jblazza
New Member
Can anyone let me have feedback about the quality of work done by this boatyard? Not, by the way, to be confused with Manoel Island Marina, where I have had a bad experience...James, yacht 'Apparition'
Manoel Island Yacht Yard, Malta
- Thread starter jblazza
- Start date
savageseadog
Well-Known Member
I'd be very cautious of any recommendation from people you don't know. I know for instance of a yard that did some atrocious work, seriously poor and defective, the proprietor lied about the work that was carried out. I find however that some people on this forum think they (he) are OK. There are several reasons why this might be the case:
1) Collusion or vested interest. Certain forumites might be very "on side"
2) Easy repair equals good repair whereas a difficult repair may be a whole different story.
3) Repair may be untried for many years. The true quality may never be shown up.
4) Lack of expertise on owners part. Lack of knowledge means ignorance is bliss
Believe me, there are some terrible yards and repair contractors out there.
1) Collusion or vested interest. Certain forumites might be very "on side"
2) Easy repair equals good repair whereas a difficult repair may be a whole different story.
3) Repair may be untried for many years. The true quality may never be shown up.
4) Lack of expertise on owners part. Lack of knowledge means ignorance is bliss
Believe me, there are some terrible yards and repair contractors out there.
Gypsy
Well-Known Member
I have had basic anti-foul and polishing work done at Manoel Island Yachtyard and have observed other work being done on a Canadian Yacht with a recurring leak around the propshaft bearing. The work on the Canadian boat broadened to a significant repair to the rudder. The owner was pleased with their work but it took much longer than anticipated and that was a problem as they were living aboard on the hard (with all that white dust). I haven't heard from them again - is that good news?
The yard has a long history and still has some of their very experienced tradesmen but you still need to be careful. Despite leaving written instructions (and the can of paint) for special anti-foul for the aluminium Saildrive I found they had just painted straight over with the standard AF paint. Blind freddy in a boat yard should know the issues with saildrives and ant-foul. I insisted they rub it back and start over, which they did.
They were very rigid with their tea breaks and lots of smokos so don't sign up for work paid hourly.
Personally I think there is a good number of the men do know what they are doing and they have a fantastic workshop which can make just about anything, but it is best to be around to monitor because if you are not there someone else will divert their attention and your job might suffer.
The yard has a long history and still has some of their very experienced tradesmen but you still need to be careful. Despite leaving written instructions (and the can of paint) for special anti-foul for the aluminium Saildrive I found they had just painted straight over with the standard AF paint. Blind freddy in a boat yard should know the issues with saildrives and ant-foul. I insisted they rub it back and start over, which they did.
They were very rigid with their tea breaks and lots of smokos so don't sign up for work paid hourly.
Personally I think there is a good number of the men do know what they are doing and they have a fantastic workshop which can make just about anything, but it is best to be around to monitor because if you are not there someone else will divert their attention and your job might suffer.
PuffTheMagicDragon
Well-Known Member
That is where I regularly have my boat lifted out for three or four weeks towards the beginning of spring. I have been doing so for many, many years.
You get proper craftsmen who have served a proper apprenticeship. Unlike some other yards, you are allowed to do whatever work you want yourself if you wish. The various workshops are well equipped; so are the stores, should you need something in a hurry and have no wish to go to the normal chandlers. Lifting is by Travelift and power washing is included in the rate for lifting / lowering. Major chandlers are within walking distance of the gate. Twenty-four hour security guards.
I would not take my boat anywhere else.
Have a look at their web page
You get proper craftsmen who have served a proper apprenticeship. Unlike some other yards, you are allowed to do whatever work you want yourself if you wish. The various workshops are well equipped; so are the stores, should you need something in a hurry and have no wish to go to the normal chandlers. Lifting is by Travelift and power washing is included in the rate for lifting / lowering. Major chandlers are within walking distance of the gate. Twenty-four hour security guards.
I would not take my boat anywhere else.
Have a look at their web page
