus dockage. The anuall cost just to own a yaht is 10% of it's value.
The airlines, taxis, restaurants, ship yards and tour companies all benefit when a yacht come's into port to visit. The yacht owners and thier guests fly to and from the yachts and then rent cars after thier arrival. A massive amount of money changes hands due to the yachting industry.
From: Dominican Republic, Parque Colon statue of Anacaona
easyrider some of the loogans on this site will be like down at the waters edge to drive them away It is true They cannot stand the idea of all the wealth not being redistributed and do not like prosperity
From: Dominican Republic, La Romana
The Dominican Republic has a golden oportunity if they so desire. If the govt. wants to run off the multi billion dollar opportunity it can easily be done by over charging the visiting yachts and over taxing the marinas and related businesses.
It would be wise for the govt. to do an industry study of the competition between Florida and the West Indies to copy other success stories that have enjoyed the benefits of the yachting industry for decades and follow thier example. All of the examples of marine related businesses are taxible, but only if the yachts come. Lets attract the yachts, not repell them!
Written by: xwill7, 5 May 2009 3:08 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
easy,
I am looking into buying a boat. If its a registered American boat, do you have to register it in DR?
From: Dominican Republic, La Romana
xwill;
You do not want to re flag your boat to a Dominican flag due to the abusive import tax. This is one of the govts. myopic failures to attract the industry. I think the import tax is over 20%.
What you need to do is avoid the import tax and get a Matricula Provisional. For a 41' boat it costs about $340.00 U.S. per year. if it make's you feel better you can call it a cruising permit fee like the Bahamas has. Still $300.00 is high.
If the govt. was smart they would levy a fair import tax and make far more money at the end of the fiscal year.
From: Dominican Republic, Parque Colon statue of Anacaona
xwill7 you will have two happy moments the day you buy it and the day you sell it The same effect can be had by continuously flushing your toilet while dropping one hundred dollar bills into it or by standing in the shower and tearing them up over your head
Written by: anthonyC, 5 May 2009 3:38 PM
From: United States
When a yacht hit port they spend and spend.
The re-supply at the local stores.
They eat at restaurants.
They buy fuel.
They hire locals for repairs.
Sure. Lets tax them some more.....................
From: Dominican Republic, La Romana
xwill;
I forgot to mention that your boat must enter the D.R. under it's own power by sea. You can't ship it down and not pay taxes and all of the rest of the macuteo.
You can ship it to St. Thomas and drive a shrt distance to get here. Puerto Rico will inundate you with paper work and hassels.
How big is the boat?
Written by: Bailarin , 5 May 2009 3:44 PM
From: Dominican Republic
Its great to have a friend with a big sail boat ...
From: Dominican Republic, La Romana
xwill;
if your boat is power then ship it down. If it is sail, then sail it down. Now is the best time of the year weather wise.
Written by: xwill7, 5 May 2009 4:50 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
I am looking at a 42 foot but am not sure if I should go larger for the ocean. My friend has a 42 that he uses here in Chicago (lake Michigan) and it seems like a nice size
From: Dominican Republic, Parque Colon statue of Anacaona
like I said the day you buy it and the day you sell it will be the happiest days
From: Dominican Republic, La Romana
xwill;
42' is fine for bluewater passages provided that the the quality and design are suited for 6-8'seas. Design and quality are more important size. Sailboats can take bigger seas than power boats since they shed water verses catching water in a large cockpit not to speak of large glass windows that can implode. A good seaworthy design is a boat with a basic lobster boat hull with a high bow and a bit beamy. My choice would be a used 39' Eastbay in good condition. This boat is economical to run, will do 30 kts., is sea worthy and looks great. it's a shoal draft boat which allows you to get into shallow water close to the beach. You can run it down here from florida with no problem.
Written by: xwill7, 5 May 2009 5:25 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
Cool, I am going to check out the Eastbay. I have already paid DR taxes for importing SUVs so I am trying to avoid taxes on the boat
From: Dominican Republic, Cabarete
To Richard etc. "Marinas are springing up everywhere". There are 3 marinas in the Country with another being very slowly and poorly built in Samana. On the North Coast there is one. The marina in Boca Chica is a private club of politicos from The Capital. Even with bona fida reciprocal privaledges from other yacht clubs in the world it is impossible to enter as a guest. The "Club" in Ocean World is essentially non existent. Another failed engineering result from once more poor planning. This Country will butcher the "sacred cow", whatever it looks like or smells like. Once again there is no possibility of looking further than one's little wallet attached to one's little thing in this place. There are many excellent comments above regarding the monies spent by yachties. Beleive it, I was one for 35 years in the US and around the world. Here I would never consider having a boat. This Country has no insight, foresight or sight. Pobrecitos.
