Poros, Saronic – power and water fiasco

[Guitarrich]

The man who “organises” power and water for yachts here on the North Quay in Poros is Peter. He’s running a scam calculated to fill his own pockets by converting customers’ residue credit into cash for himself. I’m certain he’s not the only one to have had this idea, but unfortunately Peter’s attitude and aggressive manner are mind boggling. Having paid through the nose and still without water, our friends took up Peter’s challenge to join him at the offices of the local Port Police. (Everyone fears and respects the Port Police. Their power appears to be absolute.....and they carry real guns! On balance, having cruised these waters since 1994, I think they are a power for good. But mind your manners!)
Anyway, unexpectedly for Peter his bluff was called, and he was outgunned in every way. Peter pretended to lead the way to the Port Police, but then backtracked and they wound up in the civic offices. The dispute was eventually resolved, but only after two hours of wearisome negotiation.
Gentle reader, if you land upon this text and are bound for Poros this summer, be warned about this fellow’s nefarious dealings and don’t let him get away with theft. Poros is a delightful, busy town with, on the whole very pleasant people to serve you in the bars and restaurants. The chandlers (Spiro) is one of the best in Greece and what he doesn’t have, he’ll get within a day or two from Athens. Unfortunately for Poros, water men, a bit like taxi drivers, are often the first people you get to deal with in a new place and they can cast a dim light on first impressions. (The diesel man however, namely Haris is absolutely charming.)

 

[Squeaky]

Good morning:

I am afraid that I am a bit confused at exactly what it is that this man is doing.

What do you mean by "converting customers’ residue credit into cash" - what is the residue credit?

Can't protect myself unless I understand what it is that he is doing.

Cheers

Squeaky

 

[Mr Cassandra]

Not only Poros it happened to me in Aegina this week I wanted water up comes this "Lady" in very high heel and her boobs hanging out.
She asked for 30 euro for a card to get water I gave her 40 euro but she had no change
I had to use her hose which did not have a jubilee clip on it so the hose keeps coming off and I had to use two hands to hold it on to the tap.I wasted more water than I put in the boat.
Then she presented me with another bill for port fees which was 9 euro. I only had a 50 euro note left on me. And knowing that she had no change, said that when I had stopped filling the boat I would pay her out of the change she would owe me .
She was not having this and tried to demand the 50 note saying that she would come back in the morning with change,around about 9 or 10 am, or she would go to the port police and report me for not paying port fees. I told her I was not happy with this and wanted the change from the forty I gave her when the boats tanks were full of water.

So be very careful she wanted my 90 euro for 15 euros "worth of water" about 750 liters in to the tank, the rest over everybody on the quay and 9 euro port fee
I did go to the port police afterwards and report her.

 

[grumpygit]

Poros

The man who “organises” power and water for yachts here on the North Quay in Poros is Peter. He’s running a scam calculated to fill his own pockets by converting customers’ residue credit into cash for himself. I’m certain he’s not the only one to have had this idea, but unfortunately Peter’s attitude and aggressive manner are mind boggling. Having paid through the nose and still without water, our friends took up Peter’s challenge to join him at the offices of the local Port Police. (Everyone fears and respects the Port Police. Their power appears to be absolute.....and they carry real guns! On balance, having cruised these waters since 1994, I think they are a power for good. But mind your manners!)
Anyway, unexpectedly for Peter his bluff was called, and he was outgunned in every way. Peter pretended to lead the way to the Port Police, but then backtracked and they wound up in the civic offices. The dispute was eventually resolved, but only after two hours of wearisome negotiation.
Gentle reader, if you land upon this text and are bound for Poros this summer, be warned about this fellow’s nefarious dealings and don’t let him get away with theft. Poros is a delightful, busy town with, on the whole very pleasant people to serve you in the bars and restaurants. The chandlers (Spiro) is one of the best in Greece and what he doesn’t have, he’ll get within a day or two from Athens. Unfortunately for Poros, water men, a bit like taxi drivers, are often the first people you get to deal with in a new place and they can cast a dim light on first impressions. (The diesel man however, namely Haris is absolutely charming.)

