Quote:
Originally Posted by Yurlungur
My Question is in relation to having works done in PI, can anyone share their experiences with interior refit/s. We're hoping to leave the boat in the Philippines for a year or so getting as much done there before doing some cruising. We are in no hurry and as I have already learnt I have changed my expectations on a strict timeline to complete works. I welcome any feedback and or suggestions as I have not had any experience in the Philippines. Many Thanks in Advance.
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Welcome to CF and to your new adventure.
I lived in Puerto Galera and kept my 65' boat there for 7 years before moving to Subic to do a
refit.
PG is impossible to do any serious work there, No skills, no tools, no
water or
power on the moorings.
Unfortunately, Subic is not much better, if you were hoping to find a reliable local contractor that can follow your instructions unsupervised.
Hardware stores generally carry the cheapest Chinese knockoffs for local
consumption and the one chandler who does supply
marine parts adds a very large markup, because there is no competition.
One HAULOUT facility that is a mud bath during the rainy season
There are a couple of expats who do
small boat refits, but they face all the same challenges of
parts and unskilled labor.
As they do not have much work to justify building their own infrastructure.....you will find no savings there or assurance of quality without massive delays and rework.
I love the Philippines and it is my home, so i managed and physicalyl worked with the guys on my boat daily. Labor rates are very
cheap, but you get what you pay for and even less, if you are not prepared to show them exactly what you want with all the components and tools already there.
If you are not committed to staying in the Philippines My
advice would be to use the boat as is for a while ....then take her to the Phuket area, where many small yards and workers are there with supporting infrastructure.
In hindsight, wish that was what I had done.