Marine Services in Grenada
You're sitting in Prickly Bay watching the sunset, and your port-side shroud just started weeping rust at the swage. Or maybe your fridge died three days ago and the cheese is starting to talk back. Either way, you need someone who knows which end of a rigging screw to turn — and you need them before the trades start piping up for your crossing window.
We've been there. Grenada's been a cruiser repair hub since the 1970s, and for good reason. The island has actual boatyards, real marine chandleries, and tradesmen who've worked on everything from old Pearson 365s to carbon fiber racing sleds. Here's what you need to know.
Where the Work Gets Done
Port Louis Marina
This is the shiny one. Floating docks, good WiFi, a pool that actually works, and a chandlery that stocks more than just varnish and hope. The marina itself doesn't do haul-outs, but they've got contractors who'll walk down the dock with a toolbox and a smile. We've had electrical work and canvas repair done right on the berth.
Downside? It's not cheap. Dock rates run about $1.50/ft per day, and the tradesmen who work inside the marina tend to charge a premium. But if you're living aboard and want air conditioning while they fix your autopilot, it's worth it.
Clarke's Court Boatyard
The real yard. Travelift, hardstand, a paint shed that smells like Interlux and regret, and a machine shop that can turn a new prop shaft from a sketch on a napkin. This is where you go for bottom jobs, osmosis treatment, or when you need the mast pulled.
We've hauled here twice. First time for a bottom job and cutlass bearing replacement. Second time because we hit a whale carcass off Dominica and bent the prop. Both times, the bill came in under estimate and the work held up for two years.
Prickly Bay & Mt. Hartman Bay
The anchorages. No docks, no travelift, but plenty of mobile mechanics and divers who'll come to you by dinghy. We've had our diver, Andrew, clean the bottom and change zincs while we made lunch. Cost? $80 and two cold beers. You won't find that in Fort Lauderdale.
Services You Can Actually Find
- Diesel repair: Yanmar, Volvo Penta, Perkins, Beta. Grenada Marine's shop is the go-to, but there are three independent mechanics who'll work on the hook.
- Rigging: One rigger on the island with a proper swaging machine. Book two weeks ahead during November — everyone's getting ready to cross.
- Electrical: Two cruisers-turned-electricians who understand 12V systems, solar, and lithium. Both will troubleshoot over WhatsApp before they come out.
- Canvas & upholstery: A sailmaker in True Blue who does dodgers, biminis, and sail repairs. Turnaround is 5–7 days if he has the Sunbrella in stock.
- Fiberglass & gelcoat: Clarke's Court has a full fiberglass shop. We've seen them rebuild a transom that looked like it had been eaten by sharks.
- Propeller & shaft: Machine shop on-site at Clarke's Court. Can pull, repair, or replace in 48 hours.
- Refrigeration: One guy. He's busy. But he knows Danfoss compressors cold.
- Diving & bottom cleaning: Three regular divers working the anchorages. $2–3/ft for a clean, zincs extra.
What It Costs (Real Numbers, 2026)
| Service | Typical Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Haul-out + hardstand (40ft) | $800–1,200 | Clarke's Court. Includes pressure wash. |
| Bottom paint (2 coats, 40ft) | $1,800–2,800 | Interlux ablative. You can supply your own paint. |
| Diesel mechanic (hourly) | $45–65 | At the boat. Shop rate is lower. |
| Standing rigging inspection | $150–250 | Written report with photos. |
| Cutlass bearing replacement | $400–700 | Parts + labor. Shaft out required. |
| Bimini / dodger (new) | $1,200–2,500 | Depends on complexity and material. |
| Diver bottom clean | $80–120 | Monthly service available for $60. |
When to Book
October through mid-November is madness. Everyone's prepping for the Atlantic crossing, and the good tradesmen get booked solid. If you know you need rigging or a major engine service, call in September. December to March is quieter — that's when the ARC boats have left and the new season hasn't quite ramped up.
June to September is hurricane season. Some tradesmen go home to family. Others stick around and will actually answer the phone on a Sunday because there's nobody else in the yard.
FAQ
Can I live on my boat in the yard?
At Clarke's Court, yes, but it's hot and dusty. No shore power on the hardstand, so you'll be running your generator or sweating. Port Louis allows liveaboards on the dock, obviously.
Do they take credit cards?
Port Louis and the big shops do. The independent guys usually want cash or local bank transfer. Bring US dollars — they're accepted everywhere at a fixed 2.7 ECD rate.
How do I get there from the anchorage?
Dinghy dock at Port Louis is free for the first two hours. Clarke's Court has a beach landing — haul the dinghy up or it'll grow legs. Bus runs from St. George's for $1 ECD if you don't mind reggae at full volume.
Is there a sailmaker?
Not a full loft, but the canvas guy in True Blue can do repairs, reef points, and UV strips. For a full recut, send the sail to Doyle in Trinidad or wait until you're in St. Maarten.
What's the turn-around for a bottom job?
Five days if the weather holds and you're not behind a catamaran that's getting full osmosis treatment. Two weeks if it's November and everyone's in line.