As for Peter in Poros he could making a bit on the side, and if he is he's probably sharing it with the Mayor or some other official body, you are in Greece remember. I have no problem with Peter, yes he can be abrupt if it's busy but he's been there quite a long time and it is his territory.
The system has changed there this year with the booking in and paying berthing fees through the Port Police at their office. Last year they employed a girl to walk round resetting all that was in credit on the displays so then you had to pay the full up money and leave the balance when you left.
I don't really care who I pay or who gets the money but if I want say €5's of water or electric and pay €5's what the odds. If you are expecting to get it for nothing just because there is credit on the display you obviously thought wrong. I do though fully agree with your comments Haris the fuel guy.
I think Poros is a great port to visit so maybe you can explain yourself a little clearer for those who might want to go can understand your grievance.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[Artemis_C2121]

Visited poros a few weeks ago lovely place and enjoyed our stay.

Agree that the fuel guy is a delight to deal with how ever a swedish boat next to us had connected to electric at a cost of 12 euro we didnt bother for that price we can do without.

Also paid harbour dues with the port police who were also very pleasent to deal with def would visit again.

We did see peter stomping around disconnecting boats who had connected to electric without paying seemed to be keeping him quite busy and he didnt look happy at all

 

[Guitarrich]

As for Peter in Poros he could making a bit on the side, and if he is he's probably sharing it with the Mayor or some other official body, you are in Greece remember. I have no problem with Peter, yes he can be abrupt if it's busy but he's been there quite a long time and it is his territory.
The system has changed there this year with the booking in and paying berthing fees through the Port Police at their office. Last year they employed a girl to walk round resetting all that was in credit on the displays so then you had to pay the full up money and leave the balance when you left.
I don't really care who I pay or who gets the money but if I want say €5's of water or electric and pay €5's what the odds. If you are expecting to get it for nothing just because there is credit on the display you obviously thought wrong. I do though fully agree with your comments Haris the fuel guy.
I think Poros is a great port to visit so maybe you can explain yourself a little clearer for those who might want to go can understand your grievance.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last year it was actually a young guy doing the job, but his girlfriend often did it for him after a big night.

My beef was that Peter took €12 from a friend's boat and there was no power or water to show for it. It wasn't until Peter pretended to take them to the port police and then diverted to town hall - and then 2 hours of debate - that my friend got power and water for his €12. Otherwise, he would have had nothing.
Peter is a crook, and the town hall people are probably in on it too, so yes Peter doesn't cream off all of it.

Poros IS a great port, and if it was not, I would simply say "don't go there". But actually it's one of the jewels in the Saronic crown.

Peter was SO rude. When I tried to plug in, he literally slapped my hand away and demanded "do you know about this system?"

Finally, if you go deeper in and park on the wooden staging, you'll be lucky to get water of electric at all. It's all there, but they're so bone idle they can't be bothered to turn it on.

I am a complete "Greek-o-phile" having lived and worked here for around 8 years on and off since 1993. I do know my stuff. Some Greeks are wonderful, many others are bone idle and dishonest. Don't let that put you off. Many Brits are bone idle and dishonest, but somehow when we're abroad we assume the "locals" are going to be both nice and knowledgable. This is an unsafe assumption! Keep your wits about you, visit Poros because you must, and keep your anchor tight and the boat well off the quay for when the other blasted idiots storm by in ferries and stinkers, generating massive wash.

 

[Mr Cassandra]

Last year it was actually a young guy doing the job, but his girlfriend often did it for him after a big night.

My beef was that Peter took €12 from a friend's boat and there was no power or water to show for it. It wasn't until Peter pretended to take them to the port police and then diverted to town hall - and then 2 hours of debate - that my friend got power and water for his €12. Otherwise, he would have had nothing.
Peter is a crook, and the town hall people are probably in on it too, so yes Peter doesn't cream off all of it.

Porosis a great port, and if it was not, I would simply say "don't go there". But actually it's one of the jewels in the Saronic crown.

Peter was SO rude. When I tried to plug in, he literally slapped my hand away and demanded "do you know about this system?"





