Refitting in the Caribbean

[Adventurer1]

Does anyone have any input on where in the greater Caribbean to refit? Cost, craftsmanship, availability of materials all a factor. Thanks in advance for the input.

[rjrendemd]

I have made several Caribbean islands my short time home. I have found the best prices and parts availability to be in Puerto Rico, especially on the east end near Fajardo.

[s/v Jedi]

Erhmmm... I think we've seen it all and St Maarten & Trinidad are by far the overall best places. There are other places for specific jobs though so let us know what jobs you plan to do.

ciao!
Nick.

[Zanshin]

I have to agree with Nick, when it comes to availability, selection and price it is hard to beat St. Martin, while Trinidad has qualified labour at reasonable rates.

[Adventurer1]

I need to build a total interior and refit the standing rigging. The boat is currently in St. Maarten.

[Hud3]

FKG rigging is right there in Cole Bay, Sint Maarten. Sorry, but I don't have any references for the interior work.

[Adventurer1]

Originally Posted by Hud3

FKG rigging is right there in Cole Bay, Sint Maarten. Sorry, but I don't have any references for the interior work.

How is Nevis for boat registration?

[Hud3]

I don't think there would be any advantage to it, and you'd have to pay import duties, which would be expensive. If you're a U.S. citizen, you can't beat the USCG documentation route. A relatively small initial fee and then annual renewals are free as long as you do them on time. If the boat's outside the U.S. there would be no state taxes nor fees at all.

[Adventurer1]

Originally Posted by Hud3

I don't think there would be any advantage to it, and you'd have to pay import duties, which would be expensive. If you're a U.S. citizen, you can't beat the USCG documentation route. A relatively small initial fee and then annual renewals are free as long as you do them on time. If the boat's outside the U.S. there would be no state taxes nor fees at all.

Great information. Much appreciated.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Adventurer1

I need to build a total interior and refit the standing rigging. The boat is currently in St. Maarten.

Like Hud wrote, use FKG rigging for that. The interior is more difficult, especially if you want it done for a very good price. I know two places though:

- the shipwright at Grenada Marine in St Davids Harbour in Grenada. The owners name is Fred (US expat) and he employs a Portuguese/Brazilian shipwright (forgot his name) who is the real thing. It's a place where some big & famous classic yachts go for major work. I had some small jobs done there and it was 1st rate. I think you work something out if you want to do some or most of the work yourself. When we were there they also took a young Swede (Dave) in as an apprentice.

- Conrad used to work in St Maarten but he moved his business to Curacao Marine in Willemstad, Curacao. The work I have seen from him was 1st class too but I have no direct experience.

I also saw work done in Trinidad that looked really good but I don't know who did those jobs. I think Trini will be the best option cost-wise and if your rig is still okay enough to sail there, there also a very good rigger: Jonas at Trinidad Rigging, located at Peake's Yard. Nice person (taught me how to rig & tune my boat) and 1st class work.

So, in your shoes I would replace the rigging with FKG in St Maarten, sail down to Grenada to check with the shipwright there and if that doesn't work out, sail to Trini and do it there.

cheers,
Nick.

[Adventurer1]

Thanks for the wealth of information. I am still open to all opinions on the matter as I have some time to make my decision. I will weigh all very carefully and hope with all the help to reach a reasonably educated conclusion of where to go. I will definitely upgrade the rig before I leave St. Maarten, whatever the final decision is.

Cheers to all!