Boat Yards in Panama

[svnuage]

I have heard of two boat yards just outside Panama City on the Pacific side - Astillero Nacional in Vacamonte, and another at Veracruz.

I would be pleased for any feedback on them - type of services, quality of work, whether they store boats.

[Dave852]

I hauled in Vacamonte this year but not by choice, Vaca Monte, Panama | O'VIVE PACIFIC CROSSING
they were the only place that could haul my 26' beam. It is a commercial harbor for the fishing fleet. Very dirty with a high crime rate, everyone slept on their vessels to guard them. The cost of haul-out was very high but I could have been 100' long with the same price. It's flat rate. The owner of the yard is very fair although when you see the price sheet showing labor billed at $11 per hour don't get to excited. It takes 3 laborers to do anything so it's really like $33. Not sure what kind of boat you have but this yard is for large steel fishing trawlers, not fiberglass yachts. Shelter Bay on the other side is the only spot that I am aware of that really caters to cruisers.

[GordMay]

Astillero Nacional, S.A. is a privately own Shipyard located in the fishing port of Vacamonte, just 10 miles off the Pacific side of the Panama Canal.
They service yachts, fishing & commercial vessels, tugs and the National Coastguard. They have a quipped with a 240 Ton Syncrolift. For international yachts, Vacamonte offers Customs & Immigration services.

See ➥ Astillero Nacional, S.A.

[imagine2frolic]

I had just the opposite experience at Vacamonte this June. Labor is slow, but you can do your own work. I was a wee bit unhealthy at the time. I did arrive every norning, and watched, and at times made suggestions.

I found the price to be fair as compared to Flamenco. I also found the crew on the lift to be very professional. They realized I was too wide for what was set up, so they had me come back the next morning, and everything went very smoothly.

We locked the boat, and slept in Panama City. The area is under security guard, and everything was in it's place for the week were on the hard. Yes it is dirty, because it is where the local fishermen have thier work done. You can always scrub the boat before the splash. I am sure we were being charged more than the local guys, but we did negotiate a wee bit lower price.

If you're having the bottom done. DO NOT use Corrotec paint! Call Jim Lainge 507/6670/1788, and discuss with him what you want if you are not a DIY person. Talk to the yard too, and get a feel for them both. BEST WISHES.........i2f

[svnuage]

Thanks to those who responded. I think I have the picture.

SVNuage