Yard Recommendations for Winter Lift Out & Refit Work

[ElephantBoat]

Hello everyone. I'm new to the forum and hoping for some advice.

I've recently bought a 52 ft steel ketch in the Netherlands. In April 2021 I plan to rent out my house, move my small family on board and spend the next few years cruising the world. The previous owner spent a small fortune on her to bring her to spec to sail to Capetown but unfortunately he ran out of money and couldn't finish the project and his plans never materialised. I had her surveyed before signing on the dotted line and she got a clean bill of health. While she is ready to sail she does require some work to make her ready to live aboard full time. Heating system is not yet completed. All plumbing is present just not connected. There are no mattresses, cushions or upholstery on board. Steering system is functioning but a bit lumpy so will need to be looked at. Minor finishing is required to the wood work. I would like to add a water maker, wind energy and possibly solar panels to make her as off grid as possible. Paintwork is perfect but she will need clean and antifouling treatment. Other than that she is an extremely sturdy, well equipped yacht.

I have a flexible plan on sailing her down the Atlantic coast, departing in the coming weeks, and hauling her out for the winter when and where I find the right yard to do the work. Of course, I could do a Google search (and I have done) and find countless yards claiming to be expert in all things, reliable, safe, etc. However, I'm looking for recommendations from members who have first hand experience of particular yards. As I say, I'm flexible and am willing to haul out in France, Spain or Portugal. Key considerations are capability and reliability of the yard. Obviously, cost is a consideration, too, but we all know that cheapest isn't always best.

Any input/recommendations from members would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. - I note from another post that the member 'Greeny' had someone in Portugal that they recommended. Unfortunately, as a new member I don't have credentials to PM Greeny so if you're reading this, Greeny, I'd be very happy to have your recommendation.

 

[V1701]

In my opinion you would be well advised to consider doing as much of it yourself as possible, indeed you may well have to. The more you do yourself the more you will learn about your boat and know how things work and will save a lot of money in the short and long term and also make it safer for your family. I don't think there would be any one yard where they would undertake to do all of that work for you themselves and frankly if they did I would be pretty dubious about trusting them to do all of it to a good standard. But a particular yard may have good independent contractors around that could do some aspects of the work for you. It's also possible that you wouldn't be able to get all of that work done in one place and you, like the previous owner could, in all honesty, be spending another small fortune on the boat if you really want somebody else to do all aspects of all of the work that you've described, i.e. speccing, sourcing, fitting, testing water makers and solar systems if you can find anybody who says they will do this for you will be very expensive...

 

[RAI]

I think you will find Greeny in the Live Aboard Link.

As you have a steel boat, I suggest you try having a welding course and get the kit needed before you go.