Marine Services in St. Maarten
You're three weeks out of the Chesapeake. You've snapped a turnbuckle toggle, your fridge compressor is making a noise like a dying cat, and you're down to your last impeller. The chandlery in St. Thomas had none of the above. The guy in Tortola laughed when you asked. And now you're approaching Simpson Bay with a shopping list that reads like a marine apocalypse prep.
St. Maarten isn't the cheapest place to get work done. It might not even be the best. But it's the place where you walk into a store and they actually have the thing. In stock. On the shelf. That alone makes it worth the anchorage fee.
Where the Work Gets Done
Bobby's Marina & Boatyard
The Dutch-side yard. Travelift to 70 tons, hardstand, paint shed, and a machine shop that can turn a shaft or weld a stainless arch. We've hauled here twice — once for a bottom job, once to replace a cutlass bearing that had worn into an oval. Both times, the work was competent, on schedule, and exactly on quote.
The yard is no-frills. Concrete, chain-link, and iguanas the size of small dogs. But the staff knows their business. The travelift operator has been launching boats since the 80s and can eyeball a 40-footer onto the straps without a measuring tape.
Simpson Bay Marina
Floating docks, decent WiFi, and a location that puts you within walking distance of both Island Water World and Budget Marine. No haul-out here, but every contractor on the island will come to your slip. We've had rigging inspections, electrical work, and canvas repairs done on the dock.
Marigot (French Side)
The French side has a smaller yard and a handful of tradesmen, but the real reason to cross the lagoon is the chandlery selection and the French hardware stores. If you need metric stainless bolts, weird European hose fittings, or a specific French brand of paint, Marigot is your answer.
The Lagoon Anchorages
Simpson Bay Lagoon is one of the few places in the Caribbean where you can anchor legally and still access full services. Mobile mechanics, divers, and canvas workers run a water-taxi service from the anchorages to the marinas. We've had our diver, Carlos, clean the bottom while we were on the hook, then run us to Budget Marine in his skiff to pick up zincs.
Services You Can Actually Find
- Parts & chandlery: This is the reason you come. Island Water World, Budget Marine, and independents stock Yanmar, Volvo, Jabsco, Rule, Lewmar, Harken, and a hundred brands you've never needed until you do.
- Diesel repair: Three mechanics on the Dutch side, two on the French. Yanmar and Volvo specialists. Parts on the shelf. No waiting for Miami.
- Rigging: One full-service rigger with a bench and hydraulic press. Another who specializes in splicing and running rigging. Both busy during high season.
- Electrical: Several electricians who understand 12V, inverter/chargers, and lithium. One who specializes in navigation electronics and will troubleshoot your NMEA 2000 network.
- Canvas & upholstery: Three canvas workers. One high-end (Stamoid, clears, complex dodgers). Two mid-range (Sunbrella, basic biminis, sail covers). Turnaround 5-10 days.
- Fiberglass & paint: Full shop at Bobby's. They use Awlgrip, Interlux, and International. Color matching is decent if you bring a sample.
- Stainless fabrication: Two shops that build arches, davits, railings, and custom brackets. They work from sketches and WhatsApp photos. Turnaround 1-2 weeks.
- Diving & bottom cleaning: Four regular divers in the lagoon. $2.50/ft for a clean. Zinc replacement extra. Monthly contracts available.
What It Costs (Real Numbers, 2026)
| Service | Typical Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Haul-out + hardstand (40ft) | $1,200–1,800 | Bobby's Marina. High-end pricing. |
| Bottom paint (2 coats, 40ft) | $2,500–4,000 | Awlgrip or Interlux. Labor + materials. |
| Diesel mechanic (hourly) | $70–100 | Highest in the Eastern Caribbean. |
| Turnbuckle / toggle replacement | $80–150 | Parts from chandlery, labor 30 min. |
| Stainless arch (custom) | $2,500–5,000 | Design + fab + install. 1-2 weeks. |
| Bimini / dodger (new) | $1,800–3,200 | Sunbrella. Complex shapes at top end. |
| Diver bottom clean | $100–140 | 40ft boat. Monthly contract $90. |
The Parts Advantage
Here's the math that justifies St. Maarten's high labor rates: a $12 hose fitting that takes three weeks to ship to Grenada costs $12 in St. Maarten. The same fitting in Grenada might cost $40 with shipping and customs, and you'll lose a week of weather window waiting. If you're on a schedule — and every cruiser crossing the Atlantic is — St. Maarten pays for itself in saved time.
We've walked into Island Water World with a broken bilge pump, walked out 20 minutes later with the replacement, and had it installed by sunset. Try that in Bequia.
When to Book
January through March is chaos. The Heineken Regatta fills every berth, every tradesman, and every restaurant. Book haul-out slots two months ahead if you're coming for the regatta season. April to June is manageable. July to November is quiet — some shops reduce hours, but the core services stay open. Hurricane risk is real but statistically low; most yards have hurricane plans and straps.
FAQ
Can I get US-spec electrical parts?
Yes. Island Water World stocks both US and European standards. If they don't have it, they'll order from Miami with 3-4 day delivery. No import duty for yacht in transit.
Is the French side cheaper?
Slightly. Labor rates in Marigot run 10-15% less than Simpson Bay. But the selection of tradesmen is smaller. For major work, stick to the Dutch side. For canvas and small jobs, the French side is fine.
Can I do DIY work in the yard?
Bobby's allows owner work on the hardstand for a daily facilities fee. You can't use their travelift or crane without staff, but sanding, painting, and mechanical work are fine. Bring your own tools — the yard doesn't rent them.
Where do I stay if I can't live aboard?
Simpson Bay has hotels and Airbnb apartments starting at $80/night. The Princess Heights condos are popular with cruisers doing extended refits. Book early during regatta season.
How's the WiFi?
Simpson Bay Marina WiFi is usable for email and browsing. Not video calls. Most cruisers buy a Flow SIM card (local provider) with a data plan. 4G is fast and reliable.