East Coast Boatyards

[BandB]

Originally Posted by CarlF

I would only go to Jabins if I had some tricky work that I wanted done right (and I have and they did). The OP wants "full electronics, refrigeration, and autopilot". All three are prone to installation nightmares.

And I've never understood how most boatyards can get away with making me pay for the spring launch when they haul in the fall.

If you have multiple tasks to be done by different people, a place like Jabins is going to be complicated and lengthen the time as you wait for one to finish before moving to the next and I'd never have multiple contractors working on my boat at the same time. Too much potential for issues and blame games. The other thing a traditional yard really provides is someone to manage all the others. Now at a place like Jabins, I'd say you need to be there regularly or have someone overseeing things for you. Although frankly I'd recommend that anywhere.

[BandB]

Originally Posted by CarlF

And I've never understood how most boatyards can get away with making me pay for the spring launch when they haul in the fall.

Easy how they can. Maybe they should haul for free and triple the launch rates. It's just the way they have their billing set up and I'd think you require a rate sheet up front. Also, frankly it protects you. That way you haven't paid for launching months in advance.

[sck5]

Everything is cheaper on the Eastern Shore. i did a full refit at Haven Harbour in Rock Hall. They are great. Gratitude also has a good reputation over there.

[Vasco]

I had a bad experience in Jabins yard. Got hit by another boat in Back Creek and their insurance said to use Jabins yard. The contractors were lousy! It was many years ago but I wouldn't go back there ever.

[sestina]

Anyone rather than Whiticar in Ft. Pierce. Out of control African axemen wielding angle grinders. Rigger who couldn't tie a bowline. Marine engineer who got the pitch so wrong on my Maxprop, but refused to believe that it was incorrectly adjusted. Oh, and a management who over charged mercilessly as it was an insurance job.

You pays your money...

[Flem.S.Coyle]

Originally Posted by DDabs

Flem, good to know, because just this morning I received a call from Sailcraft Service, and didn't get a chance to answer the phone so Alan left me a message. He sounded extremely knowledgeable and helpful, so your review comes as a shock, but thanks alot.

Alan is very knowledgeable, and came across as very helpful and agreeable at the haulout. At some point between the deck repair and MFD installation/integration procedure, I became persona non grata. When I paid my bill and picked up the boat, he acted like I'd kicked his dog.

The only explanation I can imagine is that they were so busy, they needed to kick me out as expeditiously as possible to free up space for the next sucker. And after that unpleasantness, I still had a boat without a functioning MFD, but then also without any working depth meter.

You'd get the warmer weather you're after in Southport, where I am now. I have a guy who'll be installing my new radome this coming weekend. I'll report back afterward, if you'd like.

[ranger58sb]

Hartge's, Zahnizers, Oxford, all good. Jabins, good.

Herrington Harbor North (Deale) would be another like Jabins; boatloads of independent specialists on site.

-Chris

[canvasman]

Burbridge and Wilson. A small yard located in the Jarrett Bay Marine complex directly on the ICW in Beaufort NC. They have been here a long time, are very knowledgeable, professional, helpful and above all, honest. They have a pool of talented tradesmen they tap when needed and can give excellent references. They are also both long time sailors. I can provide a phone number if you like.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by Flem.S.Coyle

David,

I know you only requested recommendations for, and not also against, but since you mentioned Oriental, I'll suggest you steer well clear of Sailcraft Service there.

I have no complaints on the quality of work they did repairing my deck, but advise you to run screaming for anyone else before trusting them with anything electronic.

Not merely inept, but much, much worse.

Run. Screaming.

This is EXACTLY why you fit in so well here!!!

[DDabs]

Flem, that'd be great, keep me posted.

To everyone else- awesome information. Thanks so much.

[dearmstr]

Thunderbolt Marina in Savannah Ga. Research this facility and will find that it can easly meet all of your needs.

[Flem.S.Coyle]

HappyMdR,

Your generosity is exceeded only by your intuition.

David,

My guy had to take a delivery job this weekend, and I am still semi-snowed-in, so the radar-mounting job has been postponed until next Saturday.

Not sure how much difference it makes, but I thought I'd seek to clarify your needs a smidge. If I recall correctly, all the work you referenced could be done while still afloat. Were there other things on your list that might necessitate a haul-out?

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, tydc.

[Suijin]

Originally Posted by Jcolman

You might want to check out Schroeder yacht systems in Urbanna VA. I have my boat there at the moment, getting ready to have the mast pulled and some glass work done. I was talking to another boat owner who told me that he had heard good things about Schroeder so he brought his boat over from Maryland for the guys at Schroeder to work on.

Another vote for Jeff Schroeder and his crew in Urbanna. Everyone in the yard is an experienced old salt, no young junior folks to screw stuff up. And the work will cost you about 1/2 what it would cost in Annapolis.

Jcolman, my boat is the blue Valiant right in front of the shop door. With any luck on the weather I'll have the last of the work finished and be back in the water in a few weeks.

[Sailing fast]

I can't attest for comparison shopping prices, but I can attest for quality when it comes to true north. Many folks have had work done on their new boats and I haven't heard of any issues with True North Yachts, Mark Simms.

It isn't a yard, but the list of items that you want done is right up their alley.
You can link to their site at True North Yachting

My guess is that the rock hall suggestion may be cheaper, but at each of these locations you have to find the right folks at the right price. I definitely trust mark with a variety of systems.
I have known lots of folks that head a bit south to gales like or Solomon's, but I can't say who they used.