Are you refit ready?
As the season winds down, it’s time to focus on your yard time. Have you checked off everything on your list? Proper preparation is key to a successful refit. Join ONBOARD as we explore some of the premier options around the world.
Nothing illustrates the truth of the saying ‘Proper Preparation Prevents a Pretty Poor Performance’ better than the steps taken before entering a refit yard. In short, thorough preparation before arrival dramatically improves the chances of a successful refit. Certain priorities may be set by the owner, but when proposing a shipyard, it’s essential to present a shortlist of two or three options, with a clear outline of the pros and cons. However, don’t forget that cost isn’t always the key factor in selecting your refit slot.
LOCATION
Don’t just choose a yard because the location is ‘nice’ or it’s near home or the crew fancy a few months near a ‘vibrant city’. Refits are hard work and down time is as rare during refit as it is during the charter season.
ATTITUDE
While yard time isn’t the most exciting or glamorous part of the journey – embrace it with a positive attitude – it’s just a step in the process, and it will eventually come to an end!
BUDGETING
A lengthy refit wish list is futile if your budget can’t cover it. Focus on the necessary tasks for Class and other key priorities when drafting your scope of work, leaving the ‘wish list’ for later. Remember to set aside reserve funds, as surprises are bound to surface. Partner with a yard known for strong cost control and an understanding that time equates to money.
WORK FLOW AND PREPARATION
Develop planned schedule of events that must occur while in the shipyard. A detailed refit workflow sheet should outline the sequence of tasks, assign responsibilities, and specify the data to be shared or completed to ensure progress is both proactive and efficient.
REPUTATION AND REFERRALS
Consult with other captains and engineers who have used the yard, and ask for referrals and references. Effective communication is crucial, it’s often the key to successful projects. It will ensure that project objectives and budgetary constraints are met.
RMK MERRILL-STEVENS
USA
As RMK Merrill Stevens (RMK MS), they are Florida’s first shipyard and they have became one of the most diverse, capable, and updated shipyards in all of South Florida. Since 1885, they pride themselves on delivering top-notch yacht repair and maintenance services. Their dedicated RMK MS team uses state-of-the-art technology and techniques in fibreglass repair, engine maintenance, and marine electrical services. Whether your yacht requires urgent repairs or a complete overhaul, you can trust them. With their wide range of services, they guarantee expertise in addressing all your yacht’s maintenance needs. Their comprehensive range of services ensures that every aspect of your yacht’s upkeep and enhancement is expertly addressed. Their offerings include: Welding and Fabrication, Fibreglass and Composite, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Mechanical and Drive Line Work, Marine Painting and Refinishing, Electrical and Electronics, Marine Stabilizers and Hydraulics, Carpentry and Joinery, Driveline and Anti-Fouling Paint Works. Elevate your yachting experience with RMK Merrill Stevens’ unparalleled expertise and customer service. Contact them today to experience premium yacht maintenance.
www.rmkmerrill-stevens.com
BEST YACHTS
TURKEY
Nestled along the breathtaking Turkish coastline, a hub of excellence awaits yacht owners seeking exemplary refit solutions. From Istanbul to Bodrum, Turkey boasts a network of specialists catering to a diverse range of refit needs With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, Turkey’s refit specialists offer comprehensive repair and refurbishment services, ensuring yachts are in pristine condition. For interior and exterior refits, from revamping the interiors with bespoke designs to restoring the grandeur of the exteriors, Turkey’s experts deliver unparalleled craftsmanship. For yacht upgrade solutions, the teams incorporate cutting- edge technologies and design innovations, these services elevate the performance and aesthetics of yachts to exceed the expectations of discerning owners. Choosing a yacht refit in Turkey brings multifaceted benefits. The country harbours a cadre of skilled professionals excelling in intricate refit projects, guaranteeing finesse and expertise at every phase. Turkey’s competitive pricing model stands as a hallmark, delivering top-tier services while safeguarding quality, thus amplifying the value of the owners’ assets. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey’s geographical advantage emerges as a pivotal asset, acting as a seamless nexus for global yacht refits, the location ensures unparalleled accessibility for owners worldwide, fostering an environment conducive to hassle-free and efficient refit.
