Marine Carpentry Outside of the Hurricane Belt

[Southpass]

Hi, my wife and I are considering taking our 56' Fountain Pajot from the Bahamas in August to a destination outside of the Hurricane belt to spend the Hurricane season and hopefully get some repairs done. We need to replace the salon's teak and holly veneer sole and possibly replace some faux teak on outside deck. We might also have some paint work done on aluminum painted surfaces that are corroding. It would help if it's a nice cruising destination too.
I'm thinking Antiqua. Any suggestions or experience? Thanks in advance.

Steve and Nancy

[robert sailor]

There is some decent work being done in St. Maarten and Trinidad. Some ok work in Curacao in the ABC's. Up in Rio Dulce they have some good painters,gelcoaters and marine carpenters..labor is quite inexpensive there. If your trying to match teak or you want specific teak veneer then bring it with you.

[Southpass]

Originally Posted by robert sailor

There is some decent work being done in St. Maarten and Trinidad. Some ok work in Curacao in the ABC's. Up in Rio Dulce they have some good painters,gelcoaters and marine carpenters..labor is quite inexpensive there. If your trying to match teak or you want specific teak veneer then bring it with you.

Thanks Robert! I'll do some research on each place you mentioned!

[CarstenWL]

... to a destination outside of the Hurricane belt ... I'm thinking Antiqua.

Antigua for sure is NOT outside of the Hurricane belt ...

Regards,

Carsten

[belizesailor]

If you are going to move the boat in August (smack in the middle of hurricane season and in the hurricane belt)...then I would keep the route as short as possible...that puts Grenada/Trinidad on your short list.

The Rio Dulce is a great option, but that means crossing the entire Carib basin in August...potentially a very bad plan, but hey you may not have to worry about those pesky wood working tasks anymore!

You can follow the N coast of S America during hurricane season with very low risk of a hurricane...that opens up Cartagena for you...another good option and a very cool city.

[robert sailor]

Originally Posted by Southpass

Thanks Robert! I'll do some research on each place you mentioned!

Belizesailor made one important point that I had overlooked reading your post and that was your timing..ie: August. Not a good time to be traveling any distance in the Caribbean.

[pparra]

Hi,

Depending on your insurance, Grenada could be considered out of hurricane belt. It is a nice and safe place with a good carpentry option:

About - Driftwood Fine Yacht Services -Grenada, W.I.

Rgds

[bumpman]

Just a suggestion. Head up the ICW to New England. Late August/September cruising in Maine is spectacular. Then lay up the boat in Belfast Maine to have work done on her during the winter (better rates). Can't beat New England ships fine carpentry. Just a thought.

[Ken Z]

hi Iin shell point beach, outside crawfordville , licensed and insured, I realize not your choice location.kz.cuttingedge@ gmail.com

[Mithril Bham]

Although Antigua has a reputation for the best woodworkers in the Caribbean it seems like a long way to go. There are good woodworkers everywhere. You only need one. Find a good one in Antigua and fly them to your boat. They would probably enjoy the travel and might be cheaper in the long run.

[demacsea]

Have a look at Shipwrights and Carpenters in the Eastern Caribbean. Woodstock Boatbuilders are highly regarded here in Antigua.

[TonyBe]

As others have said, yes, there are some really good people in Antigua but, for god's sake, please go there a LOT earlier than August

[Southpass]

Good points made on the departure date. I may be flexible on that depending on whether we have any charters scheduled later in the summer. I will also check with my insurance company on what they consider "hurricane belt". I was unable to move the boat from Tavernier for Irma and suffered miraculously little damage compared to houses and boats less than 100' away. Don't want to tempt fate again.

[Southpass]

Originally Posted by demacsea

Have a look at Shipwrights and Carpenters in the Eastern Caribbean. Woodstock Boatbuilders are highly regarded here in Antigua.

Excellent resource! Thanks!

[sailnautilus]

Have spent time and done refits in both Grenada and Curacao on a 52’ monohull.
Curacao Marine is a great yard for working in and has some great craftsmen.....excellent carpenter and welder and mechanic....it is also very reasonably priced compared to Grenada. The yard has cheap rental cars and you can stay in an air BNB which is more comfortable than staying on the boat on the hard. They can haul your cat. I saw a large lagoon which had a head converted to a storage space while I was there....the drawers, doors and veneers were perfect.

Grenada Marine has less quality craftsmen and is more expensive. It is also very remote from developed areas and you will have to stay on the boat or at a more expensive lodging. It is more convenient if you are staying in the windwards or leewards.....a bit of a slog back from Curacao.
PM me if I can be of further help...