Shelter Island Boat Yard

I had been putting off getting my boat hauled for some routine maintenance, and was a little overwhelmed by the amount of work that may need to be done and subsequent cost. Scott, Wayne and the entire team at SIBY took incredible care of me and my boat. I came away so proud of my boat and even excited for the next time I haul… and that’s saying a lot! I used some of the tenants to get additional little projects done and they were all extremely efficient, professional and a joy to work with. The job was done way faster than I imagined and was very well valued, especially for the high level of care they took to the project. The cost and headache of maintenance on a boat can be a big deterrent for boat owners, but SIBY makes it painless and allows you to get back on the water enjoying your boat with confidence that all is well below the waterline in no time!

Another excellent experience with Scott and Wayne and the yard office staff at SIBY. The bill was exactly what they said it would be and they worked with my challenging schedule on pickup. Combine this with their generous support of the yachting community and donations to local charity fundraisers and I can’t recommend this business enough.

This yard can do most boat repairs… On their schedule. That’s important to remember if you’re under a time crunch. They will say whatever it takes to convince you they’re the boatyard for the job. Then, when your boat is out of the water things change. They move at their schedule, and they bill you accordingly. But, if you realize this going in, then it’s a great boatyard. Their prices are competitive. Something to remember, every service performed at this yard is done by independent companies on the premises. It’s possible to get 4 or 5 different invoices for work. The crane lift operator is a jerk. I doubt I’ll be back unless it’s a real emergency.

I pulled my boat in January 2013 to extend the keel on my 55′ custom sailboat. I almost went to another yard but I was directed back to SIBY by Ramon at Chingon metal works (who BTW does excellent work). I was very happy with the results; Wayne and Scott run a most excellent operation and are knowledgeable, honest, «good guys». I am, and Scott will attest, a stickler for details. This year I had a major mishap in a collision. Again, even though I had to motor my boat from San Pedro to SIBY (10.5 hrs) there was no question in my mind who was doing the work. They brought in Brad Fitzgerald to replace all the carbon fiber chain plates (Brad is THE guy for this type of work, he’s world renowned). We used the on campus painter (JAG/​Gordo) who had to repaint the entire exterior as well as do some fiberglass repair work. I have to say his work was top notch and reasonably priced; the man takes pride in what he does.
I’ve been sailing and owned many boats for 5 decades, quite simply, by far the best yard I’ve ever had do work for me. I trust them implicitly!
POSTED 4/​18/​15I have been in boat yards on the east and west coast for almost 60 years. My boats have all been sailboats ranging from 36 to 55 feet. I needed to do a keel extension to increase the righting moment on my custom built 55. I spent months prepping for this project; I interviewed about 8 metal fabricators, 3 riggers, 3 carpenters and 5 boatyards before commencing the project which was very, very involved (I’m a Mechanical Engineer and anal about everything). I keep my boat in San Pedro but chose to make the trip to SIBY for a multitude of reasons. Reviews like this one, multiple sub contractors on campus, recommendations from boat and yacht people in the San Diego area. They also work on a lot of boats and maintain their quoted prices. Wayne was right on the job making sure things were going according to schedule and bid. Scotty, the yard manager was totally hands on from start to finish making sure the job was done RIGHT! He is an outstanding asset to the yard and very easy to work with! The on campus carpenter, Yacht Doctor, got right in and removed my console (so that we could get to the keel bolts) within a day; his carpenter Sean Murphy, is hard working, talented and just a down right nice guy… I was very pleased. Wayne recommended Chingon for the keel construction (which was adding on to the existing steel fin for the bulb keel), and I must say he did an outstanding job. This part of the project was the most critical. The owner of Chingon, Ramon, is very knowledgeable and paid a great deal of attention to detail overseeing the project from start to finish, and a really nice guy. When you call in you are greeted by the manager Carol who is an absolute sweetheart!
Wayne has been given permission at his discretion to give out my phone or email
Bob L

This is a well run business! Took my sailboat for a bottom job and the price was reasonable and they did a great job. I will definitely be back in the future!

