Business at Caribbean boatyards booms during hurricane season. Here’s what’s new at a sampling of yards in both the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
IMM, Guadeloupe
People power is making this full-service yard in Pointe-A-Pitre an even bigger draw to owners needing yacht repairs. “We now have certified welders (ABS, BV, Lloyds),†says partner Norina Edelman. “We are also able to complete all composite work in-house. In the past year, we have completed yacht-standard painting on several yachts. We continue to work on all technical areas, including air-conditioning/refrigeration, hydraulics (including the PLC/electronic side), electrical and electronics and all other technical areas.†www.imm-yachting.com
Errol Flynn Marina, Jamaica
A new tie-down system to accommodate up to ten vessels is available starting this hurricane season. “The high Blue Mountain range protects the boatyard from heavy winds and storm surges, making it a very safe place,†says general manager, Paul Dadd. www.errolflynnmarina.com
IBC Shipyard, Dominican Republic
“Over the past year we have contracted to become the authorized dealer and service provider for a variety of brands that have provided excellent customer service,†says manager Giacomo Moriconi. These include SeaKeeper (gyro stabilizer technology), OceanLED (underwater LED lights), Volvo (engines) and Dometic Condaria Cruisair (marine air conditioning). www.ibinautica.net
Puerto Del Rey, Puerto Rico
The largest boatyard facility on the island with over 15 acres of land is about to get even better. “The owners are currently in the process of designing state-of-the-art contractor’s facilities going above and beyond the environmental standards and offering a true one-stop-shop for all boat servicing needs,†says Carolina Corral, chief of staff at marina owner, Putnam Bridge Funding. www.puertodelrey.com
Nanny Cay Marina & Boatyard, BVI
Construction started in July on the new 120-slip outer marina and this should be complete in February. In the yard, Budget Marine Nanny Cay has moved to a new building on property. Tradewinds Yachting Services, a Yamaha outboard sales and service provider, took over the old Budget Marine space. “This new department will be supported by the boatyard with covered bays for power boat engine repair and dinghy setups,†says boatyard manager Keith LiGreci. www.nannycay.com
Bobby’s Mega Yard, St. Maarten
Two Marine Travelifts are in operation. One is rated to 74-ton and used for smaller boats, while the other is a 150-ton that can haul a variety of superyachts and large multihulls. “Looking to the future,†says general manager Jeff Howell, “plans are in the works to pave over an area adjacent to the haulout bay and build a number of service workshops on the property.†www.bobbysmarina.com, www.megayardsxm.com
Time Out Boat Yard, St. Martin
It’s the little things that mean a lot. The new toilet block received a facelift and the hot shower block opened in July. There are now two dinghy docks, one with access to the chandlery, Boat Paint and Stuff, which has moved to a larger space. The 70-ton crane is inspected by Apave every six months and the operators have French licenses. The crane now has a measuring apparatus and all boats are weighed when hauled out. “We were one of the yards not to be damaged last fall by Gonzalo,†says operator Keith Ellison.
Dominica Marine Center, Dominica
This small 16,000-sq.ft. yard has a ramp and trailers for power boats, but big plans are in the works. “We hope to have a very large yard somewhere in the north of the island within the next five years. This yard will be several acres with travel lift and other boatlift equipment for a full service boat yard,†says owner Hubert Winston. www.dominicamarinecenter.com
Island Water World, St. Maarten
Welcome to new service manager, Julian Cheasley, who brings much marine and cruiser experience to his new position. “We are also now the Caribbean distributor for Jotun paint and antifouling,†says managing director, Sean Kennelly. www.islandwaterworld.com
Grenada Marine, Grenada
“We’ve introduced a powerful cloud-based boatyard and marina management software called Pier Vantage. The reporting capabilities are helping us to look at and understand what we do, so much better,†says managing director Jason Fletcher. In addition, eight staff have become American Boat & Yacht Council certified in three technical departments: mechanical, composites and electronics. A large area of the yard was graded, re-compacted and re-surfaced to reduce dust and puddles. grenadamarine.com
Rodney Bay Marina, St. Lucia
Facilities and services are status quo at the marina’s full-service boatyard. What’s new is where to eat. “We have a Tandoori Indian-style restaurant opening on property in early fall,†says operations manager Sean Devaux. www.igy-rodneybay.com
Peake Yacht Services, Trinidad & Tobago
Wonderfully multifaceted is the word in what’s new here. First, a new 35-ton hydraulic crane was installed in July. Secondly, all fiberglass electricians’ ladders have been upgraded to protect against electrical shock. Third, Men’s and Ladies’ showers and rest rooms are totally renovated. Fourth, there’s now a password system for Wi-Fi assuring customers will have connectivity. A new Digicel 4G cell tower located within the yard this fall guarantees consistent fast data speeds. Lastly, the website is redesigned and easy-to-navigate. www.peakeyachts.comÂ
Curaçao Marine, Curaçao
Work and play just got easier. The yard’s palapa is finished, with free Wi-Fi, TV, music, comfy couches, a hammock and a self-service bar. New too is a restyled and relaunched website, completed with an Informational Guide. “Upon arrival our customers receive a printed version of this booklet, but you can also read and download it online!†says Nicole van Beusekom. Finally, and in cooperation with Curaçao Yacht Agency, Curaçao Marine offers Venezuelan yacht owners yacht pick up, delivery and project management services. Other countries can be considered. www.curacaomarine.comÂ
Bocas Yacht Services, Panama
There’s a new highly skilled painter at this haul-out facility located on Almirante Bay, the only facility of its kind in the province of Bocas del Toro. “He was trained in the States and his work impresses a lot of people,†says operator Brandon Milford. www.bocasboatyard.com
