Looking for fellow yacht forum members who have had good experience with yacht yards in the south east US. I need a yard capable of hauling 120 ton 74' steel trawler for bottom paint and routine hull maintenance. The nearest yard Thunderbolt Marine, had to use their synchro lift instead of travel lift due to weight. I would prefer to use a yard with YF'ers "references" and of course the most bang for the buck. Any and all help appreciated. Kind of surprised there doesn't seem to be a thread regarding various yards in the USA and the YF'ers report card of their experience. I think that would be helpful come yard time. Lists of capabilities would be nice too. cheers!
We used StJohns boat yard many years ago. Bronson Lamb was the owner then. He has since sold out and the new shop is doing well. They have a newer 100ton travel lift. I do not know how much DIY is allowed. http://www.stjmarinegroup.com/our-companies/st-johns-boat-co/ Next yard south is in St Augustine. https://mywindward.com/windward-service-center-st-augustine/ Also with a 100ton travel lift. Not many good words about this place.
maybe check with Jarrett Bay in Beaufort, NC......years ago transiting the ICW docked next to a 70-80 ft steel cockpit trawler in bristol condition and owner mentioned all work had been completed at Jarrett Bay and was extremely happy with the quality of the work as many yards did not have the expertise to handle his steel yacht.
The old Tide Water boat yard was taken over by Hinckly. I know they added a second travel lift. No spec on their web site. Some folks have told me this yard sucked also. Hy80 just north of Thunderbolt marine. https://www.hinckleyyachts.com/location/savannah-georgia/# Other than StJohns boat yard, do not come into Jax.
I have worked with Hinckley Savanah three times and I would go back and would recommend them provided the same GM is still there. Ross Marine is between Charleston and Hilton Head. I have no experience with them. Thunderbolt Marine did some isenglass for me and I was very pleased. Did what they said when they said they would do it. They can haul the OP’s boat.
Well they did on the elevator. OP looking for some options. Oh, forgot, StJohns Boat Yard has a nice rail also.
St. John's did work on one of my client's steel yacht and it was lawsuit-worthy (the painter confidentially told me they used automotive paint because it was cheaper). That was under the ownership of S.G. He has sold, but the bad memories remain.