Cartagena Columbia

[jimellifritt]

Hi All

Looking for input from anyone who has had work done outside the US. We are currently motor sailing down the Baja Peninsula. I would love to get a paint job on the vessel. I have looked at Loreto in Mexico, and am now considering Cartagena. The challenge is I am unsure of quality and wonder how your experiences have been. One advantage of doing it in Columbia, is it would be during the lay up season so we would not miss any of the cruising season. I have been advised where ever it is done to have a solid written estimate and be present during the repairs.

What are your thoughts?

Have any of you had work done in Columbia?

THX
SV Jungle

[Benz]

Please spell it "Colombia," especially when you get there.
Many people have work done there, and some of it looked very good. The common warning seemed to be that if you paid someone to secure bottom paint, it might be diluted by as much as 50% by the time it hit your boat's bottom. Also, imported materials like boat paint and caulk and chain are super-expensive due to import duties: better to bring your own paint and primer and supervise the labor, which is very cheap.
Cartagena is a great place, you'll enjoy your stay.