Hi

I have been based in Poros for a long time .And agree there is always a aurgument every day with the way Peter deals with people . I get on with him fine, however most don`t. Lefty the previous water man had a much better maner imo

 

[Chris_Robb]

Bob - was there on the western quay in late April. Peter came down and turned on a locked tap for water - €3 for as much as you want. The electric price was €10 for a day - didn't want it at that price. I had no problems with him at all, he gave me change as well.... Did not use the Northern side as it was far too windy!

At the beginning of July, I will be in Aegina for a crew change. Do they have Keyfobs where you pay on the basis that you will keep the fob for several weeks - like Mykonos? This was useless to have to pay €30 for one fill up. Is it the same system in Aegina?

or should I go to the Port at the south end of the Island?

 

[Mr Cassandra]

Bob - was there on the western quay in late April. Peter came down and turned on a locked tap for water - €3 for as much as you want. The electric price was €10 for a day - didn't want it at that price. I had no problems with him at all, he gave me change as well.... Did not use the Northern side as it was far too windy!

At the beginning of July, I will be in Aegina for a crew change. Do they have Key Fobs where you pay on the basis that you will keep the fob for several weeks - like Mykonos? This was useless to have to pay €30 for one fill up. Is it the same system in Aegina?

or should I go to the Port at the south end of the Island?

Hi
Yes you have to pay the water lady 30 euro for a key, she then comes back the next day and deducts what you have used and gives you the change . The problem is that it also allows others to plug in for shore power on your account.

The misunderstanding I had was I only wanted a small amount of water and I only had two twenty note to pay which I gave her, she had no change on her. And because I was registered on her paperwork, was the ONLY yacht to have to pay for parking .

The other boat around me had free electricity and water on my account.

I still thing it is the nicest place to be in the Saronics love the town and the majority of the peeps

 

[Chris_Robb]

Hi
Yes you have to pay the water lady 33 euro for a key, she then comes back the next day and deducts what you have used and gives you the change . The problem is that it also allows others to plug in for shore power on your account.

The misunderstanding I had was I only wanted a small amount of water and I only had two twenty note to pay which I gave her, she had no change on her. And because I was registered on her paperwork, was the ONLY yacht to have to pay for parking .

The other boat around me had free electricity and water on my account.

I still thing it is the nicest place to be in the Saronics love the town and the majority of the peeps

I think Mykonos was a similar system, but you could turn off the water and power at will, so no-one could nick them! I sold water to the other boats there who just wanted a tank full, so charged €3 a fill up, at the end of the week I had paid for my key fob, and everyone was thankful at being able to get water!!!!!

 

[Palarran]

This makes my generator and watermaker look like a better investment.

 

[ccscott49]

This makes my generator and watermaker look like a better investment.

+2

People told me I was an idiot, wanting a genny, watermaker and icemaker in the meddy "you can get water/ice anywhere for next to nowt" well, I have been proven right a few times in the Ionian already! Make water/ice whilst I motor or sail. Independence is great!

 

[Chris_Robb]

+2

People told me I was an idiot, wanting a genny, watermaker and icemaker in the meddy "you can get water/ice anywhere for next to nowt" well, I have been proven right a few times in the Ionian already! Make water/ice whilst I motor or sail. Independence is great!

Rubbish Scotty! Never had a problem with water - don't need lecky, just keep it simple!!!!!

 

[charles_reed]

This makes my generator and watermaker look like a better investment.

Indeed - it would be interesting to do the DCF - however I think you'd have to put in a big premium for "lack of hassle".

 

[ccscott49]

DCF indicates an appreciation of the price of anything but not its value. See the Blair government for a fuller description

No Chas I am not directing this at you!

If one wants to live like a peasant wear dirty cloths and smell or wash in the sea have warm beer in the “fridge” and no ice in the G & T , with half flat batteries crippled by an intermittent unreliable battery charging regime with an equally intermittent and unreliable water supply regime then rely on DCF for “answers”.

I have been aboard boats out here with fully charged batteries using air and wind but few if any dare to switch anything on and hardly any make ice and even fewer have a plentiful supply of clean water when away from a tap – ultimately lifestyle is a choice one has to make.

What is the value of all the above?

