Best place for boat works: Panama or Colombia?

[schilke]

Hi there, I need to have some boat work done:
- Antifouling
- Some (minor) bimini work

- Exchanging rigging (shrouds & stays)
- Full engine service with new rubber gaskets

- Some other (minor) stuff



I would like to have it done and not do it myself.



Which place is better in terms of price/quality?


Note: Belize et al. are not an option for us.


Thanks for your wisdom!

[Stingo]

Shelter Bay, Panama, but they're not cheap, hence the well deserved renaming to "Shelter Pay".

[schilke]

Originally Posted by Stingo

Shelter Bay, Panama, but they're not cheap, hence the well deserved renaming to "Shelter Pay".

Is colombia cheaper?

[Stingo]

Originally Posted by schilke

Is colombia cheaper?

I haven't been to Colombia, so I don't actually know.

[chubby]

*not* panama..




i know folks that had major work done in cartagena... but i can't speak 1st person of fees or quality of work.




i did have multiple engines serviced(2 diesels and the dinghy), cosmetic detailing, and the bimini and upholstery replaced, in the rio dulce..
i was pleased.


it was years ago so i do not recall exact costs.. but was significantly cheaper than what i was quoted in panama.

[Stingo]

@schilke, where is your boat at the moment?

[belizesailor]

Most give Cartagena higher ratings for refit work than Panama. I've sailed to Cartegena and talked to the yards, but not had work done there. I was favorably impressed by the yards.

If in Panama, I would choose Linton or Shelter Bay. I've done/had done work at both.

Over all the above: I would choose Rio Dulce, Guatemala.

Note: you need to be present at all the above locations.

[schilke]

Originally Posted by Stingo

@schilke, where is your boat at the moment?

At Shelter Bay. But I'm contemplating moving to Cartagena as I read that it might be better there. I just don't know!

[schilke]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Most give Cartagena higher ratings for refit work than Panama. I've sailed to Cartegena and talked to the yards, but not had work done there. I was favorably impressed by the yards.

If in Panama, I would choose Linton or Shelter Bay. I've done/had done work at both.

Over all the above: I would choose Rio Dulce, Guatemala.

Note: you need to be present at all the above locations.

I've heard of Rio Dulce as a good place multiple times but it's just not an option for is given the security risks of getting and being there. We have a 6 months old baby aboard...

[El Pinguino]

On the Pacific side I have heard that Ecuador is better than Panama for quality of work but bring anything you need with you.
I was happy with everything I had done in Ec.

[Paramotorgreg]

I was in Cartagena for 4 months and while I was there I had the caulking on the teak decks of my 50ft boat replaced. I had to get the caulking, which was not easy given the quantity I needed. The work was of good quality and the labour cost was….$300!!

I also had new cockpit cushions made there at a very reasonable price.

Cartagena is a great city, very affordable. Marina Club de Pesca is a very nice marina within easy walking distance of the city centre. Highly recommended!!!

I also stayed in Panama for several months. I was lifted and had anti-fouling in Flamenco Marina in Panama City. Much more expensive than Colombia….

[Tincatinca]

Originally Posted by Paramotorgreg

I was in Cartagena for 4 months and while I was there I had the caulking on the teak decks of my 50ft boat replaced. I had to get the caulking, which was not easy given the quantity I needed. The work was of good quality and the labour cost was….$300!!

I also had new cockpit cushions made there at a very reasonable price.

Cartagena is a great city, very affordable. Marina Club de Pesca is a very nice marina within easy walking distance of the city centre. Highly recommended!!!

I also stayed in Panama for several months. I was lifted and had anti-fouling in Flamenco Marina in Panama City. Much more expensive than Colombia….

Hello, sent you a private message about your North Wind 50...did it arrive?
Nick