Update 01/11/14

We have just left this marina, having had Pipistrelle on the hard there since June.  Whilst the marina has its benefits, there are many shortcomings.

High water is necessary to both enter and leaves the marina.  We draw 2.2 metres and did not find this a problem, but it is necessary to ask the Manager, Choo, for a deepwater berth on spring tides, otherwise the bottom will be touched.  The waypoints provided are good.

Hardstanding is concrete throughout, which is excellent.  But the heat and humidity in the Thai summer are intense.  We covered the boat with 3 tarpaulins and installed a 2nd hand window aircon unit, which was timed to operate for 2 hours a day.  This kept the interior in good condition.

Toilet and shower facilities are inadequate.  They have built these halfway along the hardstanding, meaning a long walk for those in the marina.  The marina staff may allow the use of toilet facilities on the ground floor of the Cleat Condominiums.

There are no marina trolleys, but sails and other items can be stored safely above the marina offices at 1,000 Baht per month.  The staff will collect and deliver them but expect to be paid.  They have started widening the access walkways to the marina ramps, but for some reason work has stopped…..

The Cleat Condos provide a comfortable air-conditioned environment in which to stay, but it is essential to make clear in advance that crockery and cooking utensils are required, otherwise you finish up emptying the contents of your yacht’s galley!  Also, check exactly how the pricing policy works, otherwise you can pay a lower price for one week or month, and then a higher price for any additional days over.

There are now two café/restaurants, one of which sells some basic foodstuffs.  Car and motorbikes can also be hired.

There are two separate companies providing yacht repair work, Popeye, and Riccardo who we used.  He is Italian, conscientious, and capable.  We were delighted with the work he carried out for us.  We have also heard good reports about Des at Popeye.

They are building a “Club House” consisting of a swimming pool and library.  These are meant to be finished in December 2014, but this is very much work in progress.  Maybe the summer of 2015.

The biggest problem with this marina is one of management, with Choo trying his best, but he has no control over the building work or condominiums but is expected to run everything smoothly.  The reins of power appear to be with Phuket Boat Lagoon.

The biggest plus factor for us was the ability to rent a condo, and the ability to easily provision at Tesco or Big C, which are only 20 minutes away by car.  Krabi International Airport is also about 15 minutes by car.

As far as a bond is concerned, we did not have a problem, but we had flown out of Phuket to Kuala Lumpur for the day to renew our Visa.  Advisable to take boat Registration papers with you.  When we flew back in, we checked in as tourists.  We then left the boat, with no Bond.  Also, Choo can arrange with Customs an extension to the boat stay in Thailand.  Krabi Immigration and Customs cannot be more helpful, they simply gave us the form to fill in, which we left with Choo.

Bob Hazell

SV Pipistrelle

Editor’s Note: There are also a number of comments from cruisers about this marina at the bottom of the Krabi noonsite page (see link below).

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