30 August 2011

30 August 2011 - Interesting day, we found a new marina the other day, Hacienda Tijax Marina, $100.00 a month less than Mario’s and we like it better and I can put up my satellite dish, so we checked out of Mario’s.  We had started checking on bottom jobs the other day and there are two boatyards that come highly recommended Abel’s and Ram.  WE got a “guesstimate” from Abel’s and then went to Ram’s.  We met Richard the owner, a very nice man, and he informed us that he would not do a estimate without seeing the bottom.  We pulled the boat and it isn’t as bad as we thought, surprising enough his price wasn’t that much more than the “guesstimate” we got from Abel’s and we strongly feel we will get a far better job.

For the cruisers, both yards charge for being on the hard, Abel’s $20.00 per day and Ram’s $25.00 a day, the difference is that if you are staying at Ram’s marina, they don’t charge for being on the hard.  Something to think about if you are planning to hull out in the Rio Dulce.

Spending the night here at Ram’s tonight, then off to Hacienda Tijax Marina in the morning.  Poor Mia is wondering where she will be on land in the morning, I don’t really think she cares where the land is as long as she can go ashore at least once a day.  When we get settled in tomorrow Rose will take some pictures and I’ll add them to the blog.  Hacienda Tijax Marina is really unique, there are several cottages on the property all connected by boardwalks winding through the jungle, there is a swimming pool, 24 hour security, free WIFI,  bar, restaurant, free coffee from 0700 – 1000, they wash down your boat for free once a week, palatable free water, a workshop, storage for guests, walking trails, garbage pickup at the boat, a travel agency, and more for about a $100.00 less than we were paying at Mario’s.