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Eastern Caribbean Marine Services Guide
The Eastern Caribbean is the spine of Atlantic cruising — Trinidad anchoring the south end, the French islands in the middle, and Antigua and the Virgins to the north. Each island has its own character and its own service profile. This guide covers what's available where, and how cruisers actually use the chain.
Hub overview
| Hub | Strength | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trinidad (Chaguaramas) | Budget refit | Cheapest yard work; below hurricane zone |
| Grenada | Balance | Cheap labour, good yards, hurricane-zone south |
| St. Lucia (Rodney Bay) | Cruiser-friendly | Mid-priced services, decent infrastructure |
| Martinique (Le Marin) | French logistics | Best parts supply; EU-spec |
| Antigua | Premium | Superyacht trades, polished service |
| St. Maarten | Duty-free + trades | Simpson Bay Lagoon; broad capability |
| BVI (Nanny Cay) | Yard hub | Cyclone rebuild; full services |
Where to do what
- Haul-out + bottom job: Trinidad (cheapest), Grenada (balance), Antigua/Nanny Cay (premium).
- Rigging: Trinidad, Grenada, Antigua, St. Maarten — multiple options.
- Sails: St. Maarten (FKG Marine), Martinique. Antigua via UK lofts.
- Diesel: Trinidad, Grenada, Antigua all strong.
- Electrical: Grenada, Antigua, St. Maarten.
- Hurricane storage: Trinidad (below zone), Grenada south coast.
Costs roughly
| Service | Trinidad | Grenada | Antigua |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haul + relaunch (40 ft) | $400–600 | $500–800 | $600–900 |
| Bottom job (40 ft) | $1,800–2,800 | $2,200–3,500 | $2,800–4,500 |
| Labour / hour | $25–40 | $35–55 | $50–80 |
Frequently asked questions
Cheapest haul-out?
Trinidad (Chaguaramas).
Major refit?
Trinidad budget, Antigua premium, Grenada balance.
French islands?
Best parts supply. Le Marin (Martinique) main hub.
Hurricane season?
Insurance requires south of 12°40' (Trinidad, parts of Grenada).
Season?
Cruising December–May. Winter at hurricane-zone yards.