Chaguaramas - marine contractors

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PhilipH

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www.sailblogs.com
We are heading for Trinidad shortly (from French Guyana) and need some work on our boat - fitting an additional fridge/freezer. Does anyone have recommendations about reliable contractors in Chaguaramas to do this work?

Many thanks in adavance.

Phil
www.minnieb.me.uk
 
Stone Cold refigeration. They were in the Crews inn complex.
Probably your best bet.
When you book in at customs (one of the worst and unfriendliest any where in the Caribbean) ask for the booklet from the TTSA (I think) that has all the marine traders and suppliers.

Good luck and take all the personal and boat security measures you would in any dangerous country.
I'm not joking, Trinidad is not safe outside of Chaguarmas. Many restaurants will do pick up and drop off for your safety.

If you go on any trips use Jessy James taxis company.

Let us know what if any thing has changed, please.

Mark
 
Echo Marine in Mariners Cove are very good. Run by a couple of Germans who speak perfect English of course (868)634-2027

or

Nau-T-Kol are also excellent - Owned and run by an American couple (868) 634 2174

Be very careful of locally owned businesses - often well intentioned but not very experienced.

Michael
 
I wouldn't say Trinidad is a dangerous country. The murder rate is hgh but it's mainly drug gang warfare, plus the odd marital dispute sometimes solved with a machete. There are many places you can wander around including the west side of Port of Spain. Just avoid slums, be aware of where you are and who is around. Many places have no-go areas including cities in the UK. At night go mob handed.

We found Trini customs friendly but immigration most unpleasant.

The general fixer and taxi (fleet of) is Jesse, he will tell you where you can't go.

On the local contractor front some are very good but they work on the Trini motto 'the best energy saver today is tomorrow'.
 
Paw Paw said:
Be very careful of locally owned businesses - often well intentioned but not very experienced.
Click to expand...

Absolutely not what I found at all. Alpha made a great sun awning, fitted perfectly first time, Gittens (though i was warned off them for creative invoicing) rebuilt a fuel pump for 60 quid, Marvin across from alpha sorted the dinghy etc etc.
Caribbean fasteners (Coral Cove) is like santas grotto after south America, every imperial and metric stainless screw or nut you could ever want. LP marine also in Coral Cove good for engine spares and more, lots cheaper than Budget. All in all Trini is great for boat work, anything you need you can find in a day or so, at a price. Will be hot as hell now though.

To the OP, might be worth asking on facebook, search for "Chaguaramas for Cruising Sailors" group , anything not on there you´ll find by asking on the VHf net on 68 at 8am every morning.
And worth considering some serious provisioning in Trini as well. after south america I´ve found the Caribbean jaw droppingly expensive (as was French Guyana!). You can bus down to Chaguanas for the market there, good for Indian spices and a nice day trip. Best doubles in the world.

Enjoy.
 
Conachair said:
Absolutely not what I found at all. Alpha made a great sun awning, fitted perfectly first time, Gittens (though i was warned off them for creative invoicing) rebuilt a fuel pump for 60 quid, Marvin across from alpha sorted the dinghy etc etc.
Caribbean fasteners (Coral Cove) is like santas grotto after south America, every imperial and metric stainless screw or nut you could ever want. LP marine also in Coral Cove good for engine spares and more, lots cheaper than Budget. All in all Trini is great for boat work, anything you need you can find in a day or so, at a price. Will be hot as hell now though.
Enjoy.
Click to expand...

We all have different experiences I suppose - I've hurricane season there a few of times and had work done on my boat.. Sometimes good sometimes the comments eg looking at 12v alternator Mmm. your boat runs on 24volts... I am an expert cabinet maker taking hold of a sander to attack a cabin door with a teak veneer... And of course good work - new cushions throughout the boat which fitted perfectly and excellent matching on the covers... but a lot of local people working for a year or so for non Trinni professional then getting a subsidy to start their own business but with actually insufficient experience or training - Peaks and Powerboats amongst others run brilliant yards but some electical and mechanical shops leave something to be desired in my experience - you need to be careful.

certainly not a dangerous place except perhaps the speedy bus rides to Port of Spain!!!
 
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