Docking a boat on Utila

[scuba066]

Are there public facilities for docking a boat, a 17' center console, on Utila?

 

[itsjustme0770]

Are you planning on keeping it there permanently? Or do you just need a temporary spot?

There are public docks, but I wouldn't leave the boat alone overnight there (or at all if something you need can't be removed and stowed). There is a "marina" through the lower lagoon where I believe space is available for rent. I believe (but am not positive) that Utila Lodge still owns the marina (behind Jacamo). If so, you might touch base with the management at Utila Lodge about cost for space. There are also some boat lift slips in the lower lagoon that I am guessing are available for rent, but I don't know that for sure, nor do I know who to ask about them. We are keeping ours out on a boat lift at our property.

Does that help?

 

[scuba066]

Yes, that helps a great deal. At least I know there will be some options for me when I arrive. My boat will be there as long as I am, not sure how long that will be at the moment. I am investigating a trip from Padre Island, TX, down and around Mexico, down through Belize, and Costa Rica camping, sight seeing, fishing and diving along the way with the final destination, or temporary final destination being Utila. Will be a long trip but I have yet to uncover any major roadblocks.
Thank you very much for the info. I will contact Utila Lodge and get some details.
Best Regards,
Ray

 

[itsjustme0770]

If you really do this, I would love to read an account of it. Not sure I'd be up for it, but I'd love to hear about the trip. Have a ball.

 

[scuba066]

Will do, I plan to take alot of pics and keep a journal of the trip.

 

[Cudabait]

Good luck. I hope your center consol is a whaler and you can tie everything down. Lots of water, epirb, ect. ect. ect. Watch the seas in the Yucatan straight. Have a good trip. Let us know when you start.

Regards,

 

[scuba066]

Yes, its a whaler. I will be putting a four stroke on the back before the trip. I havn't decided which one yet, I have always liked Yamaha's. Still putting the trip together and will be doing some shakedown cruises before departure. But, will post the date when I have it. Got my fingers crossed for the Feb/March time frame.

 

[itsjustme0770]

While I certainly recognize the benefits of the 4 stroke, and agree that if you are going to put a new engine on, you should go with Yamaha, it's worth noting perhaps that service for engines on Utila is severely limited. About the only thing folks use and know there are two stroke Yamahas. Of course, I'd say that the 4 stroke is much less likely to break, if it does, service may be difficult at best. More service available on the mainland. I believe the same to be true in Belize as I've always seen these as the outboard of choice.

Definitely interested in hearing more about this project. I use the Blue Chart's for my Garmin GPS. I've found that the Maps are off by about 100 yards (at least around Utila). Which, as you can imagine is a dangerous margin when you are talking about reefs. Fortunately Utila is pretty easy to navigate. Just another thing to think about.

 

[scuba066]

Thanks for the info. That is what I had heard about Central America, alot of yamahas but not many four strokes yet. The current plan for navigation is GPS and paper charts. Buying the digital maps for each area I will be passing through would add up pretty fast. Plus, I will need the paper charts anyway for backup and route planning.

 

[UTLgirl]

Billy@utilalodge.com would be the e-mail to check with RE: dock space. We're in the states right now, but he is checking his e-mail. He can probably also help you out with GPS way points around the island.

Hope the info helps.
Erin