As hurricane season approaches, it’s time to think about stowing the sails, battening down the hatches, and disconnecting the batteries. For many boat owners, this means a critical decision: where to haul out and store their vessel for the coming months. Entrusting your boat to a foreign country’s administration and tradesmen can be overwhelming, especially with the myriad options available in the Eastern Caribbean. With around two dozen haulout locations from St. Martin to Trinidad, finding the best fit for you and your boat requires careful consideration of various factors.
Key Factors to Consider
1. Insurance Requirements
Many yacht insurance companies mandate that boats be hauled and stored outside the hurricane belt. If this applies to you, your options may be limited to yards in Grenada or Trinidad. Some Caribbean insurance companies offer reasonable rates throughout the region, but make sure to confirm if the yard requires proof of insurance.
2. General Safety and Security
Security is paramount. Look for yards with high-perimeter fences, 24/7 security guards, cameras, and gated entry points. Assess the fire risk and check if the yard is equipped with adequate firefighting equipment and if the staff is trained to use it.
3. Boat Proximity
The arrangement of boats in the yard is crucial. Closely stacked boats can topple in extreme weather, and fire risks increase without adequate spacing. Aim for yards that maintain a safe distance between boats, ideally six feet or more.
4. Hurricane Protocols
Standardized hurricane protocols can significantly reduce damage risks. These might include procedures for sail and mast removal, keel hole digging, tie-downs, and cradles. Ensure the yard follows stringent protocols or offers comprehensive hurricane protection measures.
5. Contractor Policy
Decide if you need to use outside contractors for your boat’s maintenance. Some yards, known as “closed” yards, restrict work to their own staff, while “open” yards allow independent contractors. Many yards fall in between, offering a mix of yard-employed and independent contractor services with additional fees.
6. Living Aboard
If you plan to live aboard or stay nearby for an extended period, check if the yard allows it. Consider the availability of shower facilities, laundry services, groceries, restaurants, and on-site accommodation.
Yard Overview
Here’s a quick guide to some of the notable haulout yards in the Windwards and Leewards, listed from north to south:
1. Chantier Naval, French St. Martin
- Facilities: Hauls up to 18 tons with a 65-ton crane; storage lockers, free WiFi.
- Features: You can do your own work or use contractors without extra fees.
2. Bobby’s Marina, Dutch St. Maarten
- Facilities: 75-ton travel lift, hurricane storage with tie-downs and mast removal.
- Features: Laundry service available, nearby Asian fusion restaurant.
3. Bobby’s MegaYard, Dutch St. Maarten
- Facilities: 150-ton travel lift; eco-friendly wash-down system.
- Features: Living aboard not encouraged; subcontractors allowed with a 15% fee.
4. Polypat Caraibes, French St. Martin
- Facilities: 60-ton crane; WiFi and 24-hour security.
- Features: Excellent for painting and fiberglass repairs; outside contractors need prior discussion.
5. St. Kitts Marine Works, St. Kitts
- Facilities: 150-ton travel lifts; metalworking and basic field storage.
- Features: Basic but functional; hurricane secure with tie-downs.
6. Sammy’s Boatyard, Antigua
- Facilities: 50-ton lift; do-it-yourself or contractor assistance.
- Features: No-frills, simple storage for yachts up to 10-foot draft.
7. Jolly Harbour Marina & Boatyard, Antigua
- Facilities: 75-ton travel lift; concrete hard standing and optional cradles.
- Features: Extensive long-term storage; you can do your own work or arrange it through the yard.
8. Bailey’s Boat Yard, Antigua
- Facilities: 70-ton travel lift; storage for about 50 yachts.
- Features: Small, quality-focused yard with excellent hurricane storage provisions.
9. North Sound Marina, Antigua
- Facilities: 150-ton travel lift; concrete standing and optional hurricane-proof shed.
- Features: Extensive storage and on-site services; outside contractors allowed with insurance.
10. Antigua Slipway, Antigua
- Facilities: Railway lift for yachts up to 13-foot draft and 200 tons.
- Features: Concrete storage area; excellent for hurricane season with welded stands.
11. Rodney Bay Marina Boatyard, St. Lucia
- Facilities: 75-ton travel lift; space for long-term storage.
- Features: On-site subcontractors; gelcoat stripper available.
12. Carriacou Marine, Carriacou
- Facilities: 40-ton travel lift; environmentally friendly practices.
- Features: General work and DIY options; restrictions on major spraying and sandblasting.
13. Tyrell Bay Marina, Carriacou
- Facilities: 150-ton travel lift; full-service yard with technicians available.
- Features: Wide range of services; environmental protection measures in place.
14. Spice Island Marine Services, Grenada
- Facilities: 70-ton travel lift; mast racks and tie-downs for hurricane season.
- Features: On-site restaurant and Budget Marine; both DIY and contractor services.
15. Clarkes Court Boatyard and Marina, Grenada
- Facilities: 242-ton travel lift; extensive storage capacity.
- Features: Popular yard requiring advance booking; on-site technical services.
16. Grenada Marine, Grenada
- Facilities: 70-ton travel lift; hydraulic stacking trailer.
- Features: DIY work allowed; restrictions on outside contractors unless approved.
17. Power Boats, Trinidad
- Facilities: 60-ton travel lift; comprehensive services and amenities.
- Features: Extensive list of tradesmen; comfortable staying options with appliance rentals.
18. Peake Yacht Services, Trinidad
- Facilities: 160-ton travel lift; space for 350 boats.
- Features: Comprehensive services; on-site technical workshops and grocery store.
19. Coral Cove, Trinidad
- Facilities: 60-ton travel lift; smallest of the Trinidad yards.
- Features: Pool and nearby restaurants; limited work services but contractor recommendations available.
Conclusion
Choosing the right haulout yard is a significant decision that impacts both your boat’s safety and your peace of mind. By considering factors such as insurance requirements, security, hurricane protocols, and available amenities, you can make an informed choice. Each yard has its unique strengths and services, so evaluate your needs carefully and select the one that best fits your requirements. For a comprehensive list of options and features, refer to the table above, and don’t hesitate to contact the yards directly for more detailed information.
Stay safe, and may your boat weather the storm with ease!