Hi,

We cruised thru the Philippines in 1995. While there we stopped at
Bataan Marina for some diesel - it is maybe 50-60 miles west of Manila
on the N shore of Manila Bay. They can lift you in/out there by crane.
The marina is in the "Export Zone" so is like a duty free area. Next
to the marina they used to built "Pan Oceanic" sailboats - they were
46' FRP hulls, classy wood interiors. So there would be experienced
carpenters available locally. There is a Pan Oceanic user group on the
web. When we were there 2 foreign yachts were getting their interiors
done, like you want. Get in touch with the marina and see what's going
on there now. I found them on this list with Google -
http://www.sailphi.org.ph/clubs.htm

Here's what it says -

Bataan Marina
Address: Bataan Export Processing Zone, Bataan
Tel. No.63)(47)5613944 /45, Fax: (63)(47)9355145
E-mail:
Marina Manager: Frank Backes / Tom Dreyfuss
They want visitors. Small, but looks well protected. North of
Corregidor island at the mouth of Manila bay.

I've heard of people getting similar work done in the Cebu area of the
Philippines but we don't go there so don't know. Access via plane
would be much better in the Manila area.

I would plan on a lot of your own supervision - or at least staged
inspections. You can't sue them if something goes wrong - much better
to be done right to start with.


On 17 May 2004 00:12:57 -0700, (jimthom)
wrote:

I was wondering if anybody has experienced or planned to complete a
yacht's interior in a third world country such as the Phillipines or
Viet Nam? I've been building my 35' steel Robert's for the last 4
years in Australia, and obviously want to get it in the water; this
sounds affordable (i.e. a day's wages for a skilled tradesman in the
Phillipines is about $10), both of theses countries have a boat
building tradition, and even materials, especially marine timbers will
be cheaper. The alternative is do it myself, but it will take an
extra 1-1.5 years.

I could rough-out the interior with bulkheads and temporary
accomdations, and have the work completed elsewhere after sailing
there.

Cheers, jimthom