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    Why We Bought a Sailboat in Southeast Asia (Cheap, Tax-Free & Worth It?)



    Why We Bought a Sailboat in Southeast Asia (Cheap, Tax-Free & Worth It?)

    We get asked this question all the time — why did we buy a sailboat in Southeast Asia?

    In this video, we break down exactly why buying our sailboat in Langkawi, Malaysia ended up being one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
    From tax-free boat purchases, to affordable upgrades and repairs, easy access to yacht supplies, and safe, beautiful sailing — we show you the real reasons sailors from all over the world come here to buy, refit, and launch their boats.

    We talk about:
    • Why Malaysia (and Langkawi) is tax-free
    • How we saved huge money on davits, electrics, and rigging
    • Installing a full Victron Energy setup
    • Access to yacht supply stores and marina deliveries
    • Why Langkawi is a safe, beginner-friendly place to sail
    • The massive international sailing community here
    • And how close you are to Thailand, Indonesia, and beyond

    If you’re thinking about buying a sailboat — especially outside the US, Australia, or Europe — this video is for you.

    If you want to see boats for sale locally, check out Sea Spray Yacht Sales — they’re right next door to us at the marina.

    Thanks so much for watching and supporting the channel.

    Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment — and we’ll see you next week as we sail into Thailand ⛵️🌴

    💙 A huge thank you to everyone supporting us on Patreon — you truly help make this sailboat life possible.

    Patreon- https://www.patreon.com/cw/Jesse_and_camille

    Who we are – https://youtu.be/fWhhJpkirKc?si=1xAabVPlHIZiPpYF

    Podcast of Jesse’s Bike Journey-

    Last video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L1ouhVmW4c&t=12s

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    #sailing #sailboatlife , #liveaboardsailing#sail #buyingasailboat #buyingaboatoverseas

    50 Comments

    3. @imar758 on

      What about if you import such a boat, bought withouth tax, to Europe after some years? Is there some kind of tax you have to pay at the import. I am thinking of WAT first of all.

    9. @Sv_SeaDuctress on

      Great episode- you should work for their chamber of commerce 😂. ⚓️⛵️-Jim. tell your viewers to smash that hype button, heard from other channels it really helps

    17. @keangwooichoo6138 on

      There are a few islands which are tax free in malaysia.

      1. Langkawi
      2. Pangkor
      3. Forest city
      4. Tioman
      5. Labuan

      Yes we have many marina in malaysia where boats can be repaired. Even in sabah borneo island.

    22. @alila3000 on

      Oh wow! I had visited Malaysia, and I heard about Langkawi. But! I was never thinking about sailing market and infrastructure in that area. Thank you for this insightful video!

    31. @timo2905 on

      Kids with camera skills is one thing, but where is the detail on numbers that inform the viewer. Sailing channels were a covid specialty but you need an edge. Do not see it yet. GL!

    33. @jamesankiewicz3141 on

      Awesome video! I’ve been really curious about Malaysia, so this was helpful for me… one thing I’m wondering about is safety… I’ve seen other videos to talk about the strait of Malacca is known for piracy… have you heard any stories or had any safety issues while over there? (or is it about knowing where to go and where to avoid?) Thx

    36. @duncanswave on

      Hey guys Capt Duncan from Australia don’t rely Navionics charts. Make sure you doublecheck your position with Google Earth overlay. Please don’t make the mistake of relying on the Navionics charts in lots of places around the world. They’re not accurate by a few hundred metres so be careful.

    40. @Fvls-35 on

      Thank you. The video is very informative. I'm actually thinking of buying a boat in Langkawi. I'm in Madagascar, and there's nothing interesting here. You must have seen Parlay Revival in the marina.

    42. @agip1787 on

      Glad to hear that you bought a sail boat in Malaysia before you head for Thailand…make sure you top up full tank diesel as its is much more cheaper…🇲🇾

    47. @broadreach3120 on

      Hi guys I did exactly hat your doing in the late eighties in Langkawi, they had t even built Rebak marina then, I worked in a bar called The Last Resort on Pantai Kok it was owned by a cool couple Guy and Latipa. I bought a yacht with Jamie from Chrystal yacht charters and we had an amazing time sailing back packers up and down the west coast to Krabi visiting all the amazing islands on the way usually for a week at a time. It was so carefree and easy in those days and so so cheap and full of young European back packers enjoying what was an unspoilt part of the world, no big hotels just small local bungalows on the beach and only local beers such fabulous memories of my 10 years over there. Have an amazing time exploring a beautiful part of the world it’s a perfect place to learn the ropes

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