Biloxi and Mobile Yards

[Cruisingdad]

HI all,

Would appreciate thoughts on acceptable yards in the Biloxi or Mobile area. They basic guidlines would be a Tayana 42 and Catalina 400. Total length 42 feet max. Displacement 38000 max. Beam 12'6. Mast Height about 62. draw: 6'2 or so max.

This would only be to outfit the boat. I strongly prefer to do most of my own rigging (as you can guess). We would need a crane to help step the masts and a lift. I would prefer the crane to be on site as this is generally cheaper, but not absolute. The closer to the gulf, the better as we would not be there long. Again, we need at least a 65 foot bridge clearance and 6'2 draft.

I was not sure how the Biloxi area was doing since the hurricanes. I have heard several conflicting reports. First hand knowledge would be great. Mobile may be another option we would consider.

Thanks guys for any help you could provide.

- CD

[seafrontiersman]

Do not, under any circumstances use La Force S/Y in Bayou La Batre, Al. You may be tempted as there are no bridges between the Gulf and the yard and plenty of water in between; the owner will also talk a good game.

I can promise you that whatever they deliver will be second rate and cost at least twice as much as you are quoted. I spent three of the longest months overseeing the construction of a vessel and I've never seen such a crooked, dirty, slipshod, incompetent operation in my 20 seagoing years. Stay away from theose scumbags!!!

Best of luck!

Michael

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by seafrontiersman

Do not, under any circumstances use La Force S/Y in Bayou La Batre, Al. You may be tempted as there are no bridges between the Gulf and the yard and plenty of water in between; the owner will also talk a good game.

I can promise you that whatever they deliver will be second rate and cost at least twice as much as you are quoted. I spent three of the longest months overseeing the construction of a vessel and I've never seen such a crooked, dirty, slipshod, incompetent operation in my 20 seagoing years. Stay away from theose scumbags!!!

Best of luck!

Michael

Ok... I think I can definitely cross of La Force S/Y in Bayou La Batre, Al!!! Do you have any suggestions of who is decent?

- CD

[MiVelero]

Greetings CD,

I regularly use the services of Rebel Boat Works in Biloxi (228)435-2762
There is another yard next to them but I can not recall their name.
These are the only ones I know of since Katrina.
Let me know if we can be of any help.

-Another source is ActiveCaptain - The Interactive Cruising Guidebook they have some in the Mobile area.

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by MiVelero

Greetings CD,

I regularly use the services of Rebel Boat Works in Biloxi (228)435-2762
There is another yard next to them but I can not recall their name.
These are the only ones I know of since Katrina.
Let me know if we can be of any help.

-Another source is ActiveCaptain - The Interactive Cruising Guidebook they have some in the Mobile area.

Thank you for your help. I will reach out to them.

- CD

[RussT1950]

try Turner Marine in Mobile bay. They are a Catalina dealer.

[compac233]

On a related note, does anyone know of a good marine surveyor in the Mobile area? I'm considering a sailboat in Mobile, and I'm from Houston, so would need someone trustworthy since I won't likely be with them during the survey.

Thanks!
JK

[Cruisingdad]

Bobby Brown of Bluewater would go there I believe. He is top notch. 214-522-3505

Tell him I sent you.

- CD

[MtnMike]

I just looked at a couple of boats in the Turner Marine yard. Looks to be a good operation. Talked to a few folks working on the vessels there and they liked how the yard was operated.
I'll also call Bobby Brown if the offer I made on a boat goes that far. Thanks for the information.

Mike