Survey and Storage in Jamaica

[Oz_Steve]

Hi,
We're in the process of purchasing a 39' catamaran that is in Kingston, Jamaica and as we live in Australia we would appreciate any advice and assistance from fellow cruisers that have experience in this part of the world.

Firstly we're looking for a reputable (good) surveyor who can be relied upon. Does anyone know of, or can put us in touch with someone they can recommend?

Second, we'd prefer to have her hauled out and stored on the hard for hurricane season, and I realise it's getting late. Does anyone know a good marina in Jamaica that may still have availability and be able to store her on the hard between now and Christmas?

Now for a really green question. Is she going to be safer on the hard, than moored for this period? I'm figuring if we're on the hard, at least she won't have to contend with big seas knocking her about in addition to any hurricanes.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Kind Regards
Steve & Cheryl

[GordMay]

The Old Port Antonio Marina, is now the Errol Flynn.
Their boatyard is equipped with a 100-ton Travel Lift.

Errol Flynn Marina & Shipyard:
Box 188-Ken Wright Drive- Port Antonio*, Portland, Jamaica, W. I.
Tel: 876-715-6044 or 876-993-3209
Fax: 876-715-6033
email: info@errolflynnmarina.com
Web: || Errol Flyn Marina ||

* NorthEast coast of Jamaica (8º10'8"N x 76º27'2"W)

[Oz_Steve]

Thanks for the info Gordy. It's appreciated. I just found out that the yacht is currently in the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club next to the airport. They can't haul it out there, but can put it in the mangroves on the edge of the lagoon. I'm just wondering if anyone knows if this is a safe yacht club, as the vessel has already been broken into once. But I guess on the lighter side, since they've already broken in once, they've probably taken everything they want.

Cheers
Steve

[GordMay]

It looks like the mangroves may lie outside of the Yacht Club's 24-Hour security perimeter. It also appears that the shoreline may be more-or-less inaccessible from land.

[TexSail]

The Royal Jamaica Yacht Club has a good reputation but Kingston still has a very high crime rate. Tying off in the mangroves is SOP in Jamaica for riding out hurricanes. The mangroves act as big spring lines and have some give in high winds. Other than the aforementioned marina in Port Antonio, the Montego Bay Yacht Club would be a possibility.

[Oz_Steve]

Thanks for the advice TexSail & GordMay!
We have looked into both hauling-out at the Errol Flynn Marina, and leaving in where it is behind the RJYC in the mangroves.
Since we have NO experience with tropical storms or hurricanes (we are fortunate enough to not have to worry about them where we live), we are just wondering what you would advise as the best option. Another thing we worry about is that we will still be stuck here in Australia until January, so we wont be able to keep an eye on her ourselves.
Would you generally think it would be safer to haul out onto the hard, or keep the vessel in the water?
The Errol Flynn Marina they don't have the ability to "tie-down" the boat so it would just "sit" on the stand. Is that secure enough?
The current owners say they think it will be fine in the water where it is.
Thankyou so much for your advice!!
Steve & Cheryl.