CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOAT YARD
Are you looking for a boat yard where you can store your vessel and carry out some maintenance? Once your boat is lifted out of the water, you are committed to staying for a while. So it’s wise to spend some time choosing the right yard before booking your stay.
You’ll need to gather as much information as possible about the yard before you consider using it, especially if you need to do a lot of different kinds of boat work.
First, plan what works you need to carry out during your stay. Think about your requirements - do you need to hire a heated shed, a steel worker, or a carpenter? Then, start researching the following information.
AMENITIES
On the yard’s website, you will likely be able to look up the amenities offered, such as wet slips and storm cradles. Check that the facility is suitable to your boat and preferences. If something is missing, give management a call to find out more. Sometimes, websites are out-of-date. Don’t forget to check the capacity of the travel lifts or cranes.
SERVICES
While looking up the facilities, check what services are available at the yard, such as sand blasting, teak deck maintenance, and more. Ask if you can bring in outside contractors and if there’s a fee for it.
Sometimes, local professionals, such as sailmakers and carpenters, have workshops near a yard. Do a quick scan of Google maps and make a phone call to check what other services are available nearby.
If you have a modern boat with lots of complicated equipment, such as AC or a watermaker, you’ll want to make sure the yard’s contractors are certified to repair and maintain the systems you have installed onboard.
REVIEWS
The reputation of a boat yard is crucial. Ask other boaters if they’ve ever been there. Are the works carried out on time? Are the quotes accurate? Do they have experience applying the products you want to use? Boaters will give you an honest opinion of the service they received, which can help you make a choice and avoid a disappointing experience.
DIY WORK AND LIVING ON BOARD: IS IT ALLOWED?
If you plan to do some of the boat work yourself, ask in advance if this is permitted. It depends on the yard’s policy. Many boat yards also don’t allow living on board and don’t provide bathrooms.
The costs for professional work and renting a place nearby are substantial, so these will be significant factors that will influence your choice.
SECURITY
Don’t forget to verify, better if in person, the security level of the yard. Have a look around for security cameras, check the gates, and more. You may need to leave your vessel there for months, so you want to make sure it’s safe. Don’t leave anything of value aboard the boat, if you can help it.
CHECK INSURANCE POLICIES
Read the fine print of your policy and ask the yard what type of insurance they require. Some boat yards require you to list the yard as additionally insured on your policy. It’s best to check these things in advance, so you know what to do in case your vessel gets damaged in the yard or lift.
READ QUOTES CAREFULLY
Price lists for yard stays can be very confusing. Make sure to request a comprehensive quote for every service you need, such as electricity, living aboard, water, lifts, and more. If something isn’t included in the quote, ask for the price per day. You’ll need to add every item up in order to make a fair comparison of different offer.
When the yard gives you a quote, ask until when it is valid and if you need to pay upfront. Some yards offer special prices to customers who pay at the beginning of their stay.