For tips about boatyard practices in less developed countries and how to avoid pitfalls see: Getting work done on your boat whilst long distance cruising.
It is not easy to find skilled workers in Colon and Panama. The lack of services generally, where everyone needs to prepare their yacht before embarking on what will be the longest crossing ever for most, is quite surprising. Finding parts or qualified technicians is difficult and it is a lot easier (albeit more expensive) to prepare the boat in Trinidad, Martinique or Saint Martin prior to coming to Panama.
Some technicians are located in Portabello or Panamarina (some miles distant, although many will travel) and there are various liveaboards in Shelter Bay marina who have diesel and mechanical skills etc.
Shelter Bay Marina also has a five acre storage and work yard. The yard office is located in the Hangar building beside the travel lift bay.
If spending a long time in Panama (or leaving your boat on the hard), a dehumidifier is essential in the Panamian climate to avoid mold and ruined furnishings. Shelter Bay marina offer monthly rental and inspection and also check whether the unit has re-set itself after one of the frequent power black-outs.
Note: Most brands of life rafts CANNOT be serviced in Panama. Cruisers who plan to cross the canal better sort out their life raft before getting here, as the alternative to send the raft back to where it was purchased is both very costly and time-consuming.
Cruisers also report that nobody services watermakers competently.
If you have information for this section, or feedback on businesses used, please let us know at editor@noonsite.com. We also welcome new information about businesses you have used (see Related Businesses).
As a free user of Noonsite you are restricted to viewing 3 country formalities per month. You have viewed 0 formalities this month – but can view the countries you have accessed to date as many times as you want.
Become a Noonsite Member and you can view unlimited formalities each month and enjoy additional member benefits. Membership fees help our team keep country formalities information up-to-date in support of cruisers worldwide.
Find out more about membership levels and Become a Noonsite Member.
