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Looking for a Service Yard

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Mark Woglom, Jul 12, 2011.

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  1. Mark Woglom, Jul 12, 2011
    #1
    Mark Woglom

    Mark Woglom Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2011
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    Location:
    Live in Gilford NH. Boat in Sarasota winters, New
    My boat (Azimut 55) is currently located in Myrtle Beach SC, where I purchased the boat earlier this year. I didn't plan to use the boat much this summer, and I had hoped to get some improvements done while the boat was getting little use. However, I have had an abysmal time getting any contractors to actually DO work on the boat. Accordingly, I am now looking to change course, and bring the boat to a full service yard that can do all (or most) of the different types of work I would like to have done.

    The following is a list of the types of work I am looking to have completed:

    1. Plumbing - Replace a few shower fixtures that don't work easily, and do a thorough review of all the bilge, greywater, and blackwater pump systems.
    2. Electronics - Overhaul the audio/visual system, make some upgrades to the Raymarine Nav system, and fix a couple of inoperable 24V items.
    3. Aesthetic - Some teak improvements, new carpets, maybe some upholstery changes, replace an acrylic windscreen, and a top notch gelcoat detailing.
    4. Mechanical - Reconfigure the exhaust system based upon some recommendations from the engine survey.
    5. Carpentry - fix a couple of minor cabinetry items, replace some wooden items in the shower (who's idea was it to put a painted wood bidet seat in a shower stall?!)

    I would like to find a very capable yard, south of Myrtle Beach, and as far south as Ft Lauderdale, that can get these items done quickly, and correctly. Of course, I don't want to pay any more than I need to, but I'm more inclined to pay to get it right, than I am to have to deal with poor workmanship or excuses. I'd like to get it there, and have it done as quickly as possible, so the boat isn't tied up for a long time.

    Any suggestions for possible yards that could handle all these tasks? Feel free to send me a PM if you'd prefer not to make a public recommendation.

    Thanks in advance.
    .
  2. NYCAP123, Jul 12, 2011
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Long Island, NY
    Once you hit Ft. Lauderdale you're reallly in your element, but a bit closer (in the Savana area) and cheaper, I think you'd find good results at Thunderbolt Marina. Unfortunately, Myrtle Beach is more for golf than boats. They're also some good spots in the Jupiter and Palm Beach area, but if you go that far I'd keep going.
  3. Capt J, Jul 13, 2011
    #3
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Jul 11, 2005
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    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Yeah Thunderbolt is a good choice or the Hinkley yard in Savannah IMO.....Or Jarrett Bay in NC, or if you go further south there are lots of good choices.....There are also a few capable yards in and around Charleston, SC.
  4. Savasa, Jul 13, 2011
    #4
    Savasa

    Savasa Senior Member

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    Location:
    Iqaluit, Nunavit, Canada
    Morning Mark,
    We had work done at the Hinckley yard in Savannah three years ago and found ALL the staff to be very professional folks who took pride in their work. Not cheap BUT done to our complete satisfaction.
    Peter
  5. NYCAP123, Jul 13, 2011
    #5
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Thought about them, but didn't think they'd mess with an Azimut. Heard good things about them though. On an Azimut note, I helped a guy change an engine hatch hinge yesterday. The replacement was obviously from a different foundery, and the posts were about a millimeter different (time to drill), and fit leaving about a 1mm bigger gap to the teak flooring than the old one. Not a big deal. Just one of those pesky little things that happens when you go to different suppliers to save a few cents.
  6. Loren Schweizer, Jul 13, 2011
    #6
    Loren Schweizer

    Loren Schweizer YF Associate Writer

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2004
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    Location:
    Coral Gables/Ft. Laud., FL
    Hi Mark:

    Everything you're suggesting doing could be done at the dock behind a private home. Of course, you'll miss out on all the overspray and dust, petty thievery, and arguing the bill afterwards.
  7. Capt J, Jul 13, 2011
    #7
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Location:
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    It can if you have people in Myrtle Beach, SC qualified enough to do the work he's looking for. He states that, he's found that, that is not working out in the manner he's looking for......

    On another note, try to find the closest local custom SF builder. One with a good reputation. There are a few builders around that area. Go there and talk to them and see if there woodworking and interior guys are willing to do it on the side........might be a viable option.......
  8. CaptPKilbride, Jul 13, 2011
    #8
    CaptPKilbride

    CaptPKilbride Senior Member

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    Location:
    On the water
    Or ...

    You could head North.
    There is Atlantic Yacht Basin, in Chesapeake, Virginia.
    And, years ago I had a very good yard period at Oxford Boat Yard on the eastern shore of Maryalnd.