Refit: ports/yards and entry requirements

USA

 https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-67?language=en_US

Contemplating my next boat and have realized that sailing is best enjoyed in a place that isn’t frozen.  Am looking to purchase a boat - likely in the Caribbean, with the intention of cruising farther afield in 2-3 years.  The border services (taxation)  folks in my beautiful native Canada are most willing to share in the adventure by charging an exorbitant stack o’taxes and duties should said boat arrive for importation in Canada to enjoy a 4 month sailing season or two.   As a Canadian citizen I cannot not import it, not easily anyway.

So - we go away and we stay away, and we refit in the USA.
Can anyone recommend a yard in the south east that is reasonable and decent to deal with?  I have been told that if Florida then north of Jupiter.  
Anyone have any other thoughts or experience on the subject?

Many thanks all.  

Dave 33-2

I’m keen on Dickerson Harbor on the Eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. My boat lives there in the winter. 8’ draft so I have to wait for a very high tide to get in and out. Nice competent people and you can work on your boat yourself. 

Lovely anchorages around there, too. 

Andy

If you are looking for a great place on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake, I have great faith in Haven Harbour marinas in Rock Hall,MD.  There is even a 1989 C&C 44 for sale there with an asking price of  $85,500.

I can help hook you up with both if interested. 

Neil

I use COBB’S Marina in Norfolk VA.   It is family owned,  well kept and they can do work themselves.   It is also easy access to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic.   

Mike 

J&R Marine Services in Placida FL is incredible, DIY yard with nice liveaboard community at a good price 

On Mon, Jan 2, 2023 at 5:47 PM John

Also consider yards in coastal or the sounds of NC. Plenty of DIY yards in the Pamlico Sound, Neuse River, Albemarle Sound, Southport, NC. 

 

Those away from the Atlantic coast are mostly very reasonable in cost with decent amenities and most allow DIY work although boats with drafts of ~ 5+ ft may have difficulties in or getting to some facilities.

 

Yard fees are much higher near the coast but if you want to mostly work on the boat, you can save big away from the coast—plus within a days sail/motor you can be on the ocean.

 

The winds up in the rivers/sounds are on the lighter side but for all practical purposes there are no tides, currents, fog and the bottom is soft but very black mud. 

 

FWIW

 

Charlie

Another vote for North Carolina. I keep being amazed at how much more we pay around Annapolis for the same kind of work, for a major job like painting the topsides it is well worth the 3 days or so to sail down there and have someone there do it.

I would stay away from the East Coast of Florida actually, crowds and high prices are what you are likely to find.

On the plus side for here, my insurance is about 1/3 of what it would be if I moved south, the Chesapeake is considered a much lower hurricane risk because we get more lead time, have a lot of good hurricane holes, and almost all hurricanes cross land before getting to us and lose strength.

FYI

Joe