www.bestyachts.net
ARMADA GLOBAL
UK & SPAIN
Armada Global Hydraulics & Engineering have been providing state of the art hydraulic solutions for over 30 years to the most discerning of superyacht clients. Strategically based in the UK and the MB92 Superyacht Marina in Barcelona, the team are well placed to offer both reactive and proactive hydraulic and mechanical solutions worldwide and closer to home. They offer: Project Management & Consultancy; Design, Build and Installation; Mechanical Servicing & Refurbishment; Hydraulic Flushing; Training; Surveying, Inspection & Reporting; Sales, Parts & Supplies. Many of their systems are bespoke solutions, designed to meet specific challenges given by the customers. To deliver these, the company have had to constantly pioneer innovative designs which expand the boundaries of what can be achieved with hydraulic and mechanical engineering. The ultimate goal is to deliver highly efficient, trouble-free and cost effective solutions for customers. In addition to the outstanding reputation in the services above, Armada also offer worldwide support, being able to offer experienced engineers at short notice to support all your hydraulic/ mechanical requirements, large or small. Armada can mobilise engineers quickly and smoothly, to anywhere they are required, ensuring that disruption to the vessel’s operation is minimised and owners and clients are not inconvenienced in any way.
www.armadaglobal.es
ADRIA DOCKS
CROATIA
The most serious refit centre at Adriatic operates in Trogir under the name Adria Docks attracting yacht owners from the whole Mediterranean. Excellent infrastructure and location are some of the advantages, but the long-standing tradition from which the engineers and employees have drawn knowledge is the basis of their clients’ satisfaction. The company’s business activities are focused on mostly foreign clients. Thanks to the long-term experience of the staff, quality management team and proactive action on the market, the company has been recognised as a quality partner since its foundation and has occupied a significant part of the Croatian luxury yacht service market. Adria Docks has floating docks with a lifting capacity of 8,500t with an overall length of 155m and a max draft of 8m. The 800 tons dock has an overall length of 64m and a max draft of 3.3m, together with an equipped shore area with a total length of about 300m, all suitable to carry out varied works for all types of vessels, yachts and superyachts up to 150m. There is also a testing station (Installed Test Cell) for marine and industrial engines of up to 3.4 MW. It provides detailed testing of engines before installation or after reconstruction, with the test results under actual engine load. Focus on the client is their main goal.
www.adriadocks.hr
GULF CRAFT SERVICES
UAE
Gulf Craft Services is the dedicated service division of Gulf Craft Group and is poised to revolutionise yacht maintenance and refit in the region. With 40 years of Gulf Craft’s industry leading expertise backing it, Gulf Craft Services has emerged as the premier provider of luxury yacht care, catering to vessels ranging from 27 to 175 feet. “Our journey began with a passion for crafting exceptional vessels,” says Mohammed H. Alshaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft Group. “Our extensive experience enables us to offer unparalleled maintenance and care. We proudly lead among the shipyards in the region for servicing and maintaining a significant number of vessels, underscoring our expertise and dedication.” To further enhance its capabilities, Gulf Craft Services is investing in a state-of-the-art facility in the UAE, set to open in early 2025. This new facility will feature a 600-tonne lifting capacity for yachts up to 60 metres and in-water services for vessels up to 80 metres, effectively tripling the company’s service capacity. Beyond maintaining Gulf Craft vessels, the division extends its top-tier services to yachts of all major brands, ensuring every owner receives the highest standard of care. This strategic investment cements Gulf Craft’s position as a leader in yacht maintenance, setting new industry benchmarks.
www.gulfcraftinc.com
STP
MALLORCA, SPAIN
The ‘open shipyard’ and best location for the refit up to 1.000tn in Palma de Mallorca. STP Shipyard Palma is Europe’s leading refit and repair facility. Situated in the stunning setting of Palma de Mallorca, its fantastic location, only a few hours by plane from any European city and with an unbeatable climate, makes this the ultimate destination for captains and crew alike. With 162.500m2 of technical area, it has the best professional team to serve vessels up to 120m in length and 1.000 tonnes in weight. Its open shipyard management model – unique in the sector – allows users to choose themselves which companies they want to work with to keep a tighter control on the entire refit and repair process, with the convenience of having all services and trades on-site which naturally translates into budget control and time savings. Committed to a healthy environment, STP Shipyard Palma strive to reduce the impact of all the activities that take place at the facilities, seeking to minimise the risk of environmental pollution with continual staff training and awareness courses. From its origins, its capabilities have transformed exponentially. Thanks to the 8,000 vessels, 3,000 professionals and 600 contractors, STP has become a benchmark that has turned Mallorca into an internationally renowned hub for superyacht refit and repair with high levels of safety, quality and efficiency.
