Cuban repair facilities

[fieldmedik]

Hi Everyone,
We are planning to start cruising soon. We were thinking about hauling out in Cuba to have our bottom painted, some woodwork done, and possibly some tubing bent (bimini and dodger frames). Has anyone had work done in Cuba? Where? How was the quality? It's there any work we should not have done?

[peck]

You really think that bending frame for dodger and bimini is something simple,no calculation.All design in shape for cancas is in that frame ,so good luck with cuban makers.

[atlantical]

Never been to Cuba, but saw a TV program about them repairing 1950s and 60s US built cars, they were making there own parts in small workshops, due to the embargo, and they could make any part of those cars, they are extremely resourceful, and very skilled, and I don't think you will have anything on your boat that they won't be able to do.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by atlantical

Never been to Cuba, but saw a TV program about them repairing 1950s and 60s US built cars, they were making there own parts in small workshops, due to the embargo, and they could make any part of those cars, they are extremely resourceful, and very skilled, and I don't think you will have anything on your boat that they won't be able to do.

Yes, the Cubans have had to be amazingly resourceful. I helped one Cuban with a fiberglass repair in an engine room. The engine room was immaculate as was the engine, but there was not an original manufacturer part on it...all adapted/fabricated parts.

In a crunch, Cuban assistance would be awesome, but I dont know of any proper boat yards there.

Importantion of any necessary parts/supplies could also be problematic.

[travellerw]

As far as I know, there are no yards in Cuba that work on private boats. There are some limited yards that are used to service the Cuban fishing fleet, but that is it. This information is based on time I spent there 3 years ago.

On top of that. The quality of work performed by the Cubans is not really up to what most of us would consider "quality". They are definately resourceful, but that doesn't mean quality. I highly doubt you would get acceptable stainless tubing work there.

[Triumphant]

Try asking this question on the Cuba Land and Sea facebook page

[HopCar]

The best Cuban boat yards are in Miami.

[fieldmedik]

Originally Posted by peck

You really think that bending frame for dodger and bimini is something simple,no calculation.All design in shape for cancas is in that frame ,so good luck with cuban makers.

If I knew the answer it would be pretty silly to ask the question.

[peck]

Don't make frame outside of US or Europe.
Maybe Grenada or some places where you have yachting bussines on higher scale if you want your boat to look nice.Framing is not painting and fiberglass
Cheers