Boat repair in Ibiza

Almost every marine workshop in Ibiza works around three ports. In town, the Marina Botafoch and Marina Ibiza area gathers mechanics, electricians and services for large yachts, who usually work at the berth. On the east coast, Santa Eulària has workshops with a boatyard and dry stack, handy for boats up to about 15 metres. In the west, Sant Antoni has engine workshops and the yacht club's boatyard.

For inboard engines and generators, look for an authorised service centre for your brand (Volvo Penta, Mercury, Yanmar, MAN…): they have the diagnostic software and direct access to parts. Smaller workshops around the island handle outboards and RIBs, and specialist riggers cover masts, rigging and sails in any port.

From June to September Ibiza's workshops are fully booked and give priority to regular clients and charter boats. If your boat is based on the island, service the engine, generator and equipment before May and leave big jobs (repowering, osmosis, painting) for winter, when there is room and yard prices are lower.

Parts the workshop does not stock come from the mainland, which can add several days to a simple repair. When you ask for a quote, ask whether the part is available on the island and how long it takes if not. Have the engine model, serial number and hours ready, plus photos or a video of the fault, so the mechanic can tell in advance whether to bring the part or haul the boat out.

The repairs owners ask for most are engine problems (starting issues, overheating from the impeller or heat exchanger, injection faults), knocks and cracks in the fiberglass, leaks at through-hulls and stern glands, electrical failures caused by corrosion, and damaged propellers and shafts.

Many small repairs can be done afloat, at your berth. Anything involving the underwater hull, shaft or propeller usually needs a haul-out, so it pays to combine it with antifouling or new anodes.

Describe the problem in as much detail as you can: engine make and model, hours, symptoms, photos or videos and where the boat is. With that, a serious yard can give a first estimate and tell you whether they need to inspect it before fixing a price.

Be wary of fixed prices without a diagnosis on complex faults, and ask to keep the replaced parts. Some yards in Ibiza handle emergencies in season; ask when you get in touch.