Affordable do it yourself boatyard in Houston/ Galveston area?

[bencvalley]

I've taken down a list from forums, but I'm going to re-ask the question anyway.

We have to assemble and put in a 38 foot catamaran. We have to do the work ourselves and price is always important.

Houston is the closest area, we're in central Texas. We have to make a trip for each hull and don't want to drive further than is necessary.

Thanks in advance for any input.

[smj]

Originally Posted by bencvalley

I've taken down a list from forums, but I'm going to re-ask the question anyway.



We have to assemble and put in a 38 foot catamaran. We have to do the work ourselves and price is always important.



Houston is the closest area, we're in central Texas. We have to make a trip for each hull and don't want to drive further than is necessary.



Thanks in advance for any input.

What will the beam of your cat be once assembled?


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[bencvalley]

The plans say 22 feet 4 inches.

It's a Wharram Tiki 38, built by us, so there's a tolerance of up to two feet on that beam width. That a joke, but with our skills, all things are possible.

[smj]

Pier 77 in Galveston would be able to handle your beam.


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[bencvalley]

Originally Posted by smj

Pier 77 in Galveston would be able to handle your beam.


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Pier 77. Added to my list. Thank you.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Ben.

[YachtBroker]

Launching with that size beam is going to be the issue. There are no Do it yourself yards in my Kemah area that could handle that beam.

I used to live in Rockport (3 hours south) of Houston and there were several good yards there that were more do it yourself and handled larger commercial boats so I think the beam might work.
Info below.

House of Boats Address: 160 Cove Harbor N, Rockport, TX 78382
Phone: (361) 729-9018

Hooking Bull Address: 210 Cove Harbor S, Rockport, TX 78382
Phone: (361) 729-5527

[bencvalley]

Originally Posted by YachtBroker

Launching with that size beam is going to be the issue. There are no Do it yourself yards in my Kemah area that could handle that beam.

I used to live in Rockport (3 hours south) of Houston and there were several good yards there that were more do it yourself and handled larger commercial boats so I think the beam might work.
Info below.

House of Boats Address: 160 Cove Harbor N, Rockport, TX 78382
Phone: (361) 729-9018

Hooking Bull Address: 210 Cove Harbor S, Rockport, TX 78382
Phone: (361) 729-5527

It's good to know from you pros that the beam is going to be the most limiting factor. (That might make me sound ignorant, but that's only because I am.)
We'll make sure to inquire to the Rockport Yards as well.
I appreciate your help.

[UNCIVILIZED]

A key question is how much assembling is needed? In terms of; space, assistance from machinery like fork lifts, or Travel-Lifts. As well as in terms of time, power, water, & possibly a clean local for painting.

Since if everything's done but to put the beams between the hulls, & add the decking, then she could feasibly be finished on a beach & launched via rollers. Though some of this depends on whether or not you need a crane to step your masts.

Also if you do need a Travel-Lift in order to launch her, ask them what the width of the lift actually is, as there are several different sizes. Ditto on anything else specialized or unusual. Such as the fact that since she's 2-boats wide, at 22', they may want to charge you double, for that amount of space being taken up in their yard. It's not a given, but ask, discretely.

BTW, good luck, & congratulations in advance!

PS: I hope that you have a good packing, as well as pre-launch checklist. And that there are festivities planned for the "new addition" to the family. With lots of dancing & good music involved. Gotta' properly christen all those acres of deck space!

[rbrentp]

IIRC, Hillman Marine in Dickinson has a 22 ft wide travel lift. I think bridge clearance is 45 ft. Worth a try,

[bencvalley]

A beach launch? You sound like a wharramite. That is both a compliment and a friendly jab. I doubt we could manage it with only 3 people, but I'm curious. Is that really even possible? On what beach would anyone allow you to do such a thing? We were curious about it, though doubtful it's feasible for us.

Good advice on the checklists, Something that is truly a must have that usually turns into "I must have forgotten it." for me. Regardless, all good advice for we the ignorant.

As for the festivities, We'll be 2000 miles away from friends or family so we'll have to invite strangers. I'll hit the bars and lure people down, and then wake up hungover and with the boat missing.

Thanks for the help!