San Diego yards

[Doctor]

Hi All
I am looking for a storage yard in or near San Diego to dry dock and get the final preparations for launch on my 32 ft full keel boat. I would prefer to be able to stay on the boat and work on it myself, for about a week starting March 9 2014. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Roy M]

Your options vary from a yard several miles from the water (and marine supply stores) to paying a bit more for the lay days and having the advantages of suppliers, specialty trades and other assistance at hand. For the cheaper option, call San Diego Boat Movers (888) 868-8244. It doesn't get any cheaper, or less desireable. For a week, while living aboard and actually accomplishing anything, pay the lay days. The established boat yards range from Mission Bay to Chula Vista in South San Diego Bay. The best options, using convenience, talent and nearby suppliers, are Point Loma and Shelter Island. Good luck, and don't waste time because you just want to save some bucks.

[robwilk37]

i dont know of any sd yards that allow staying aboard. for one week, id opt for shelter island BY or koehler. near-by suppliers and relatively cheap motels within walking distance. driscols mission bay is an option, but if you cant stay aboard in the yard the near-by lodging is upscale. forget about SDBM, theyre in purgatory.

[zeehag]

kohler used to allow staying aboard
chuck driscoll in mission bay used to allow staying aboard and some of your own work
things change..
good luck

[Doctor]

Roy
Thanks for a quick reply and suggestions. That's the way Im thinking as well, but knowing all options makes the bucks easier to part with.
Appreciated

[Doctor]

I have spoken with Driscolls and Koehler, Driscoll allows owner work and stay aboard, sounds like probably the best bang for the buck, but any other suggestions greatly appreciated! I am hauling myself, so I do have some latitude.

[robwilk37]

driscols shelter island or mission bay? i was told a while back neither allowed stay-aboard.

[Roy M]

Remember that there are TWO Driscoll yards, one on Shelter Island (MOST convenient, with all the stores, services and great food, including chocolate from The Elegant Truffle), and the other one in Mission Bay (which is a challenge to find for those without GPS or their own car).

[Doctor]

The Driscoll yard in Mission Bay is a challenge to find alright, but looks like the better one for us. I spoke with Joe yesterday to confirm the details of staying aboard, no problem, but for a few reasonable rules. They charge like a wounded buffalo to launch, but I suppose its comparable to anywhere else. The only hitch in getting there is any possible height restriction, which I am looking into today.
The chocolate sounds good, but we have our own truck and enough determination to find it!

[Wind River]

When getting my bottom painted at Shelter Island Boat Yard, they asked if I was going to be staying on board while the work was being done, so I assume they allow it. That was 2 years ago, thing may have changed since then.

[Roy M]

There are no height restrictions, unless you would be thinking of going up further into Mission Bay (no value there). It's a good yard, just a bit further away from all of the primary suppliers.

[Doctor]

Hello Roy
Thanks to you and everyone answering for your helpful suggestions. Confirms my first thoughts on our to-do list.
We are trucking to Puerto Escondido to launch March 17th. Does anyone have any good info on the Fonatur marina there. We need to lift the boat in and store our truck and trailer there for a month and half. Any better suggestions and information appreciated.
Thx Again

[TacomaSailor]

November 2012 I put my boat into Kohler Craft on Shelter Island. I spent eight days there doing all the work myself and living aboard. It was great - they have good showers and all kinds of nice bars within a 20 minute walk.

I highly recommend them.

[TacomaSailor]

Have you driven the road from Ensenada to Puerto Escondido?

It is scary narrow, windy, and full of big fast trucks that don't understand the centerline or right of way.

If you've done it before and are doing it again - you are a braver driver than I!

[Doctor]

Hey Tacoma
I have done a fare bit of driving in Mexico, Im not sure if I would call any of it brave, closer to survival! Only been as far as Rosarita on that side from the North tho, and from Los Cabos to La Paz a few times. Judging by these experiences Im sure it will be an adventure and a slow trip that we'll only be partaking in daylight hours.
How are the fuel stops?