Marine Services at Vuda Point, Fiji
Vuda Point is the cyclone pit yard. While most South Pacific cruisers haul in New Zealand for the cyclone season, a meaningful minority stay in Fiji and pit at Vuda. The pits — physical holes in the hardstand that boats rest into below ground level — provide better cyclone shelter than any free-standing cradle. Insurance underwriters generally accept Vuda as a qualifying location.
The marina is family-run with a tight cruiser community, and the trades on-site handle most cruiser refit needs. It's not Whangarei in terms of depth, but it's competent and the prices reflect Fiji rates rather than New Zealand rates.
The marina
Vuda Point Marina sits on Viti Levu's west coast, near Lautoka. Pile-moored berths in the marina, plus the hardstand and cyclone pit area. 50-ton travelift. On-site bar and restaurant. The community is tight — cruisers who pit at Vuda return year after year.
What it costs
| Service | Common range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cyclone-season pit (Nov–Apr) | $2,500–4,000 | 40-footer, all-in |
| Hardstand (regular) | $300–500/month | 40-footer |
| Haul + relaunch (40 ft) | $400–650 | Including blocking |
| Bottom job (40 ft) | $2,200–3,500 | Full prep, paint |
| Labour / hour | $25–40 | Local skilled trades |
| Marina berth / month | $500–900 | 40-footer |
Services available
- Hull and paint: Yard contractors handle bottom jobs and minor structural repair.
- Diesel and engineering: Yanmar and Volvo supported. Parts via Australia or New Zealand.
- Electrical: Basic 12/24V work available. Lithium installs increasingly common.
- Rigging: One mobile rigger covers the Fiji yards. Pre-book; bring spare wire if possible.
- Sails: No major loft. Basic repair via canvas worker; new sails ship from Australia/NZ.
- Welding: Local stainless and aluminum fabrication available at competitive rates.
Frequently asked questions
What's a cyclone pit?
A below-grade hole that the boat sits in, sheltering the hull and rig from cyclone-force winds.
Can I haul a catamaran?
Yes — 50-ton travelift with catamaran cradles. Up to about 8.5 m beam.
Cost?
Cyclone-season storage $2,500–4,000 USD all-in. Labour $25–40/hour.
Provisioning?
Lautoka 20 minutes away — adequate, not extensive. Big shopping via container imports.
Insurance?
Most policies accept Vuda for cyclone season. Confirm whether the pit is required specifically.