5 Secrets to Hiring the Best Boat Contractors

Contractors Zanne and Lisa Taylor measure a custom catamaran. Courtesy Meg Downey

Fixing your boat is a big part of the cruising life. After years afloat and more than a few refits in far-flung ports, I’ve learned that sometimes, calling in a professional is the smartest and safest option.

But finding the right help, staying on schedule and ensuring the job gets done right can be just as challenging as the project itself. 

Based on lessons learned the hard way (and a few wins worth repeating), here’s a practical guide to hiring and managing contractors, wherever your cruising plans take you.

Pick the Right Contractor (for You)

Marina and yard directories, as well as online forums, list contractors in each area, but word of mouth is still the best resource. Reach out to your own contacts, as well as the local cruisers’ network, for recommendations. Ask people about their personal experience with a contractor. 

When you connect with a contractor, discuss your needs and desired timeline, and gain an understanding of their capabilities and availability. If your insurance company requires contractors to have certification requirements, does this contractor have them? Does the job require liability insurance, and if so, does the contractor have it? 

Schedule an initial visit on board to outline your requirements and preferences, and to learn about their approach to the job. If you won’t be on-site during the work, how often would you like updates?

If you’re doing a technical refit, confirm that the contractor will include time for training at the end, as well as for follow-up questions in the coming weeks. If it’s an electrical project, ask if the contractor will provide a professionally drawn schematic of the new system. 

Get things in writing whenever possible. And if you’re flexible, it’s worth adjusting your schedule to work with the right person.

Plan Ahead 

We’ve all been there: Something breaks (again) and needs to be fixed (immediately). Hopefully, you can find a contractor to begin work quickly. But if you have a big project on the horizon, plan as far ahead as possible.

If you have a tight timeframe, you can ask your contractor if they can work overtime to accommodate it, but expecting them to do so is unreasonable.

Bigger jobs require multiple workdays or even weeks, and parts that likely need to be sourced ahead of time. Contractors can book up three or four months in advance, especially during hurricane season or cold winters, when boaters prioritize maintenance. Some places in the hurricane belt close up shop altogether for the season.

Secure your slot as early as possible, and consider adjusting your cruising plans to accommodate your contractor’s availability.

Create a Realistic Timeline 

Contractors want to get your job done on time, but boat projects can take longer than expected for a variety of reasons. Maybe a critical part is delayed in transit, or a weather system compromises the sunny, dry days required for the job. When work begins, more problems may come to light that expand the project scope.

These challenges can be navigated with open communication and a flexible schedule. Allow space between the project completion date and the start of your next adventure, so plans aren’t upended if complications arise. Seasoned boaters have a general rule: Whatever the time estimate, add a third.

Aaron Downey and Will Home install Starlink on a Leopard 48. Courtesy Meg Downey Effectively Source Parts

Sourcing parts is a critical step in any project. The sooner you secure them, the better. In the islands, some parts can take a month to arrive. If you’re planning to hire a contractor, make it part of the job for him or her to order the parts, so you’ll have a guarantee. For large projects involving rigging, electrical or mechanical systems, the contractor can handle the many variables at play. He or she likely has relationships with suppliers and international brokers to ensure smooth customs clearance and delivery.

Hire a Project Manager for Complex Jobs

If you’re maximizing your time away from the boat by completing multiple projects at once, hire a project manager. Delays aren’t the only reason; another potential problem is confusion about who is responsible for what, and in what order. If your project involves multiple contractors, don’t assume one has authority or control over the others’ schedules.

A project manager, as the primary point of contact, keeps things moving, defuses any issues, and communicates with you regularly. 

Understand the Area’s Culture

Understanding the local culture is also beneficial. If you’re getting work done in the Caribbean, the workday may start and end early to avoid the oppressive afternoon sun. In the French islands, a longer lunch break may be part of the day’s structure.

In many areas outside the United States, contractors communicate through WhatsApp. In more remote places, they may not have access to email or even regular cell service for calls or texts. In those cases, in-person communication is key. 

While some contractors are diversifying their payment methods with apps, some places still operate in a cash-based society. That may require planning on your part if banks are only open a few days a week and have daily limits on cash withdrawals.

Be Respectful

Extending respect both ways is a critical part of any working relationship. If you have a tight timeframe, you can certainly ask your contractor if they can work overtime to accommodate it, but expecting them to do so is unreasonable.

For many cruisers, days run together, but contractors operate on a regular workweek. Save your calls and messages for work hours, and allow for a reasonable response time. They may be upside down in an engine room or hoisted up a mast. If you have multiple questions, ask for a quick call or in-person meeting rather than sending successive messages.

With planning, open communication and some flexibility, your project can come to a successful conclusion with invaluable knowledge gained along the way. And remember: Share your experience with other boaters when they’re in the market for a great contractor.

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