From: Dominican Republic, Parque Colon statue of Anacaona
obviously you have not been to Boca Chica in a while they have a nice public Marina fully equipped and secure My friend brought his Bertram from St Thomas and kept it there before moving it to Casa his fees were well less than half of keeping it in St thomas also Casa de Campo is great and Cap Cana will be impressive when finished Samana will also be impressive
From: Dominican Republic, Cabarete
Senor Dobbs:
Somehow your name is most fitting. The "marina" in Boca is not the "marina" to which I speak. That to which you refer is a dock space. Please, where have you been? Casa de Campo is great,. I agree but influential. Samana will need years and after the first decent "cane' will not exist. It is so poorly planned and more poorly built, that it will not withstand anything. Truly, I was there yesterday, looking at a boat of a friend of mine. It is a silly place. And waiting for the government here to destroy the "boating" community, is a sad movie to see. Sorry , mi marinero.
From: Dominican Republic, Parque Colon statue of Anacaona
I have been in the Caribbean for 35 years is where I have been My office at one time was in Rat haven marina in St Thomas do you know it .... also lived in Las Croabas area so I know what a Caribbean Marina looks like or any in the BVI whatever there certainly will never be one in Cheeseball Cabarete
From: Dominican Republic, vieja Santo Domingo
easyrider, how nice to read your comments especially when you know much about the subject,,I think the key comment is the yachting and marina industry redistributes wealth without any administration cost and is on a par with the thoroughbred racing industry . They both have a very large number of sub industries and both need a large amount of labour and indeed only the wealthy can engage in theses sports where there is a large amount of money outflow and very little inflow ...It is important for governments to encourage those sports that bring this money in but at the same time they need to have a fair tax because of the need to have the administration at ports and marinas ..such as immigration,customs and safety.
From: Dominican Republic, La Romana
Thank you Ricardo;
Unfortunately the D.R. doesn't yet have controll over the clearing in and clearing out procedures in all of the habilitated sea ports. The costs and number of officials can differ from port to port. The less visited ports can be outright abusive by basically overcharging the visiting yachts and asking for tips.
The port authority has admitted fault for this and has had 2 or 3 meetings including all of the marina operators and some related business operators to try to ring order to the young developing industry in this country.
I disagree with some of the above comments that this country will never have a solid marine industry. Once the political power center realizes the monetary potential in the marine industry they will make every effort to develop it. At this time those people have no idea what treasures await them and many good Dominicans that want to learn marine related trades and become skilled craftsmen and craftswomen.
From: Dominican Republic, La Romana
xwill;
About 4 years ago I took a 39 Eastbay from Casa de Campo to Ft. Laud.. When we entered the Mona Passage just east of Saona we had 10' head seas. The boat handled very well. After we we were north of the Hour glass shoal (Juanillo, Punta Cana) we were able to accelerate a bit and I can say that I was very impressed with the soundness of the boat.
From: Dominican Republic, La Romana
At this time there are many marinas planned and under construction here in the D.R.
There will be a 1088 slip marina ( Punta Perla) with a shipyard in Cabeza de Toro.
A marina in Rokoki
Another impressive marina in the bay of Luperon.
Another in San Souci.
Some day 1,240 slips in Cap Cana
Two marinas in Samana
Another in Cumayasa and I believe later another in San Pedro.
The future is big in the marine industry for the Dominican Republic!
Written by: pelaut, 6 May 2009 8:07 AM
From: United States
Easyrider: fleecing foreign investors and traffickers with pre-construction gimickry isn't the same as building a marina.
From: Dominican Republic
Bailarin - 20 minutes ! You're an animal !!
Where's the cheese cake?
Written by: Bailarin , 6 May 2009 9:45 AM
From: Dominican Republic
Actually , more like 20.15 ....oink roof hooowwwwwwwlllllllll,,, Do you want a ghram cracker crust with that Maldito..?
Written by: xwill7, 6 May 2009 9:51 AM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
Xx,
LOL Pajarin... too funny
easy,
any big drops in the ocean floor between Punta Cana and FL??? I have heard of a big drop in the ocean floor between DR and PR
From: Dominican Republic, Parque Colon statue of Anacaona
go take a shower and clean yourself up for the respectable folk
From: Dominican Republic, Parque Colon statue of Anacaona
Second biggest drop in the world PR trench also what is the biggest drawback in the jungle ? ...elephants foreskin The biggest drop in the world Marianna's Trench in the Pacific
Written by: Bailarin , 6 May 2009 9:55 AM
From: Dominican Republic
Is that Mr . Fred Dobbs or Mr. Fred Rogers pastor ?
From: Dominican Republic, Parque Colon statue of Anacaona
there goes the neighborhood !
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Crime rate astronomically high.
Corruption at the port authority level.
Dirty foul stinking water in the marinas.
Now add a nice new tax.
Why would anyone in his right mind sail to the DR so that they can get raped by government officials or some delinquent wandering the streets.
The Bahamas are a nice quiet clean area void of these un-needed burdens.
