Marine Services at Nanny Cay, Tortola
If your halyard parted off Norman Island and you need a new one before next week's charter handover, Nanny Cay is the answer. It's the most concentrated marine services hub in the British Virgin Islands — a working boatyard, three marinas, a chandlery, hotel, restaurants, and a labour pool that can turn a project around faster than most Caribbean stops.
The yard rebuilt fast after Irma in 2017 and added storage capacity. Today it's a regular waypoint for cruisers heading north toward Bermuda, south toward Grenada, or laying up for the off-season. Costs run higher than Trinidad and lower than Florida — about what you'd expect for a US-adjacent Caribbean operation.
What Nanny Cay actually offers
The boatyard
Two travelifts — 50-ton and 75-ton — handle monohulls and most production catamarans. The yard runs full-service prep, paint, and project work, with on-site contractors that the management vets. Cruisers report turnarounds are predictable when you book ahead; less so during the November rush when northbound boats start staging for the trade winds south.
The marina
Floating docks, fuel, water, pump-out, and a reasonable WiFi backbone. Berthing is per-foot, with discounts on monthly rates. Provisioning is walkable but limited — most cruisers run a hire car to Road Town for a serious stock-up.
Trades on-site or close
The yard maintains a list of approved contractors who work in the hardstand: riggers, gelcoat specialists, electricians, and refrigeration techs. Working outside that list is possible but the yard's preferred contractors usually have permits and parts already sorted.
What it costs
| Service | Common range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Haul + relaunch (40 ft mono) | $700–1,000 | Includes blocking |
| Hardstand / month | $10–14/ft | Plus utilities |
| Bottom job (40 ft) | $3,200–5,000 | Full prep + 2 coats |
| Rigging swage | $90–150 | Per terminal, parts extra |
| Labour rate (general) | $55–80/hr | Specialist work higher |
| Diesel mechanic | $60–85/hr | House calls common |
| Diver — bottom + zincs | $100–150 | Per visit, 40 ft |
Services you can actually find
- Standing and running rigging: Available on-site and through independents in Road Town. Bring your own dyneema if you want anything exotic — local stock is general cruising spec.
- Electrical and electronics: Two well-regarded shops handle B&G, Raymarine, and Garmin work. Lithium installs increasingly common; Victron parts in stock.
- Sails: No major loft on Tortola itself. Most sail repair routes through St. Maarten or Puerto Rico. Local riggers will pull and re-bend a sail to ship out.
- Refrigeration: A handful of techs handle Frigoboat, Sea Frost, and Engel units. Refrigerant is sourced through the yard.
- Hull and gelcoat: Strong gelcoat repair community — cyclone damage taught the trades a lot. Osmosis treatment is available but the queue can be 2–3 weeks.
When to book
If you're heading south for hurricane season, June bookings are usually open. If you're laying up at Nanny Cay (some insurers accept the storage location, many don't — check first), reserve a cradle by April. The November–December northbound rush is the tightest window; ARC+ boats and crews staging for the Bermuda return clog the yard.
Frequently asked questions
Does Nanny Cay have a travelift?
Two — a 50-ton and a 75-ton. The yard can haul most monohulls and production catamarans without disassembly. Wider catamarans should check beam clearance in advance.
How much does haul-out cost at Nanny Cay?
A 40-foot monohull haul, blocking, and relaunch commonly runs $700–1,000 USD. Hardstand storage typically adds about $10–14 per foot per month.
Is there hurricane storage at Nanny Cay?
Cradle storage with tie-downs is available. Many insurance policies require boats to be south of 12°40'N during hurricane season, which Nanny Cay is not — confirm with your underwriter before committing.
What chandleries are nearby?
Nanny Cay Chandlery on-site for daily needs. Golden Hind Chandlery in Road Town for a deeper inventory. Anything specialised typically ships in via DHL.
Are services available after Irma?
Yes. Nanny Cay rebuilt and expanded. The yard, marina, and most associated trades are fully operational.