This place is unreal. Brought a boat out from east coast and had then help me put it back together. This place is a one stop shop. They have vendors that take care of everything. Couldn’t believe how efficient they are, and the sheer volume of boats going through. Thoroughly impressed. There is no other boat yard that comes close anywhere in SD

I took my Catalina 30 in for a bottom job and some repairs. I am very pleased. This yard is responsive to the customer and does an excellent job coordinating the efforts of the many specialists resident in the yard. Work was done on time and on budget. I could not ask for better service. I will be recommending them to my friends friends.

Wayne once again Stellar service. The boat arrived by truck from Florida and your team was ready and organiZed making my job easier as usual. I love coming to this yard. Your professionalism is a cut above. See you soon with the next boat

Excellent service from all areas of my needs on my Hunter 410. Wayne, the boatyard manager got my boat out and in quickly and efficiently and on the timeline we agreed on. I needed a little extra time out of the water to get an unexpected prop problem resolved and he was happy to work with me at a very busy time for him. Bottom paint job was top notch and the mechanical work the same on my dripless seal replacement. The painter «Ray», was excellent walking me through the job and made sure the color was what I wanted and in fact we did change it for the second coat.
These guys are busy and efficient with the boats moving in and out but they get it done. Excellent Job.

Surpurb workmanship, quick turn-​a-​round, reasonable rates, friendly and knowledgeable people. They have my seal of approval.

I had the bottom of my boat painted at this yard recently and was very impressed with the crew and the work they did on my boat. They also did other things for me, which I was pleased with and the price was reasonable. I took my boat to another yard 8 years ago and think that this place has there act together better. They were efficient, qucik and seemed to take there job serious. They will definitely be getting my business in another 3 – 5 years.

Being an out of area buyer of a large motor yacht lends itself to a lot of anxiety. Using an unknown vendor and not being around to oversee the work also creates frazzled nerves. Having said that, our experice with Wayne and Scott and Shelter Island Boay Yard was exceptional. While we had communicated via phone with Wayne, he was on vacation when the boat was actually hauled. This made us a little nervous when we first showed up at the yard but any concerns quickly vanished upon meeting with Scott. Scott communicated effectively and clearly and delivered on what he promised. The bottom job was completed on time and at the price quoted. No suprises. The yard worked well with the other vendors and all was coordinated to have the boat launched as requested. Our only regret it that we won’t have the opportunity to have SIBY service our boat in the future. It’s long cruise from San Francisco to San Diego. I highly recommend Wayne and Scott and appreciate the service and professionalism extended to us.

Morton Marine is located at this yard and they are incredibly good! Honest, helpful, top-​notch work. They finished re-​wiring my entire sailboat much quicker than i expected and under budget.

Just got my boat back from a week at their yard and could not be any more satisfied. The boat looks brand new and Wayne and Robbie were great to work with.

It was boat show time at Sunroad Marina so I took advantage of the specials at SIBY that were arranged to help get boats out of slips during the boat show. During the boat show, SIBY picks up and delivers the boat (Vessel Assist), waives haul-​out and yard storage fees, gives 10% off bottom paint and adds a second coat on everything and a third coat on high wear areas for free. I was due for bottom paint so I took advantage of this good deal. Wayne, the yard foreman, was my contact and he was friendly and easy to deal with. SIBY did my last bottom paint in 2007 so I got my money’s worth out of that job. I think my careful bottom cleaners (Alpha One) helped a lot too. Anyway, while I was in the yard I wanted to have everything checked out so I worked with Steve Hoffman/​Hoffman Yacht Management, who works out of SIBY. He did a great job of coordinating the inspections, identifying issues, negotiating with vendors, delivering & picking up my props to the tuners and keeping me very informed via phone and email. He took care of everything since I was not in town. His service was great and his prices were very reasonable. My boat left the yard with everything in perfect condition and I did not break the bank. I highly recommend SIBY and Hoffman Yacht Management.