I dont do warm beer! I dont do smelly and 'orrible. Why should I? Yes I am power hungry, but not that bad! Also do big solar panels. I live aboard permanently and I'm not going to go camping! By the way, apart from some electronics, I can repair everything on my boat.
That's the lifestyle choice I made, after living aboard for a few years, with nothing!
KISS is not always the only way!

 

[Chris_Robb]

DCF indicates an appreciation of the price of anything but not its value. See the Blair government for a fuller description

No Chas I am not directing this at you!

If one wants to live like a peasant wear dirty cloths and smell or wash in the sea have warm beer in the “fridge” and no ice in the G & T , with half flat batteries crippled by an intermittent unreliable battery charging regime with an equally intermittent and unreliable water supply regime then rely on DCF for “answers”.

I have been aboard boats out here with fully charged batteries using air and wind but few if any dare to switch anything on and hardly any make ice and even fewer have a plentiful supply of clean water when away from a tap – ultimately lifestyle is a choice one has to make.

What is the value of all the above?

I have a deep freeze and fridge and yet don't have to charge with the engine for days if ever..... You just need a proper insulated fridge, 4 inches all round.

As for water maker - we have never gone short, wash cloths regularly. Why complicate life with yet another thingy require yet more electric.... so you need to install a generator, and keep that running........ far easier to get a hose pipe out....

 

[Chris_Robb]

"As for water maker - we have never gone short, wash cloths regularly. Why complicate life with yet another thingy require yet more electric.... so you need to install a generator, and keep that running........ far easier to get a hose pipe out.... "

so anchored in a scluded bay for a week with no buildings or "civilisation" in sight you attach your hose to what?

This is where we may differ, I would not be sitting in one bay for a week even if we had a water maker. I think I would get somewhat bored.....

 

[Mr Cassandra]

"As for water maker - we have never gone short, wash cloths regularly. Why complicate life with yet another thingy require yet more electric.... so you need to install a generator, and keep that running........ far easier to get a hose pipe out.... "

so anchored in a scluded bay for a week with no buildings or "civilisation" in sight you attach your hose to what?

I carry a thousand liters so that not a problem and i would not waste it. washing clothes!
Avarage cost of a fill up 5 euro

 

[Guitarrich]

Water consumption

Well since this has turned rather pleasingly into a "utilities" debate I have a little gem to offer concerning water. We carry around 750 litres of water. Not sure yet of the EXACT amount - I worked it out from time taken to fill a 9 litre bucket etc and then eventually found some build plans which about back that up.

Anyway, we have never had a working gauge, and last year I started to get a bit twitchy around a week after filling up, especially if we had guests, and would only run the washing machine if we were parked next to a tap. However, during the winter I obtained some gadgets from eBay. I bought a water flow meter which pulses a relay every litre for around £30 and fitted it next to my water pump. I also bought a self contained, battery powered digital counter (around £10 from China) and hacked up the old VDO display to acommodate it. I drilled a tiny hole through the front "glass" of the VDO to allow a needle through to access the reset switch. (I have a 4 year old who likes pushing buttons!) Finally I also bought a cheaper water flow meter (£15) which I keep with the deck hose to check how much goes in on a fill-up. I checked all the guages against eachother in the first weeks, and became confident enough to trust the digital counter. The washing machine uses around 80 litres, wife and child in the shower - around 30. This has taken an awful lot of stress away from the skipper!

Incidentally, I have the room, but not the cash for a water maker. I've had them on yachts I've skippered in the past, and would certainly wish for one. However, this is only a 3 year mission after which the boat must be sold, so there's no point. Ditto solar panels and wind gen. I did however invest in a fabulous 3KVA inverter / charger from Invertec, (Rich Electronics). Also from eBay and significantly cheaper than the rivals. It's very nice to have 220v ac at all times for everything from desk fan, laptop, phone chargers, telly, microwave, coffee-maker, toaster and....the blessed kettle. There's usually enough juice in the morning for tea, coffee and toast before having to start the genny or main engine.

This life's all about compromise and, it must be said personal choice.

 

[Chris_Robb]

As you say, its all about budgets at the end of the day. Mine does not run to a water maker, but if it did, I probably would have one!

Like you we are on a 3 to 4 year mission and then home and down size.