www.stp-palma.com
KRM YACHT REFIT & REBUILD
TURKEY
KRM Yacht Refit & Rebuild is Turkey’s first professional full- service refit facility, the only LRQA Group Management Systems Certified yard, and the sole Turkish member of the ICOMIA Superyacht Refit Group. With 15 years of experience, over 200 completed projects, fully-equipped in-house workshops, and a team of over 100 skilled employees, including project engineers, naval architects, and craftsmen, KRM Yacht specialises exclusively in superyacht refit and rebuild. The main facility is located in Tuzla/Istanbul, one of the world’s largest maritime industries, which helps to provide fast and high-quality services with unlimited access to all types of materials, most qualified subcontractors, venders, distributors, and authorised services. The facility is surrounded by many amenities for captains and crew, including bars, restaurants, shopping malls, hotels and sports centres all within walking distance. International Airport Sabiha Gökçen is only a 15-minute drive away, making it convenient for clients to travel to and from the facility. KRM Yacht Refit & Rebuild is ready to offer privileged services In addition to providing a privileged and personalised experience in each project, KRM Yacht offers the ‘View Your Yacht’ service, where owners can watch their precious yachts live 24/7 in order to minimise the worries of yacht owners during the refit and repair process and to create 100% customer confidence in a transparent manner is just one of its opportunities.
www.krmyacht.com
ECHO YACHTS
AUSTRALIA
Echo Yachts are an Australian owned and operated superyacht builder specialising in full-custom newbuilds, and refit and maintenance projects including comprehensive fabrication, engineering, painting, fitout, electrical, and FRP Services. Established in 2014, based in the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) in Western Australia, Echo Yachts engineer and manufacture award-winning custom solutions for the evolving needs of superyacht clients. Boasting a multi-disciplined in-house team of highly skilled designers, trades and craftspeople, Echo Yachts deliver a consistently high standard of service, engineering, workmanship, and finish across all newbuild, refit, maintenance, and repair projects. The ability to guide major projects successfully and efficiently from conception to completion has been proven across a broad range of projects to date. Echo Yachts operate purpose-built waterfront shipbuilding fabrication facilities with workshops totalling 6500m², including 80m and 103m long fabrication halls, each with two 10 tonne remote gantry cranes. Waterfront facilities include a dedicated client representative’s office, secure vessel specific storage areas and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the facility. Shipbuilding halls are supported by Design and Project offices, 5 axis CNC machining, Engineering, Electrical and Fitout workshops.
www.echoyachts.com
PORTDENIA
SPAIN
Portdenia Superyacht Marina & Shipyard provides comprehensive services for yachts and superyachts. Located in Denia, on the Costa Blanca, Spain, in the heart of the Western Mediterranean, the destination is ideal: just 45 miles from Ibiza and Formentera, with over 300 sunny days per year and a well-protected harbour. The facility combines a top-notch shipyard and marina, working with excellence on each project and focusing on meeting the clients’ needs with outstanding services at competitive prices. The expanded shipyard boasts exceptional facilities for superyachts up to 1,200 tonnes. Encompassing a 50,030 m² (538,584 ft²) technical esplanade with an extensive dry dock, specialised workshops, and a parts store, it is supported by a vast portfolio of partners. The team carry out refit and maintenance services, meticulously coordinating each project to ensure completion without delays. Portdenia also provide a concierge service and offer the option of an open shipyard model, where clients can manage their projects and hire their desired partners, thus reducing costs. Directly across from the shipyard, the marina can berth superyachts up to 135 metres (443 feet) plus LOA and provides up to 2,000 AMP of shore power. The facilities ensure a safe, comfortable stay with 24/7 surveillance and all necessary services.
www.portdenia.com
ptw SHIPYARD
SPAIN
ptw Shipyard was set up to provide a quality service to meet the growing demand for refits on yachts and superyachts. The facility is in a privileged location at a central point in the Mediterranean, the Tarragona Historic Port, in Spain, a strategic position where all the facilities are concentrated. All projects are carried out by the team of dedicated and highly skilled professionals. The ptw team offer a range of expertise in areas of Yacht Paint, Carpentry & Interiors and Engineering & Mechanics, Caterpillar® Authorized Sales & Service and Electrics & Systems. Today the comprehensive facilities include a 300-ton travel lift, 15000 square metres of hard standing area, accompanied by 2100 square metres of workshops. These up-to-date facilities allow ptw Shipyard to offer clients exceptional refit and repair services, for both yachts with a maximum LOA of 50 metres hauled out of the water and boats of up to 180 metres berthed in the marina. Proud of the long-standing relationships they have built with their clients, suppliers and collaborators, ptw Shipyard is always working towards meeting each and every customer’s specific requirements. When you’re not overseeing your yacht’s refit, you’ll find the historic Port of Tarragona to be a captivating place. This vibrant city offers a bustling nightlife, blue-flag beaches, and easy access to Barcelona, reachable in just over an hour by car or train.
www.ptwshipyard.com