We’ve taken our boat in there four times now for bottom paint and assorted repairs. Always been satisfied; no complaints. The one time we had an issue, we simply pointed out it wasn’t quite right and they redid the work immediately without us even having to ask. The reason they get four stars instead of five is they may be a little too efficient; a couple times after the boat was pulled out of the water we decided we may as well do some more work than what we originally asked for, but they were so fast that the boat was already back in the water before we could bring it up to them!

Where to begin? Our boat, a 1978 Ericson 27, needed to go to a boat yard for bottom paint and an engine repair and overhaul. This boatyard helped us get the painting done at a very reasonable rate. Their quote was including the haul-​out, prep, and paint. Done in just over the weekend. They allowed us to work in the yard and work on our boat. We detailed from the water line up to the railing. We also installed a new name. Unfortunately, this is when our real big problem started. We found that the strut was bad and we agreed to have it replaced. We didn’t realize how much it would be. In the end, the installation of the strut work was $ 2,000 plus change. OK, electrolysis will do this to bronze over 34 years I was told. It had to be done. With that, we had to get a new shaft and cutless bearings. The engine was craned out to be overhauled at a National City Mechanic. The wait was long. Over 2 weeks to get the engine back. Then a big surprise, the engine transmission coupling would not meet up with the new shaft. A misalignment happen, and we where all at odds why and how this could have happen. I had a little chat with the boatyard main supervisor Scott. And I believe this conversation saved the day. Scott agreed to re-​do the strut and to get the alignment to the engine corrected. This meant that the strut needed to be removed again so that the shaft can be moved in perfect alignment. This also required removing a large portion of the epoxy pocket, refill and repaint. Now the strut seems in perfect alignment and the boat can go back in the water. (For those of you needing similar services, make your measurements and reference points are taken and marked on a plan.)
Anyway, if you need some boat work done, talk to Scott. But be aware that the boatyard hires subs that are tenant in the yard. In our example, the strut and shaft work was done by Morton Marine, also a pretty good outfit. Be sure you discuss exactly what you need and what the price will be. You will be surprised what the final bill was. Good luck to your Boat Project.

I’ve hauled out and work done at Driscoll, Khoeler, and Shelter Island Boat Yard. I’ve worked as a charter captain in America’s cup harbor, own/​operate/​liveaboard a Hans Christian, and work as a skipper for a sport fisher so factor that in regarding my opinion. Additionally I’ve lived in San Diego for over twenty years, and am over on the Shelter Island peninsula almost every other day.
Without a doubt, Shelter Island Boat Yard is the best place that I know of to haul your boat and get work done. There are some smaller yards that I haven’t worked with yet, but putting Khoeler on the bottom of the list (walk around town asking people their opinion to figure that one out for yourself) you then get up to Driscoll which although not bad simply doesn’t come close to the professionalism, care, and service of Shelter Island Boat Yard.
Wayne and Scott (the foremen) are honest, helpful, and not going to rip you off. The yard works by outsourcing everything except bottom paint and the haul/​block/​launch itself out to «tenants», which are the businesses that are clustered around the yard. If you want a quote for topside paint, you work with the two painter tenants in the yard. If you want diesel work, you talk to Pac West (the engine folks), etc. The foremen can point you in the right directions and help you with any questions.
It’s a boat yard, not an upscale French bistro, so it’s inherently a little rough around the edges. But in the maritime world it’s rare to see professionalism and customer service, so Shelter Island Boat Yard is hard to beat. Unless you have some very specific reason, go there for your haulout needs.
**** Update 11÷1÷2012 ****
Big applause for for Steve Hoffman of Hoffman Yacht Management. They’re one of the subcontractors in there that handle thru-​hulls, seacocks, and general plumbing. I had a Groco ball valve seacock bust on me thirty days after they installed it. Zero fault of their’s, just a faulty Groco valve. It was the head outlet (below the waterline) so about as bad of a job as it can get.
I called up Steve to ask how I can best replace it since I didn’t want to pay for another hallout. He said:
«Don’t worry about, come over and we’ll fix it for free. We stand behind our work and want our customers to be happy.»
If you’ve spent a minute in the boating world, you know how rare it is to find people who go above and beyond in the customer service world. Do yourself a favor and when you haul out, request Hoffman on the work order. You’ll be glad you did.