Info about Haulout in Panama City

[beachgirl1952]

does anyone have (personal) info / experience with haul out in Panama City / Panama? ...
we planned on hauling out (anti fauling) in Curaçao b4 we leave for the big circle in November, but got the advice to do it in Panama, because barnacle growth is known to be huge in Colombia?? ...
tnx in advance for any info ...

[Dreaming Yachtsman]

We hauled out on short notice at Flamenco Marina in Balboa in August 2008 to replace a propellor so they can handle at least a 23 foot beam. They were quite expensive as I recall since they cater to deep sea fishing boats.

Check out Shelter Bay Marina opposite Colon on the north end of the canal - they have dry storage for many boats, including catamarans, but minimal repair services.

[andreas.mehlin]

Balboa yacht club can haul you out too at à much lower price than Flamenco. In 2008 we paid about 130 usd.

[boatman61]

Shelter Bay is the place... someone I know struck flotsam on the way to the Glapagos... damaged rudder etc.. made it back to Panama Las Brisas and Flamenco was pricey as hell and they could not live aboard while on land so they opted to go back through the canal to Shelter Bay and lift out there... live aboard permitted.. and its a better marina...

[kiltym]

Keep in mind however that Shelter Bay's nickname is "Shelter Pay". They are quite expensive compared to the rest of the Caribbean, but they are the only game in town on the Caribbean side of Panama.

[Paul L]

3 choices: Travel Lift at Flamenco, Rails at Balboa YC, or travel lift at Shelter Bay. Cheapest is BYC, but you may have to wait for a full moon tide depending on draft. I hauled in Shelter Bay (Jan 2012). It was reasonably priced, with a very careful haul. You can stay on the boat or they have rooms for rent for reasonable.

[Liesbet]

Hello cruisers!

Does anyone have any RECENT information about hauling out at the Balboa Yacht Club in Panama City? Can they haul catamarans (beam 19,5 feet)? What are their rates? What was your experience? Or, even an email address for them would help!

Thanks,
Liesbet
www.itsirie.com