While Chaguaramas has a lot to offer, there are many services important to cruisers that are available elsewhere in Trinidad. Often the best source of information is to ask one of the many excellent contractors for a recomendation.
Chandleries and Hardware Stores - Outside of Chaguaramas
While the selection of parts available at the several chanderlies in Chaguaramas is good, there is often that special part that is needed. Before resorting to ordering the part from overseas, a check of several places locally is often fruitful.
LP Marine - LP Marine is located in Glencoe on the lefthand side (going toward Port of Spain) just before Massies. They stock a wide variety of marine parts often they have a selection of parts not found in Chaguaramas. They also do rebuild work on pumps. Call - (868) 633-3395. Hours: 8 to 5 Monday to Friday, 9 to 1 on Saturday.
Peak's Hardware - Peak's Hardware is a typical hardware store with a wide variety of hoseware and excellent tool department. In a seperate building on site they have a great selection of refrigeration and air conditioning products. They are located on the righthand side of the road (going toward Port of Spain), just before the gas station. A divider prevents stopping on an east bound journey. Best reached west bound. Phone: 868-226-7325, Hours 8am to 5pm daily.
Propane, Camping Gas or Butane tank fills
There are three options:
1. You can get your own propane tank filled at the NP (National Petroleum) LPG station just east of Bhagwansingh’s hardware, PoS, 0730 to 1500, M-F. If you have transportation, this is by far the lesser cost option. Cost is TT$16.25 for a 10# tank and TT$38.25 for a 20# tank. Currently no tank inspection is required. Some European and South African valve types may not be serviced. The NP LPG facility is on the south side of the divided highway; and you must go another ~3 Kms beyond and cross over the road to return. Stay in the left hand lane. The entrance is just before the “> > > > >” pattern on a concrete barrier before the overpass. You need to wear long slacks and close-toed shoes to enter the compound, must have a valid ID, and no cell phone use in the compound. You may legally carry not more than 45 lbs of Cooking gas in your private auto.. Call for more info: 625-1364, ext 589.
2. Ian's Taxi. Ian’s Taxi makes cooking/camping gas runs, picking up both Propane and Butane tanks at the various marinas and boatyards, usually on Friday but NOT always during holiday periods. Full tanks are generally returned the next afternoon (Saturday), subject to availability of gas at the supply site. Ian’s Taxi tel #s are: Cell. 780-7081, (H) 632-7833. A 20# propane fill is $85 TT. 10# tank is $80TT. Butane is $80TT/ 5 lb blue bottle, $TT120/10 lb and a 20 lb EC bottle is $180TT. RAMCO (the company that fills the bottles) requires all propane tanks older than 5 years be pressure tested prior to filling. The charge for this may be $100TT or more, plus the cost of any replacement parts. It could take an extra week for this to be done. It may be less expensive to buy a new 20 lb steel tank for about TT$300 at PriceSmart. Check with your marina or boatyard office, or the gate guard for current prices. Pre-pay Ian for the cooking gas at most sites. Leave money at the marina/boatyard office for TTSA, CrewsInn, and Tropical Marine, and at the security guard shacks for IMS, Power Boats and TTYC. The situation at Peake’s and Coral Cove is different. Put your boat name and location within the Coral Cove and Peake compounds on your gas bottle and leave it at the guard shack or designated site. When Ian arrives, he will come to your boat for payment (in advance or after the bottle has been filled.). At all boatyards and marinas have your boat name and location clearly marked on the tank, and your sealed payment envelope.
3. An alternative is to ‘rent’ a local cooking gas tank ($300 TT deposit) and you get a full bottle. When it’s empty exchange it for another full bottle for about $22TT. Full bottles usually available at Island Homeowners, or Carenage NP station.
Life Raft Inspection / Repacking, Safety Equipment
Marine Safety Equipment is located at the corner of Western Main Road and Tucker Valley Road (the road to the bamboo cathedral). They will inspect, recertify, and repack most brands of liferafts. They also carry a full range of safety equipment.
Fire Extinguisher Service
Other Services
There is alway an odd or end that does not fall into any particular catagory, but is needed on the boat or by the crew. A listing (extracted from the frequently asked questions) of some of these follows:
Notary Public/Administer of Oaths The type and location will depend on your home country and the use required of the document. The US Embassy in Port of Spain will notarize documents to be used in the US; 0730-1130. Bring your US passport. $50US for signature, You must make an appointment on line. For other countries, check with your fellow cruisers or online.
Anchor Galvanizing To re-galvanize an anchor in Trinidad: (hot dip zinc coating): call Varma Iron and Steel 659-4008/4018 In Claxton Bay near San Fernando. Also Ian (propane) will handle galvanizing. Please note there is no place to galvanize chain.
Computer/Cell Phone repairs or software assistance There is a service desk, Bagalito Enterprises in the Long Circular Road Mall, second floor, that repairs cellphones. Often they are able to repair them while you wait.
There is also DK Tech at 104 Western Main Road St James Opposite Subway & Next to Dollar Savers , Saint James. Phone/WhatsApp - (868) 726-6868. Very good. Also can fix while you wait.
Fabric, Material, and Sewing Supplies There are a number of fabric shops in and around Port of Spain, but the one most often mentioned is Jimmy Aboud For others check with your fellow cruisers or with the contractors doing upholstery./p>