From: Dominican Republic
They are not avoiding Donalds part of fantasy island....and besides , corruption only breeds more corruption . sex tourism AND CHEAP beautiful young prostitutes is not a big attraction in Freeport like it is in the D.r, Cuba and Costa Rica...Its amazing what a man is willing to risk sailing his little yacht into for 20 minutes of pleasure.....................................................This is allowing the little head to think for the big head If I am not mistaken That is what makes the world go around Remember if it was not for the sex act there would be a bounty on women hahaha
You have no grasp of basic economics.
The money pumped in by the marinas is vast and lucrative.
Sailing in the DR is a major hassle and not really attractive to many. This added levy will just make others hit the PR or other islands instead.
This is just another example of Jealous Taxation. "Hey, they have a boat. They can afford it."
distribution of wealth is the yachtig industry.
Broward County alone moves $10.2 billion dollars anually in the yachting industry. It requires 12 differant trades to design and build a yacht. You then pay for inurance, fuel, crew, and maintenance plus dockage. The anuall cost just to own a yaht is 10% of it's value.
The airlines, taxis, restaurants, ship yards and tour companies all benefit when a yacht come's into port to visit. The yacht owners and thier guests fly to and from the yachts and then rent cars after thier arrival. A massive amount of money changes hands due to the yachting industry.
It would be wise for the govt. to do an industry study of the competition between Florida and the West Indies to copy other success stories that have enjoyed the benefits of the yachting industry for decades and follow thier example. All of the examples of marine related businesses are taxible, but only if the yachts come. Lets attract the yachts, not repell them!
I am looking into buying a boat. If its a registered American boat, do you have to register it in DR?
You do not want to re flag your boat to a Dominican flag due to the abusive import tax. This is one of the govts. myopic failures to attract the industry. I think the import tax is over 20%.
What you need to do is avoid the import tax and get a Matricula Provisional. For a 41' boat it costs about $340.00 U.S. per year. if it make's you feel better you can call it a cruising permit fee like the Bahamas has. Still $300.00 is high.
If the govt. was smart they would levy a fair import tax and make far more money at the end of the fiscal year.
The re-supply at the local stores.
They eat at restaurants.
They buy fuel.
They hire locals for repairs.
Sure. Lets tax them some more.....................
I forgot to mention that your boat must enter the D.R. under it's own power by sea. You can't ship it down and not pay taxes and all of the rest of the macuteo.
You can ship it to St. Thomas and drive a shrt distance to get here. Puerto Rico will inundate you with paper work and hassels.
How big is the boat?
if your boat is power then ship it down. If it is sail, then sail it down. Now is the best time of the year weather wise.
42' is fine for bluewater passages provided that the the quality and design are suited for 6-8'seas. Design and quality are more important size. Sailboats can take bigger seas than power boats since they shed water verses catching water in a large cockpit not to speak of large glass windows that can implode. A good seaworthy design is a boat with a basic lobster boat hull with a high bow and a bit beamy. My choice would be a used 39' Eastbay in good condition. This boat is economical to run, will do 30 kts., is sea worthy and looks great. it's a shoal draft boat which allows you to get into shallow water close to the beach. You can run it down here from florida with no problem.
Somehow your name is most fitting. The "marina" in Boca is not the "marina" to which I speak. That to which you refer is a dock space. Please, where have you been? Casa de Campo is great,. I agree but influential. Samana will need years and after the first decent "cane' will not exist. It is so poorly planned and more poorly built, that it will not withstand anything. Truly, I was there yesterday, looking at a boat of a friend of mine. It is a silly place. And waiting for the government here to destroy the "boating" community, is a sad movie to see. Sorry , mi marinero.
Unfortunately the D.R. doesn't yet have controll over the clearing in and clearing out procedures in all of the habilitated sea ports. The costs and number of officials can differ from port to port. The less visited ports can be outright abusive by basically overcharging the visiting yachts and asking for tips.
The port authority has admitted fault for this and has had 2 or 3 meetings including all of the marina operators and some related business operators to try to ring order to the young developing industry in this country.
I disagree with some of the above comments that this country will never have a solid marine industry. Once the political power center realizes the monetary potential in the marine industry they will make every effort to develop it. At this time those people have no idea what treasures await them and many good Dominicans that want to learn marine related trades and become skilled craftsmen and craftswomen.
About 4 years ago I took a 39 Eastbay from Casa de Campo to Ft. Laud.. When we entered the Mona Passage just east of Saona we had 10' head seas. The boat handled very well. After we we were north of the Hour glass shoal (Juanillo, Punta Cana) we were able to accelerate a bit and I can say that I was very impressed with the soundness of the boat.
There will be a 1088 slip marina ( Punta Perla) with a shipyard in Cabeza de Toro.
A marina in Rokoki
Another impressive marina in the bay of Luperon.
Another in San Souci.
Some day 1,240 slips in Cap Cana
Two marinas in Samana
Another in Cumayasa and I believe later another in San Pedro.
The future is big in the marine industry for the Dominican Republic!
Where's the cheese cake?
LOL Pajarin... too funny
easy,
any big drops in the ocean floor between Punta Cana and FL??? I have heard of a big drop in the ocean floor between DR and PR